I Hear the Trees: Untamed Poems from Mother Earth

‘I Hear the Trees’ is another wonderful collection of poems which immerses the reader in the glories of Mother Earth. A wide range of work is presented here, from the sensory joys of nature to the deepest emotions, expressed in a variety of poetic styles and forms, offering something for everyone.

Many of the poems here would be invaluable as models for teachers keen to inspire a love of poetry and allow children the opportunity to express themselves and there are notes at the end of the book which I have deliberately not read so that my thoughts here really are my thoughts! ‘I Choose Poetry’ is perfect for encouraging children to think of all those beautiful, sad, exciting moments or feelings and try to capture them in this way. ‘Poetry is personal’ is the final line and this is reflected in every line, allowing children the freedom to express themselves whilst supported by using a form.

Another poem which lends itself as a model is ‘I Hear the Trees’. The perfect excuse (if one were needed) for wandering in a wood and noting all the sights and sounds and tuning in to nature, children can explore how Zaro has phrased things and experiment with expressing their ideas, perhaps working together, perhaps performing their work, perhaps filming in the woods which sparked their imagination!

There are many other poems here which could be used in this way and many which lend themselves to performing, but a collection such as this offers plenty of opportunities to enrich the curriculum by encouraging discussion and reflection, not only of the beauties of our world, but the need to nurture and protect it. Although the teacher in me has taken over here, this is a joyful collection for sharing at home or enjoying independently as well…a collection for everyone!

I Hear the Trees: Untamed Poems from Mother Earth

Zaro Weil, illustrated by Junli Song

Hachette ISBN: 978- 1803381534

You can read my review of ‘When Poems Fall from the Sky’ here and ‘Firecrackers!’ here.