September 2020 sees the launch of the latest edition of the annual Forward Book of Poetry, published by Faber. Winners of the prestigious Forward prizes have their work presented alongside other poems published in the previous year, chosen from hundreds of examples. 75 poets have work showcased in a publication that represents the best of […]
Looking back at the history of writing for children, not all well-respected authors considered that poems were suitable reading. Anna Laetitia Barbauld (nee Aikin, 1743-1825) was a significant figure in late Georgian and early nineteenth century educational theory and a respected writer. Described by the Poetry Foundation as “a figure of eminence in the world […]
Simon Armitage CBE will be the new Poet Laureate, taking over from Carol Ann Duffy. Simon Armitage likes to write about modern life and contemporary issues. The post of Poet Laureate has existed for hundreds of years and was originally for life. Now the post is held for ten years. Officially an appointment made by […]
I had recently heard about apps for writing poetry and was intrigued. Can computers really create poems? Let me consider for a moment what poetry actually is. It is surely a difficult concept to pin down, but better minds than mine have had a go. William Wordsworth, who wrote quite a few poems himself, describes […]
National Poetry Day 2021 occurred on the 7th of October. This annual celebration of poetry has been happening since 1994. According to the National Poetry Day’s own website, this is a day “all about enjoying, discovering and sharing poems.” In 2021, the theme was Choice. The following words were inspired by a previous theme a […]
Some years ago, I had an idea to put together a collection of poems with an historical theme. I’m just as interested in history as I am in poetry! But my idea was not unique. Brian Moses and Roger Stevens have published 1066 and Before That (published by Macmillan 2016) which brings together over 60 of […]
American poet Ken Nesbitt, author of several volumes of light-hearted verse for children, has a very intriguing website. As well as being able to read his poems online you can also vote for your favourite classic poems from his selection. There are also word games and poetry “lessons” with tips, descriptions of poetical forms and […]
I was reminded the other day how much my children loved Shirley Hughes’ books when they were little. We all retain a great affection for Alfie and her other characters. 2017 was the 40th anniversary of the publication of her well-known picture book, Dogger, for which a special edition of the book was published. Alongside Dogger on […]
www.poetryzone.co.uk is a colourful and fun website publishing poems by children. It also runs competitions and has a section for teachers, plus features on published writers. Young Writers is also an online resource for teachers and young poets which will publish an anthology in August 2017 entitled, Busta Rhymes Anthology: poet of the future 2017. […]
If you’re interested in the origins of nursery rhymes, Karen Dolby’s Oranges and Lemons: Rhymes from Past Times is a fascinating and affordable book that won’t take you too long to read but that you’ll probably want to keep for years. It contains many of our most well-known traditional rhymes, and some which were new […]
