Poetry Books

If I was stranded on a desert island and could only have one book with me, it would be "Cries of the Spirit". It has a wide variety of offerings and the excerpts from larger works leave you wanting more. Such richness! I never tire of it.

I've had this book for about three years, and given it as a gift numerous times to my women friends, because it's the perfect companion in any mood and for any occasion. Marilyn Sewell has collected a broad spectrum of poetry from women, both famous poets and not-so-famous, and collected the entries into categories that make it simple to find a reading for just about any occasion or ceremony. There are wise words here, beautifully presented. Bring this book back into print! Buy it! Have it on hand as an instant resource, along with the collections by Elizabeth Roberts and Elias Amidon ("Earth Prayers," "Life Prayers," "Prayers for a Thousand Years") for all those occasions when you need the exact right perfect reading for an important moment.

Marilyn Sewell's work on "Cries of the Spirit" was more than worth the price and I have wanted to thank her over and over. A death in the family and I grab her book to find the right words, a marriage and there she is again, providing a womans point of view from a variety of woman that I have found extremely useful. No matter the occassion, a new baby in the family for instance, and flip of the pages and Marilyn found one more woman who said what I want to say beautifully. Not to mention the times I sit alone, staring at the bay and use the poetry for inspiration for myself. "Cries of the Spirit" (and laughter I might add) is a worth while find!

A truly rich and diverse sourcebook of poetry and prose which defines women through our writings. The book is an anthology of more than 300 poems and several of prose pieces by such authors as: Annie Dillard, Denise Levertov, Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, Marge Piercy and earlier writers such as Hildegard von Bingen and Margaret Fuller. My favorite writings are from the hearts and minds of writers such as Joyce Carol Oates, "Growing Together," Margaret Atwood, "Five Poems For Grandmothers," Gwendolyn Brooks, "The Mother," and Annie Dillard "Holy the Firm". These writings offer visions of women from the ordinary to the eclectic. Marilyn Sewell, a Unitarian Universalist minister & doctoral candidate, offers an inciteful introduction to this book. I often dip into this book when seeking just the right poem to review or to remind myself how diverse the women's writing movement is. I give this book a huge FIVE stars. And I hope others will be able to enjoy this book as much as I have.

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This is the only anthology of poetry that I have ever read cover to cover without putting it down. This book is comfort, a talk with your best girlfriends, encouragement, enlightenment and thought-provocation all between two covers. I would recommend it for any woman's private library and the libraries of her friends who love good words, moving images and beauty.

Title: Cyrus the Unsinkable Sea Serpent
Author: Bill Peet
Favorite Characters: Cyrus, Caption

Cyrus is board and wants to find something to do. A shark told him to go wreck a ship and when Cyrus follows a ship out to see, he ends up saving it! First, he blew the ship out of the doldrums. Than he kept it floating trough a storm and after that, he saved the ship from pirates!
Cyrus than noticed that the ships sails were torn off because of the pirates. The people would be stranded at sea for ever if he didn't do something. He was clever enough to figure out what to do. You should figure out what he did your self by reading this book.
...

Title: Cyrus the Unsinkable Sea Serpent
Author: Bill Peet
Favorite Characters: Cyrus, Caption

Cyrus is board and wants to find something to do. A shark told him to go wreck a ship and when Cyrus follows a ship out to see, he ends up saving it! First, he blew the ship out of the doldrums. Than he kept it floating trough a storm and after that, he saved the ship from pirates!
Cyrus than noticed that the ships sails were torn off because of the pirates. The people would be stranded at sea for ever if he didn�t do something. He was clever enough to figure out what to do. You should figure out what he did your self by reading this book.

Once again, Bill Peet has captivated his audience with yet another unique and imaginative tale! As with every one of his books, Cyrus the Sea Serpeant is a delight to read and presents a lesson in creature kindness, no matter what shape or size. Through adversity and prejudice, a determined Cyrus proves to be an unlikely hero. Certain to bring a smile to all faces and a pure joy to read!

I've read elsewhere that this book is about resisting peer pressure. That sub-story is over in the first few pages and really does little but set the scene. What this story is really about is courage, self-sacrifice, and the protection of innocent life against a world that often is far too dangerous. Many adults could benefit from giving this a read and taking it to heart, and yet it's not preachy or over the heads of the children it is targetted towards. Add to this the absolutely gorgeous colored-pencil artwork (Bill Peet worked for Disney for a while; his character designs give the original 101 Dalmations and the Sword in the Stone much of their charm) and some truly memorable characters, and you have my favorite children's book, ever.

This charming story is certain to bring a smile to your face. I love it even more than my son does. The drawings are delightfully done. Bill Peet is one of the very rare children's book authors who are able to produce both an excellent story and great pictures. All of his books are good, but some are better than others; Cyrus is one of his best.

Devyn's work is truly awe inspiring. This is a phenomenal collection of poems by Devyn Barat. Each piece will move you I swear.

Devyn's poetry is beautifully written and heartfelt. For myself and my friends who have also read his work, we have each found specific poems that we connect to for one reason or another. We never get tired of rereading this book.

The poetry in this book is very touching and inspirational. Imagery is beautiful and perfectly describes the thoughts and feelings each poem is trying to convey. I highly recommend this work of art!

This book of poetry is very thought provoking, as well as mind and emotion stimulating. The author really opens up his feelings, emotions and views on life, love and relating with others with his reader. The poems are `real' and I can relate to them and appreciate his honesty and freedom of expression. I recommend this book to anyone that wants to read the author's point of view of life and love. Happy Reading, Thinking, Feeling, Living & Loving!

If one could open up my head and my heart and read it in words, perhaps it is what this book has done. Devyn was able to use the words as a tool to craft where the real poetry lies - in the emotions, sensations, and memories they evoke. Read several in one sitting and you will feel what it's like to fall in and out of love from one moment to the next - the ecstasy, the bewilderment, the enchantment, the betrayal, the sadness, nostalgia, and the deep core of longing. The wonderful part is that it is readable for most people - one doesn't need to feel frustrated that they missed some sort of special insight that only the author has. Some poems are the characterizations of the "goddes" and are really the ancient archetypes that flow through the rest of the more personal, provocative works. I also love the cover art - it definitely sets the mood and draws one into the enrapturing pages that lie in between. Thank you!

great book, great read. perfect for the coffee table, or the bathroom for your guests to go "wtf kinda stuff do you read?"

This is Saul Williams but it is not a book of poetry. It is well written and I would recomend it to anyone who likes Saul Williams, poetry, hip hop or both.

Saul Williams, hip-hop's so-called "poet laureate," can comfortably add "hip-hop mystic" to his résumé with this collection of excellent poetry. His rhymes drip with the religious symbolism of ancient Mystery cults (most notably, Isis) as he journeys with the reader on a path to self-discovery, spiritual fulfillment, and ethical reasoning. In hip-hop Williams sees ancient drums and chants, camp-fire storytellers whose power has been hijacked by capitalist greed, materialism, defeatism, and chauvinism. He teaches through twistable and irresistible verse that the power of history's lessons and thought can change worlds by changing words.

I admit that I am not a hip-hop fan, per say. I do enjoy a select few artists (Williams included), and have studied African American history/culture, so I was not entirely unfamiliar with the themes/issues of this book. I am, however, a lover of poetry, truth, and vulnerable strength, which Saul Williams encapsulates perfectly. Truly, one need not know much about hip-hop to appreciate this book. No matter one's musical preference or cultural background, Williams speaks truth, and therefore can be embraced by all. "Word is bond."

i've written tons of academic papers (including my current thesis) on williams; his work is unbelievable and should be taught everywhere. his attempt to uplift hip-hop is honorable and appreciated.

I first heard about this book on a message board (I think it was the one from DaveyD.com) and I really enjoyed reading the publisher's excerpt, and it was just the introduction. With it, I didn't know how to take it. Whether it was truth or just a very well worded story from Saul Williams. Either way, I could feel the vibe of Hiphop Kulture coming from it. So of course, I went out and bought it.

I was blown away.

I first heard of Saul from the book ", said the Shotgun to the Head." So I already thought I knew what to expect. But I was completly blown away by the deepness of these poems. Whether really taken from a strange manuscript in an old spray can or just a way to publish his own poems about Hiphop's preservation of love, peace, and unity, this was great. I recommend it for anyone who like poetry, spoken word, rap music, or just books. Very good.

This collection of poems will entertain you, make you think, and above all, make you delirious! I enjoyed every one of the poems written. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys poetry with a twist of humor.

I discovered "Delirious" while babysitting for my 6 year old nephew and 8 year old niece. They were fighting over which one of them could read the book. To settle the situation fairly, I told them to each pick their favorite poem in the book and I would read it to them. Big mistake on my part as they each had several favorites and could not decide on the two poems they wanted to hear. After approximately a half hour of debating, my niece settled on "Girls" and my nephew chose "Just Kidding". Reading the poems to them, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed them. All of the poems in the book are cleverly written and touch on topics that have universal appeal to anyone who remembers what it is like to see the world through the eyes of a child. I think I wound up enjoying the book more than the kids did. What a pleasent surprise!

NOTHING'S sacred. Just like all of us kids (and face it; we ARE all kids)Brian would like to let it all hang out--and he does. There's no roping in his imagination and creativity. Every emotion is tapped. Deja vu sets in and past memories of "Oh my gosh! that's ME!" come wriggling to the surface. Written from a kids' eye view and VERY refreshing! A real pick-me-up! He might as well live in a glass house--we know all about the family! Thank God your family loves you, Brian. They DO, don't they? One of my favorites? "The Haircut"

Mr. Allfrey not only captured the hearts and imagination of my students and staff with his collection of poems, he was gracious enough to share his personal insights on the writing process and the pre-writng process. His poetry had many keen insights that my students could readily relate to, and his topics are easy to apply to all facets of my curriculum. A great crossover book.

Being a sixth grade teacher, one of the areas of curriculum I need to teach my students is poetry. Unfortunately, the students usually groan when poetry is introduced due to the seriousness of adolescent poetry. My students still love Shel Silverstein, but think his poetry is a little "young" for their very "advanced" adolescent minds! Thanks to Mr. Allfrey, they now have a book of poems that are Silversteinesque without being juvenile. Thanks to Delirious, I was able to begin my poetry unit by reading good, but funny poems. All of my students were laughing out loud. I've never seen sixth graders so excited about poetry!

This book is fabulous for teachers to use in the classroom...all the way up to 12th grade. Parents will love this just as much as the students.

We purchased this book for our 7 year old daughter who loves dogs. She had a dog themed birthday party this year, and we thought this book would be fun for her to receive. She was so exited to receive this book and CD. I was amazed at how cute the pictures and songs were - this purchase was worth every penny!!! She listens to the CD every day - and now wants to listen to it when she is going to sleep every night!! THe tunes are catchy with humor and fun added in. I recommend this to anyone who has a child that loves animals or dogs!!!!

We just got this book and CD from the library and I am going to buy it to add to our home library. My 3.5 year old daughter was silently entranced for hours- she listened to it cover-to-cover and then grabbed me so we could listen to it together. We got home later and she listened to it again! As a teacher I think the vocabulary is great, the pictures are great and the songs don't make me crazy (as a parent!)

For a man who doesn't own dogs, Kirk sure knows dogs. The poems, all written from dogs' points of view, are clever and insightful. The CD of all 22 poems set to music is a hoot. The vocals and sound recording are not exactly Grammy-worthy, but there's little doubt that both singers and musicians were having fun. The wide range of music styles (zydeco, delta blues, two-steps, pop, folk, etc.) makes the lyrics all the more enjoyable. "Purple Rhinestone Collar" will make you howl and "Your Best Friend" will make you get a lump in your throat.

We've listened to Daniel Kirk's other book/CD combo, Go! over and over and thought this one was worth a try as well. Not a bit disappointed. Kirk does it again with amusing lyrics, and novel perpectives on the familiar. Always looking for books that are not entirely predictable, while also staying within the bounds of familiarity that all kids seem to crave. They recognize their own experiences here, but they also get a new take on things at the same time. But best of all the music is loads of fun for the kids and great for adult ears too. If you like Dan Zanes you'll like Daniel Kirk as well.

We borrowed this from the library initially. Now I am buying it as a Christmas gift. My 6yo son and 8yo daughter love it! They sing the songs all the time and wanted to listen to the CD every day when we borrowed it.

This book was described as being in good condition. It is actually in fair condition. The cover shows that the book has been through a lot of wear. Not totally pleased with this purchase.

Like having a cup of steaming coffee with a dear friend, John Fox's words,rich and strong, wake you up and add a new flavor to your work whether you are a first time poet or have written for years. FINDING WHAT YOU DIDN'T LOSE is a must have book to share with your students, colleagues, and writing groups. As a teacher, I thoroughly enjoyed the hands on experience: examples, suggestions, quotations, and hints. Filled with truthtelling that connects like caffeine straight to the heart, John Fox helps you find your way home to the poet within.

For anyone who loves discovering the inner creativity of oneself, this is the book for you. I have had this book for a couple of years and I find it interesting everytime I sit down and realize another poem. Every teacher should own a copy. Children would benefit from its teachings.

"Finding What You Didn't Lose: Expressing Your Truth and Creativity Through Poem-making" was my introduction to the field of poetry therapy. Although I have added many poetry therapy texts to my library since acquiring Mr. Fox's book, I still consider "Finding What You Didn't Lose" the premiere text. It is comprehensible; full of useful and thoughtful ideas; and beneficial for anyone seeking to cultivate healing in themselves or others. I am currently undergoing professional training in poetry therapy and find myself returning again and again to Mr. Fox's book. Also, when introducing people to the field of poetry therapy, I always recommend Finding What You Didn't Lose as a foundational text.

When I was younger, I wrote poetry all of the time, but it was a very intimate, secret self who wrote those poems. As I grew up, I thought that the angst of my earlier days was best bottled away. One day, at 45, I started to develop stress-related illnesses and had to find a way to re-connect with who I really am, find a way to figure out what is real and what is pretense. Enter this book. My earlier poems, luckily still stored away in a file in my home, told me what I used to know, and in writing poems for today, I can celebrate the journey since then.

I wish I could meet the author of this lovingly written adventure/book --he impresses me, through his own poetry and his writing, as someone who can accept people as they are and then gently, patiently, invite them to find their own voice and grow.

I had HICKSON do an open mic/book signing on May 22 and we sold out all his books! I love this guy! He is funny, great to work with and I look forward to bringing him back to do all twelve of our stores in New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia!!! If you don't know what HEAT is then you need to get burned by this F I R E!!! HICKSON keep doing what you do best...BURN THE LITERARY WORLD!!!

You got to have this book in your collection! Funny, but realistic.

BOLD AND COLORFUL. rhythmic and musical, HARD, HARSH, chill, easy, reflective, reverent, whatever the mood's intent, every word delivers an IMPACT, an impact that can be seen, heard, felt, tasted, smelled...but its bigger than that. Hickson is taking on illiteracy among inner-city youth. he's providing a platform for self-expression across media. I definitely recommend reading Ghettoheat!

I just finished reading Ghettoheat and I loved it! My favorite is "Niggativity", it's hot and it has a message. I'm also fond of "BabyWoman" and the series of events she encounters. Buy the book.

GhettoHeat is the most honest, graphic and realistic piece of literature that I have read in a while. I would like to first applaude Hickson for having the courage to step forward and be heard. Second, I want to thank him for his colorful words that were so inspiring. I look forward to reading more. {YES brothers do read}.

I lov this book and use it every year at story hours for kids ages 2 and up and we have a great time singing and acting out the book. I even sing it with the one year olds--we just act out the animals as we sing the song!

My favorite memories of this book/song are of my then 2 year old daughter singing "Zoo,zoo, zoo!" in the back of the car whenever she wanted us to sing this together!

If you don't know the tune for this, you can find it on the Peter,Paul and Mary album "Peter Paul and Mommy". In fact, if you look it up here at Amazon you can hear a clip of the song. Sadly, the Tom Paxton recording is out of print.
And don't worry about your voice quality--kids just love it when you sing with them!

My two year old loves this book. I was hoping to find some other books for my daughter by checking reviews from other readers, but no one had any- so I thought I would recommend Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (another sing songy favorite that we have memorized) and Eric Carle's book about Papa getting the Moon (exact title escapes me). The Carle book is a necessity if your child likes the moon like ours does.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R240EISQX24WSR Cullen of CullensAbcs.com reviews this book and gives you ideas on how to use to use it interactively with your child. For you I have more video book reviews, free children videos and free activity idea videos at the CullensAbcs.com website. If you have a children's book you would like me to review and offer ideas on how to use it interactively with children please send an email to CullensAbcs@gmail.com. Also, feel free to to add me, Cullen Wood, as a Facebook friend.

My 4 year old read this book at her daycare and came home asking for it. It is a great book because it is also a song, very appealing to the 4 year old group and makes it easier for her to remember when she is "reading" the book.
The illustraions are very clever and very cute. A book that parents and children alike can read many times without getting tired.
I highly recommend!

I've got this book/song memorized now after having read it millions of times. My children and preschool students LOVE this book. I do too. Great song and fun illustrations. Must have for your home and school library.

This is an excellent book, Great artwork and the poetry sings with all the magic of God's creation, a great book for all ages.

This boook is full of fun colorful poems. I've only seen the the original copy. The only bad thing about it is the pictures which look very 60s and poorly done. Still I love the poems.

This was one of all time favorite books as a child. It's not a story per say, however, its' value lies in its' ability to teach even the youngest of kids about feelings, emotions and "color" through poetry. Each page dedicates itself to a different color and describes the essences and feelings that those colors evoke in us. It's a very useful teaching tool for young children in the primary grades.

This was my absolute favorite book when I was in elementary school. Now that I have 2 small children of my own, I have rediscovered it with them. The poems are soothing to hear on a lazy afternoon and the colors are as fresh as watercolor can get. After reading it to the kids, I go back and indulge myself and read it again. Definitely a rainy day pick!

This slim book was originally published in 1961 and by now, we may safely call it a classic. The title is taken from her poem "What is White?" A series of poems each entitled "What Is--- (Green, Gold, Red, Blue, etc.)" describes in ways you have never thought of what exactly the color is. I have never found the child who was not fascinated by the ideas presented and usually had a few additions of his/her own to add. I always thought this vivid book would bring much pleasure to a blind person who had never "seen" a color. Ms. O'Neill brings the feel, the taste and the mood of each color to a shimmering life of its own.

--the purple feeling

is rather put out.

The purple look is a

Definite pout.

But the purple sound

Is the loveliest thing

It's a violet opening

In the spring.