Dragon Cat

Perfect for exploring and enjoying at home or at school, ‘Dragon Cat’ is a simply brilliant poetry collection.

There are so many poems here which could be used as models to inspire children- or adults. ‘The Bag of Secrets’, for example, uses a similar structure to ‘The Magic Box’ by Kit Wright, a perennial favourite in schools, and this shows how poets magpie ideas, twist and shape them in their own way, before creating something new. Children could build their own work, using the repetitive lines and use of the senses, working together or independently. ‘When I Blew the Magic Dust’ could be used in a similar way! ‘As a Result’ is another work which lends itself to gathering, exploring and creating linked images and ideas whilst ‘Mysteries’ or ‘Wobbling Rainbows’ put all those questions children love to ask to great use!

A wonderful range of poetic styles and techniques are included- riddles, acrostics, kennings- and the collection is rich in imagery and word play, making the poems not only a joy to read, but perfect for performing and sharing. ‘In the Dragon’s Cave’ (another poem perfect for innovation!) would make a brilliant performance piece as would ‘Coming Out of Hibernation’- and who wouldn’t enjoy performing ‘Silent Poem to be Read Aloud’!

Many of the poems have additional notes, often referencing the inspiration behind them, leading to further learning. ‘There’s a Lobster on the Phone’ could lead to children investigating the work of Salvador Dali whilst ‘The Planets’ could introduce them to the work of Holst.

There is plenty of humour here as well, enhanced by the energetic line drawings of Tom Morgan-Jones. Whether to promote discussion, inspire, enthuse or entertain, this is an essential addition to any poetry collection!

Dragon Cat

Pie Corbett, illustrated by Tom Morgan-Jones

Otter- Barry Books ISBN: 978-1915659675

Zooming the Zoo

‘Zooming the Zoo’ is packed full of a fabulous collection of poems, ranging from the light-hearted and humorous to those which are more poignant, using a range of poetic styles and techniques.

‘Poetry Rules’ is the opening poem of the collection, welcoming the reader with an understanding of the ‘rules’ of poetry- that there are none! It sets the tone for the joy which follows and is sure to appeal to poetry lovers and the poetry reluctant alike!

There are so many poems here worth commenting on. ‘Just Let Me Read’ is a real treat, celebrating the joy of books and reading for pleasure whilst ‘Learning to Walk’ offers excellent advice! ‘When You’re a Kid’ is great fun- sure to keep kids - and their teachers- giggling! And O agree wholeheartedly with ‘The Problem With Acrostics’!

But there are also plenty of poems which offer pause for thought. ‘Yellow Group’ breaks my teacher’s heart as each child should feel valued for any and all of their talents and not diminished by any perceived weaknesses. In ‘The First Time I Went to Scotland’, John shares a childhood memory which I’m sure will shock many, just as it shocked me! ‘If Somebody Hurts You’ is wonderfully empowering, a mantra to learn and share with everyone.

An excellent collection for home or school, ‘Zooming the Zoo’ is a treasure trove of poetic delight!

Zooming the Zoo

John Dougherty, illustrated by Tom Morgan-Jones

Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 978-1915659217

You can read my review of ‘The Hare-Shaped Hole’ here.