Reading and writing poetry is my jam, to savor the words in your heart and on your tongue like a salty and sweet butterscotch. Ahh! That’s the thing!

Today’s poetry picture book came out in 2023 and I never got a chance to read it until now. It’s WONDERFUL! Every page has something new to offer. BUT what did I expect when you combine three extraordinary talents: poets Kwame Alexander and Deanna Nikaido, and one of my favorite illustrators Melissa Sweet. Kwame and Melissa teamed up to make a previous book, HOW TO READ A BOOK, which I also adored (published in 2019). SO I knew I’d love this one, but … I don’t think I was prepared for just how much I would love this one. I’m going to let Kwame’s afterword be the introduction here:

He speaks the cry of my own heart every time I hear someone say they don’t like poetry. I try to share examples that will thrill you as much as me, while also highlighting these glorious and rare beauties in the book world. Poetry picture books get to share the delight of words with our very first readers. Maybe there is where we start to build a love of poetry back.

This book is meant to inspire anyone who reads it to write, to play with words, and let your thoughts and feelings tumble out onto the page. Read it to see the whole poem. Here is just one spread talking about just that: what to do with the words.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading all the poetry picture books this month that I’ve curated for you. If you have, let me know (this is a LOT of work!). I might need encouragement to keep up my “passion” project. Also, be sure to check out the full books and read all the parts and poems. I’m betting you’ll love them!

And if you’re looking for more poetry fun this month, be sure to check out the Kidlitosphere Event Roundup!  Thank you for stopping by!