LoveReading4Kids Says
Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2020
The twelve poems in this book, one for each month, will inspire a year of nature watching and who knows, quite likely some poetry writing too. There’s drama and excitement in the opening poem which describes a legendary fight between warring starlings – ‘the Rorschach of the winter months’ - over Cork in the 1600s; other poems are quieter and February’s gives a beautiful close up view of frog spawn, opening up memories from Coelho’s own childhood.
Many of the poems in fact reflect his own personal experiences and responses to nature, April showers, trips to the beach, walks through winter leaves, giving the poems a particular intensity and emotional impact. Kelly Louise Judd’s folk-are inspired illustrations make this as beautiful to look at as it is to read aloud. A superb collection and a lovely book to give.
Reviewed by Andrea ReeceAndrea Reece has spent almost her entire working life in children’s books, first as publisher, latterly as consultant, project manager and critic.
More reviews by Andrea Reece About A Year of Nature Poems
A poem for every month, this is a beautiful anthology of nature poems by best-loved children's poet, Joseph Coelho encourages a love for the natural world and the importance of looking after it. 'a treasure for you and your child to share' 'stunning illustrations' 'a true celebration of the world we live in' See how animals behave through the seasons, and the cycle of trees and plants, from the first blossoms of spring through to the stark winter wonderland in December.
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A Year of Nature Poems Synopsis
A poem for every month, this is a beautiful anthology of nature poems by best-loved children's poet, Joseph Coelho encourages a love for the natural world and the importance of looking after it. 'a treasure for you and your child to share' 'stunning illustrations' 'a true celebration of the world we live in' See how animals behave through the seasons, and the cycle of trees and plants, from the first blossoms of spring through to the stark winter wonderland in December.
Twelve inspiring poems from Joseph Coelho, one for each month of the year, paired with folk art from Kelly Louise Judd give this book year-round appeal. A beautiful book for your bookshelf, to spark an idea for your own poem, or to teach a love for nature and to help children foster a love for the natural world.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9780711249943 |
| Publication date: |
7th January 2020 |
| Author: |
Joseph Coelho |
| Illustrator: |
Kelly Louise Judd |
| Publisher: |
Wide Eyed Editions |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
32 pages |
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Joseph Coelho Press Reviews
This is a beautifully produced book with a nostalgic and traditional feel that means it will appeal to all ages and never date... The book reflects the poet's love for nature and his desire to share that as widely as possible with poems that encourage contemplation about the world around us, and encourage us to slow down and think about the brief but telling introduction to each poem. A joyful celebration of nature. - Parents in Touch
Coelho's lyrical phrases are a thing of beauty ...complemented by Judd's illustrations. In full colour on every page, these are painterly and gentle, whispering of the wonders of nature. Almost all the poems make suggestions on how the writer interacts with nature, yet the conservation message is refreshingly left unpreached, allowing the reader to reflect and draw their own conclusion. - Reading Zone
This is a love letter to nature, taking us through each month. Fantastic to be read aloud as the rhythm of his poems are just beautiful. Starling murmurations, the daffodil's forms, Summer Solstice, jellyfish, leaf-fall and hibernation. What a wonderful world. - Angels and Urchins
As to be expected with Coelho's writing, a lot of the imagery is heart-flutteringly lovely and powerful. ..The book is less of an almanac and more like fuel for creative children who want to channel their own emotions into writing, inspired by the variety in the world around them. ...It reassuringly shows that emotions come and go, just like the seasons - and the bad times always pass. - Booktrust
With a poem for each month of the year, Coelho finds wonder in the natural world, from February's frog baby creche to the newly emerged stubble of budding grass in May. Kelly Louise Judd's illustrations lend a winsome wraparound vision of the changing seasons, from spring's first awakening to December's gently falling snow. - The Irish Times
In the classroom, this book could be used as a reference for writers to create their own season poems; play with the language of the original poems or pair their own personal memories with the weather or changing seasons. - North Somerset Teachers Book Award
About Joseph Coelho
Joseph Coelho OBE, Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and Children's Laureate for 2022-2024, is a performance poet, children’s author, playwright and winner of the Yoto Carnegie Award, an Indie Book Award and a Centre for Literacy in Primary Education Poetry Award. Joe has written plays for the Polka Theatre, Soho Theatre and the Unicorn Theatre and creates dynamic poetry theatre pieces for young people that he tours nationally. He also performs with the UK's top performance poetry organisation, Apples and Snakes, visiting venues across the UK. Joseph has also been a guest poet on Cbeebies’ Rhyme Rocket.
Originally from London, he now lives by the sea in Kent.
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