Poetry Friday: Firefly July

Title:  Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems

Selected by:  Paul B. Janeczko

Illustrator: Melissa Sweet

Target Ages: All

Genre: Poetry Anthology

Publisher Summary: 

It takes only a few words, if they’re the right words, to create a strong image.  Whether listened to in the comfort of a cozy lap or read independently, the thirty-six very short poems in this collection show readers young and old that a few perfect words and pictures can make the world glow.

Evaluation:

This collection of seasonal poems includes selections from a wide variety of poets.  Some classics are included like “The Red Wheelbarrow” (Williams) and “Fog” (Sandburg), but most of them are from lesser-known authors.  Each poem is a little treasure of imagery and enchantment. 

Most of the poems are 25 words or less, making it easy to keep youngsters and relunctant readers engaged. The focus on a single, vivid image or idea is an effective building block for introducing and teaching poetry. 

With poems this concise, young writers are likely to feel more confident to try their hand at composing one themselves.  For teachers or parents who want to try the poem a day challenge, these works are perfect.  Reading one takes less than a minute. 

Melissa Sweet’s original watercolor, gouache, and mixed-media collage illustrations are an brilliant compliment to each poem.  She always has the perfect mix of color, texture, and image.

Firefly July is an excellent resource for teachers, parents, and poetry lovers. 

Sample Poems: 

Water Lily

My petals enfold stamens of gold.

I float, serene, while down below

these roots of mine are deeply stuck

in the coolest most delicious muck.

                  -Ralph Fletcher

Little Orange Cat

Little orange cat,

you prowl

like a small tiger

(stalking what?)

in the field

of white daisies

and shining

buttercups.

                  -Charlotte Zolotow

November Night

Listen…

With faint dry sound,

Like steps of passing ghosts,

The leaves, frost-crisp’d, break from the trees

And fall.

                  --Adelaide Crapsey

Fog

The fog comes

on little cat feet.

It sits looking

over harbor and city

on silent haunches

and then moves on.

                  -Carl Sandburg

For more poetic inspiration, visit Random Noodling for this week’s Poetry Friday round up.