Postcards from New Mexico

835.  Hello from New Mexico!  

I hope this card finds you happy and healthy.  Megan

Postcards of Interesting People

2038. Germany

Wendenkonig / Serbski kral

Story of the Wendish King vs. the Germans

My name is Dorle.  I live in Berlin, but grew up in Lower Lusatia.  It is in the east of Germany, near the border with Poland.  I still consider this area to be my home.  Best wishes.

2033  Votes For Women!  Lucretia Mott

sent from Raleigh, NC

Disconcerted by the unequal treatment women faced in the abolition movement, Quaker minister Lucredia Mott(1798 - 1880) joined with Elizabeth Cady Stanton to plan the first women's right convention, in Seneca Falls, New York in 1848.

1923.  Molodechno, Belarus

Hello Chris.  My name's Olga.  I'm originally from Molodechno, a town with over 90 thousand inhabitants, 75 km from Minsk, the capital of Belarus.  I like art, reading, watching movies, travelling, and cooking (but not so often :) Hope you like this card.  Have fun with postcrossing!  Best wishes, Olga

909.  The Netherlands

My name is Eber and I'm writing from the Netherlands.

I'm sending you a postcard of Anne Frank.  I thought it would suit your current job as librarian in youth services - kids and young people need to hear about Anne and her diary, so that the horrors of war and prejudice do not spread anymore.  Cheers, Eber.

906.  Houston, Texas

May-Britt Moser: Psyhologist and Neuroscientist

I just moved here with my family last year.  And now I've seen the heaviest rain i've ever been through!  You know, Hurricane Harvey.  It's crazy!  Best wishes, Amelie, August 2017

814. Russia 

Ivan Bilibin, Russian Artist (1876 - 1942)

On postcard illustration of the famous Russian artist Bilibin.  he created wonderful illustrations of fairy tales.  It is possible that you library has a book with his illustrations.

757.  Itzig, Luxembourg

I am Dan, 52, lives in a little town called Itzig in Luxembourg/Europe.  Best wishes and Happy Postcrossing with Stan and Ollie!

431.  Mustafa Kemal Ataturk 1881 - 1938

Hello Chris!  I've received so many cards from you that now I'm quite confused as to how to reply!  Anyway, I thought you might enjoy this card of the founder of the Turkish Republic, Ataturk, whose mausoleum is in Ankora.  It might be a good teaching opportunity.  Although I do realize that your students are quite young.  Best. June 9, 2016

82. Blonde Hair Blue Eyes by Karin Slaughter

listened on Audible, through Chirp
read by Kathleen Early
Unabridged audio (2:23)
2015 Cornerstone Digital
67 pgs.
Adult Mystery
Finished 8/29/19
Goodreads rating: 3.44 - 8282 ratings
My rating: 4
Setting: 1991 Athens, Georgia

First line/s:   "The morning mist laced through the downtown streets, spiderwebbing tiny intricate patterns onto the sleeping bags lining the sidewalk outside the Georgia Theater."

My comments:  Oh my, this novella certainly packs a punch.  A pretty 19-year-old college freshman in Athens, Georgia, ponders the mysterious disappearances of other pretty young women.  I'm pretty sure this takes place in 1991, so the plight of women and rape and abduction is still either mostly ignored or spoken in hush-hush tones.  At least a lot more than currently.  I was pretty sure of the ending for quite while, but it still got to me. 

Goodreads synopsis:  A missing girl in the news reminds Julia Carroll of herself: nineteen, beautiful, blonde hair, blue eyes.
          Julia begins to dig deeper and plans an article for her college paper. She becomes gradually more obsessed with the case, never imagining how close she herself is to danger. 
from a reader: Blonde Hair, Blue Eyes is a short-story prequel to Karin Slaughter's September 2015 novel Pretty Girls. It is a brief look at Julia's life before she went missing. In my opinion, I don't feel that it is necessary for readers of  Pretty Girls to read this but it provided interesting insight into local crime at the time, Julia's character, some family dynamics, and of course her abduction. 

Picture Book - We Are Grateful Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell

A Seibert Honor Book
Illustrated by Frank Lessac

2018 Charlesbridge

HC $17.99

32 thick pgs.

Goodreads rating:  4.28 - 671 ratings

My rating:  5
Endpapers:  Deep, luscious dark purple/eggplant

1^st line/s:  "Cherokee people say otsaliheligs (oh-jah-LEE-gah/we are grateful) to express gratitude.  It is a reminder to celebrate our blessings and reflect on struggles - daily, throughout the year, and across the seasons."

My comments: This book is GORGEOUS.  It details the lives of the Cherokee Nation through the seasons, giving the Cherokee words (and pronunciations right on the page, hooray!!), and the simple writing is beautiful.  You close the book with a good feeling, and you want to SHARE! I want to put some of these illustrations on my walls!

Goodreads:  A look at modern Native American life as told by a citizen of the Cherokee Nation
          The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. 
          Appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah.

Picture Book Biography - Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpre by Anika Aldamuy Denise

Illustrated by Paola Escobar

2019, Harper Collins

HC $17.99

32pgs.

Goodreads rating:  4.42 - 790 ratings

My rating:  5
Endpapers:  These are the BEST - Candles, Daisies, Mouse groom and Cockroach bride from her stories, books, all on page sage green..
..

1^st line/s:  "It is 1921.  Pura Teresa Belpre leaves her home in San Juan for a visit to Nueva York."

My comments: Pura Belpre, whose name I know because of the awards given yearly in her memory, moved from Puerto Rico to New York City when she was 22 years old. Speaking three languages - Spanish, English, and French - she was hired to work in the library. When she realized there were no book in Spanish, and no stories like the ones she'd always heard her grandmother tell, she began to share the stories during storytime, along with puppets she made. Wonderful story. I particularly like the folky illustrations, I'd love to have some fabric that looks like the endpapers!

Goodreads:  Follow la vida y legado of Pura Belpré, the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City.
          When she came to America in 1921, Pura carried the cuentos folklóricos of her Puerto Rican homeland. Finding a new home at the New York Public Library as a bilingual assistant, she turned her popular stories into libros and spread story seeds across the land. Today, these seeds have grown into a lush landscape as generations of children and cuentistas continue to share her stories and celebrate Pura’s legacy.
          This portrait of the influential librarian, author, and puppeteer reminds us of the power of storytelling and the extraordinary woman who opened doors and championed bilingual literature.

Picture Book Biography - The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons by Natascha Biebow

Illustrated by Steven Salerno
Biography of Edwin Binney

2019, Houghton Mifflin

HC $17.99

40 pgs.

Goodreads rating:  4.35 - 365 ratings

My rating:  4
Endpapers:  many colored pencils without wrappers going horizontally on the page

1^st line/s:  "Once there was a man who saw color EVERYWHERE."

My comments: Another good picture book biography!  Great illustrations.

Goodreads:  Celebrating the inventor of the Crayola crayon! This picture book biography tells the story of Edwin Binney, the inventor of one of the world's most beloved stationary supplies. 
           purple mountains’ majesty, mauvelous, jungle green, razzmatazz…
          What child doesn't love to hold a crayon in their hands?  But children didn't always have such magical boxes of crayons. Here’s the true story of an inventor who so loved nature’s vibrant colors that he found a way to bring the outside world to children – in a box for only a nickel!

Poetry Picture Book - Superlative Birds by Leslie Bulion

Illustrated by Robert Meganck
J 598 Bulion (Simpson Library)

2019 Peachtree 

HC $15.95m 

56 pgs.

Goodreads rating: 3.66 - 53 ratings

My rating:  4.5
Endpapers:  hand drawn birds in mustard , black, and white, on pale mustard

My comments: 20 poems about superlative birds - the biggest, the smallest, the most numerous, the ones with the longest toes, the fanciest courtships.....all sorts of delightful birds with superlatives of one kind or another!  With each poem is a paragraph or two of "Science Notes," interesting science facts about the bird and their habitat which includes their scientific name.  Illustrations of the birds are great, and there's a chickadee that gives information with illustrations that are almost a little too "cutesy" for me. (Oh well.) This is a great book for the older-than-preschool crowd, and would make a super exemplar for a writing project.  She also includes, at the end of the book, an explanation about some of the poetic forms she uses for each of the poems, as well as an excellent glossary.

Goodreads:  Explore the fascinating world of superlative birds--from the bee hummingbird, the tiniest bird in the world, to the peregrine falcon, the fastest creature on Earth.
Ever wonder which bird has the loudest voice? Which one builds the biggest nest or has the most feathers? Get to know all about the best and brightest--and smelliest!--denizens of the bird world with this collection of nonfiction science verses. You won't need your binoculars to observe the superlative characteristics of these avian wonders.
Author Leslie Bulion includes a science glossary, notes on poetry forms, and resources for information about these extraordinary birds in the back of the book. Witty drawings by Robert Meganck add another layer of fun to this humorous and informative gallery of the world's most accomplished birds.

This is about an Emperor Penguin in Antarctica:

The Flying Leap

Built

to swim

not too slim

we don’t fly

wouldn’t try

waddle stop

belly-flop, slip

slide toboggan

glide - icy dash ends

with SPLASH! Wings

are fins for twirls and

spins, we plunge

below

pack ice and snow for

fish for krill for squid until

we’ve fished our fill.  Our

young ones will be overjoyed

if we avoid becoming meals

for leopard seals lurking grim

at ice floe’s rim.  We know they’re there

we’re well aware so we prepare:  our feathers trap air.

When we release bubbles our

swimming speed DOUBLES!

We jet from the sea

predator-free

we catch air – wheeeee!

81. The Ghost Manuscript by Kris Frieswick

Listened to Audible (Chirp)
read by Carrington MacDuffie
Unabridged audio (13:32)
2019 Post Hill Press
432 pgs.
Adult Mystery/Thriller with Fantastic aspects
Finished 8/26/2019
Goodreads rating:  3.83 - 117 ratings
My rating: 2.5
Setting:  contemporary Boston, Ma PLUS

First line/s:  (from preface) "The fear pierced Carys Jones's abdomen, and every other sensation she'd been feeling was consumed."  (from Ch. 1) "The sight of the envelope on Carys's desk set her left eyelid twitching."

My comments:  What an unrewarding ending.  All that buildup and then...blah.  Not enough resolution.  Lots of improbabilities.  The most disappointing for me was the reader - she read flawlessly, it wasn't that.  Her voice iss what put me off, it was too old and mannish, not suited for the character.  And of all the Bostonians depicted in the story, she only gave one a (BAD!!!) New England accent.  The two men from Wales had not even the slightest Welsh accent.  I've heard so many readers that can pull off accents,, whoever chose this reader didn't choose the right one, not even close.  That can make or break storytelling, and it certainly didn't make it for me.  So many thwarted possibilities,, what a bummer.

Goodreads synopsis:  Rare book authenticator Carys Jones wanted nothing more than to be left alone to pursue her obsession with ancient manuscripts. But when her biggest client is committed to an asylum, he gives Carys an offer she cannot refuse. In exchange for his entire library of priceless, Dark Age manuscripts, Carys must track the clues hidden in a previously unknown journal, clues that lead to a tomb that could rewrite the history of Western civilization.
          But there are people who would do anything to stop Carys from finding what she seeks—for reasons both noble and evil. The hunt takes Carys to places she never thought she’d go, physically and emotionally; first to Wales, her estranged father’s homeland, then to bed with Dafydd, a mysterious Welshman who agrees to help her with the search, and finally, deep inside her own psyche, when the monk who wrote the journal 1,500 years ago appears and assists her in her search.

Poetry Picture Book - When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons by Julie Fogliano

Illustrated by Julie Morstad

2016, Roaring Brook Press

HC $18.99

56 pgs.

Goodreads rating:  4.27 - 1341 ratings

My rating:  5
Endpapers: solid red

My comments:  47 exquisite poems, truly exquisite.  No matter how short, each one really packs a punch!  Thoughtful, creative, and incredibly insightful, they are perfect for a bit of reflection, a small smile, and a whimsical look at life through the seasons.  There's no punctuation or capitalizationg, so it's easy to make beautiful pictures in your mind!  My only drawback is that each one is titled with a date, and for me it limits their usage a bit....if I want to use the "september 10" poem in April, it might be a bit disconcerting for the listener's imagination....

Goodreads:
 december 29

and i woke to a morning
that was quiet and white
the first snow
(just like magic) came on tip toes
overnight 
          Flowers blooming in sheets of snow make way for happy frogs dancing in the rain. Summer swims move over for autumn sweaters until the snow comes back again. In Julie Fogliano's skilled hand and illustrated by Julie Morstad's charming pictures, the seasons come to life in this gorgeous and comprehensive book of poetry.

march 20

from a snow-covered tree

one bird singing

each tweet poking

a tiny  hole

through the edge of winter

and landing carefully

balancing gently

on the tip of spring

april 3

today

the sky was too busy sulking

to rain

and the sun was exhausted from trying

and everyone

it seemed

had decided

to wear their sadness

on the outside

and even the birds

and all their singing

sounded brokenhearted

inside of all that gray

august 3

if you want to be sure

that your are nothing more than small

stand at the edge of the ocean

looking out

september 10

a star is someone else’s sun

more flicker glow than blinding

a speck of light too far for bright

and too small to make a morning

october 15

because they know

they cannot stay

they fade and fall

then blow away

because they know

they cannot stay

they leave 

and leave

and leave

february 3

with snowy arms sagging

the spruce seemed to know

that beautiful outweighs the snow

                     

Postcards Received from Indiana

1289.  NW Indiana

Hello!  I'm Rachel, 30 this year.  I live in a small town in NW Indiana.  I hope this card is okay.  It's me, my boyfriend of 6 years, Joe, & our weiner dog, Rip - he's my world.  We're ready for spring - snowed yesterday!  4/17/18

990.  Indiana

Edward Gorey:  Mysterious Messages, Cryptic Cards, Coded Conundrums, Anonymous Notes

Greetings from Indiana.  This Edward Gorey Postcard is the closest thing I have to what you requested on your profile.  I hope you like it.  I'm a big fan of Edward Gorey.

     I used to live in Sierra Vista, AZ.  It was nice weather there.  Pretty country.  Julia

Postcards Received from Virginia

2080.  Virginia

"The Critic" New York 1943 photograph by Weegee (Arthur Fellig)

I picked this card because you asked for old ladies, but age is relative.  You might not think these women are old.  I live in SE VA, near the border with NC.  We have great beaches in VA Beach and on the Outer Banks of NC (OBX).  I have a vegetable garden and a pet cat.  I also like to read books. June 11, 2021

2035. The Freeman Store and Museum

Vienna, Virginia

The Freeman Store and Museum was built in 1859: it was used as a general store, a hospital during the Civil War and a railroad station and post office.  Today it is operated by Historic Vienna, Inc. as a general store and museum.

Greetings from Virginia!  Vienna is the next town over and this Freeman Store is in the little downtown historic shopping area.  I visited here around Christmas during the pandemic - they were letting in 5 people at a time.  The whole downstairs is a used bookstore!  Bought 10 books!  Upstairs is candy, toys, exhibits, novelty items.  Only open a few hours weekly.  -- Toby

1947.  Virginia

We Are Tied, 2014 Ben Giles

I couldn't find a penguin postcard, so hepefully one of these birds is cool enough.  :)  I'm in Virginia and it's starting to warm up here.  I think we're aobut two weeks from it going from "nice" to too hot.  Kate.

1279.  Williamsburg, Virginia

The Governor's Palace.

Although common the the "Olde World" a parade with the grandeur of the Governor's was quite an accomplishment for the Colonists.  Note the fine detail of the heraldic beasts and wrought iron gates.

Hi Chris!  I hope this PC finds you well.  I have a friend from Pennsylvania and we went to school together town here.  She was from Moon Township.  We used to say she was from the moon!

Anyway...Happy Swapping!  xoxo Eleni

Finnish Artist Inge Look

These are Inge Look postcards I've received.  I really love them, I want to figure out which one I like best and see if i can get a larger print!

2081.  Germany.

Hello my name is Maken.  I like to hear music from Heiko Brauning and David Plum.  Please stay healthy.  Maken

2061.  Turku, Finland

Inge Look #52

Greetings from rainy Turku, Finland.  I live here with my man and cat Helmi, Pearl in English.  We love to go birdwatching with my man.  Today we saw two tufted ducks.  My dream is to see mandarin duck some day.  I can't wait summer!  Stay healthy.  Miia

2060.  Dresden, Germany

Inge Look #72

17 May 2021

Hello Chris, My name is Amelie and I live in Dresden, where I study hydrology at university.  In my spare time I enjoy reading books, listening to music, playing card & board games as well as going for walks.  My favourite book genre is urban fantasy.  I like Genevieve Cogman's "The Invisible Library" a lot.  I wish you all the best & stay healthy!  Kindest regards, Amelie.

2052.  nr. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

IngeLook

10 May 2021

My name is Jose and I live near Amsterdam.  My biggest hobby is postcrossing but also working with my husband on the genealogy of our families for almost 15 years.  We share a mutual hobby.  I also love spring and the beach, and got to visit Amsterdam.  Warm greetings and stay healthy.  Jose.

2070.  Germany

Hello my name is Karin.  I like to hear music from Heiku Brainning and David Pliin.  Please stay healthy.  Karin.

AND

1944.  Minden, Germany

Postcard:  Inge Look/29

I love sending off the old ladies postcards.  They always make me smile.  Maybe I should start collecting them, too!  Spring is just around the corner and I can't wait for it to be warm again!  All the best, take care, Ute

1943.  Emmen, the Netherlands

Inge Look #36

Hi, I'm from Emmen, in the north-east of Holland.  Hope this card may bring a smile on your face.  It always happens to me...so funny!  Best wishes and enjoy Easter!  Gea

802.  Kouvola, FINLAND

Inge Look #16

I'm Kati and live in Kouvola City, Finland.  Happy Postcrossing!

1303.  Many Greetings from Finland

Inge Look

30 July 2018

I live in Kiuruvesi, it's a very small town in the middle of Finland.  Enjoy your day and smile.  Tarja

ALSO

672.  Inge Look card

mailed from Germany

Hello Chris,  Before I started with Postcrossing I never heard about Inge Look, but I am a big fan now!  I hope you enjoy this card.  In Bremen where I live we are a little bit away from winter - thank goodness!  Our sons look forward to Christmas.  Happy Postcrossing, Steffi

627.  Inge Look (Finnish artist) - sent from GERMANY

Inge Look #34

Hope you like this card.  Life in ......(I can't understand what she's written here)..I have 2 grandchildren.  Angelika

512.  Hanko, FINLAND

Inge Look #11

Hello Chris!  My name is Ulrika, I am 47 years old.  I live in the sourthern most town of Finland: Hanko.  It is a small town but we have 30 km of beaches over here.  Have a wonderful day! Ulrika

Postcards Received from Azerbaijan

1978.  Javadkhan Mausoleum

Ganja, Azerbaijan

My research tells me that Javadkhan was killed in 1804 in the battle protecting Ganja from foreign invaders.  The Mausoleum was built recently using the style from 200 years ago, and Javadkhan's body was moved from the local cemetery at the turn of this century.

Salam from Baku (the capital), Azerbaijan!  I hope you like this card.  All the best, Elvina

80. Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

listened to Audio - borrowed from the library
read by Vaneh Assadourian
Unabridged audio (3:50)
2019 Balzer & Bray
352 pgs.
Middle Grade CRF
Finished August 19, 2019
Goodreads rating:   4.48 - 1884 ratings
My rating: 3
Setting: Contemporary Syria, then US

First line/s:  "It is almost summer and everybody smells like fish,
except for right down by the sea
where if you hold your nose just right
you can smell the sprawling salt water and the jasmine
instead."

My comments:  I wish I'd read this instead of listened to it - the words in verse are so much more beautiful than listening to what sounds like prose.  The book seemed to end abruptly.  I wasn't expecting it because I was listening to it and it had not been very long - so much shorter because it's written in verse.  I found the first half of the book, the part that took place in Syria, to be a little bit slow going.  And I wish that it had given me a little more feel for the country of Syria.  It didn't.  Once they got to America the story became a little more interesting.  It was intriguing to think about how a newcomer to America would not realize the prejudice against Muslims.  I don't think I'd ever considered that point of view, particularly from an innocent young girl who only know of the strife in her country and being a Muslim was just part of every day for her.  Very character driven.  I wanted more setting!

Goodreads synopsis:  
I am learning how to be
sad
and happy
at the same time.
          Jude never thought she’d be leaving her beloved older brother and father behind, all the way across the ocean in Syria. But when things in her hometown start becoming volatile, Jude and her mother are sent to live in Cincinnati with relatives.
          At first, everything in America seems too fast and too loud. The American movies that Jude has always loved haven’t quite prepared her for starting school in the US—and her new label of “Middle Eastern,” an identity she’s never known before. But this life also brings unexpected surprises—there are new friends, a whole new family, and a school musical that Jude might just try out for. Maybe America, too, is a place where Jude can be seen as she really is.

Poetry Picture Book - Bark in the Park! Poems for Dog Lovers by Avery Corman

Illustrated by Hyewon Yum

2019, Orchard Books

HC $17.99

40 pgs.

Goodreads rating:  3.79

My rating:  4
Endpapers:A drawing of each of the different dogs in the book, on cream background

My comments:  39 rhymes about 38 different kinds of dogs fill this book.  They're short poems.  Very short.  Two lines, , three lines, or four lines.  They all rhyme.  Most are really cute.  A few are a bit forced to make them rhyme.  But they're fun! (See a few below.)  I like the illustrations a lot.

Goodreads:  Go on a walk to the park with all different kinds of dogs and their owners in this funny and charming poetry picture book.
Enjoy Avery Corman's canine poetry for an Afghan hound, basset hound, beagle, bloodhound, Daschshund, boxer, greyhound, and more as they stroll with their owners to the park.

Pug
Is the Pug cute?
Or is the Pug ugh?
Mostly, people love
The little Pug's mug

Hyewon Yum captures the unique characteristics of the owner and his pet as she beautifully illustrates the humorous walk from each dog's home to the park and back.

Basset Hound

For things she can smell,

She's a comer and goer.

She's much like a Begle,

But longer and lower.

Chihuahua

Super frisky, never whiny,

Even though he's teeny tiny.

Dachshund

She's a happy, little squat dog

Who looks like she's a hot dog.

German Shepherd

He's a police dog for some

Because he's so clever,

And a most loyal chum

Forever and ever.

Poodle

The Poodle is quick to learn a trick.

You might say a Poodle can use her noodle.

Greyhound

She's not an easy dog to chase

Because she'll beat you in a race.

Poetry Picture Book - A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood by Fred Rogers

The Poetry of Mr. Rogers
Illustrated by Luke Flowers

2019, The Fred Rogers Company

HC $19/99

143 pgs.

Goodreads rating:  

My rating:  3
Endpapers:  pale blue with scrolling words from his poetry.

My comments:  Well.....this is going to be a wonderful book for a lot of people.  IMHO the illustrations are rather bland and old-fashioned, and Mr. Rogers' poetry wasn't exactly the gretest.  But it keeps alive the memory of the man and his wonderful television show.  However, his poetry from the show doesn't translate into book form in the best way.

Goodreads:  The New York Times Best Seller 
           For the first time ever, 75 beloved songs from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and The Children's Corner are collected in this charmingly illustrated treasury, sure to be cherished by generations of children as well as the millions of adults who grew up with Mister Rogers

Things Are Different

You never know the story

By the cover of the book.

you can't tell what a dinner's like

by simply looking at the cook.

It's something everybody needs to know

way down deep inside

that things are often different

than the way they look.

When I put on a costume

to play a fancy part

that costume changes just my looks,

it doesn't change my heart.

You cannot know what someone's thinking

by the picture you just took

'cause things are often different

from the way they look.

I can totally imagine chanting and acting the following out at a Toddler Time or a Preschool Storytime:

Doing Song

Clap your hands

Blow a kiss

Make a face

Like this!

Snap your thumbs

Shake your head

Make-believe

You're in bed.

Blink your eyes

Stretch your arms

Stank up straight

Look for farms.

Her's the horse (Neigh!)

Here's the cow (Mooo!)

Here's the sheep (Baaa!)

You can bow.

Here's the duck (Quack, quack!)

Here's the cat (Meow!)

Here's the dog (Bark!)

Here's your hat.

Wave goodbye

Drive the car

Throw the ball

Throw it far.

Eat your meal

Sing a song

Brush your teeth

Hear ding-dong!

Hug your pillow

Click the light

Hug youself

Say goodnight.  (Goodnight!)

It's an Ugly Day

It's an ugly day

made of mugly gray

it's a sit-down-by-the-fire

and be snuggly day

It's a cloudy day

and a dowdy day

It's a play-some-Chinese-checkers

read-out-loud day.

It's a day to cuddle up

with chocolate cookie

hook a rug or knit --

'Cause it's an ugly day

made of mugly gray

it's a better-wear-your-sweater

and by snuggly day.

If we pop us some corn

and have cinnamon toast

I'd say we'd made the most

Of an ugly day.

POETRY - The Poetry of US - Edited by J. Patrick Lewis -

More than 200 Poems That Celebrate the People, Places, and Passions of the United States
Illustrated by National Geographic Photographs 

2018, National Geographic

HC $24.99

192 pgs.

Goodreads rating:  4.67

My rating:  5
Endpapers:  BRIGHT yellow, almost a yellow orange

My comments:  Divided into sections of the U. S. (New England; Mid-Atlantic; Southeast; Midwest; Great Plains; Rocky Mountain West; Pacific Coast, and Territories) this gorgeously photographed book of poetry for kids is right-on and really fun!  I read this a couple of days after the shootings in Gilroy, CA and El Paso, TX, and there were poems about each of those places in here!  I really enjoyed reading them and discovering some new poets as well.  There are three separate indexes - by title, poet, and first line and a resource list.  A few new-to-me poems about places and things I care about follow after Goodreads synopsis.

Goodreads:  It's all about us! Join former U.S. Children's Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis on a lyrical journey through the United States to experience the wonders of America's people and places through 200+ inspiring poems and stunning photographs.
          Celebrate the gift of language and the vibrant culture of the United States with this collection of classic and never-before-published poetry. Poems are arranged by region, from coast to coast, and among them you'll find works by Langston Hughes, Dorothy Parker, Robert Frost, Naomi Shihab Nye, Walt Whitman, and more. From the familiar to the surprising, subjects include people, places, landmarks, monuments, nature, and celebrations. Designed for sharing, but geared to younger readers, this beautifully illustrated treasury is a must-have for the whole family.

Groundhognostication

                 Punxsutawney, PA

                 February 2^nd

Gobbler’s Knob lies blanketed in February snow,

but even in the biting cold, people’s faces glow.

They’ve travelled here from far and wide to celebrate together

and listen as the groundhog gives his verdict on the weather.

They join in festivities as bands play on for hours,

while Punxsutawney Phil warms up his shadow-reading powers.

Finally, the main event – the “groundhognostication!”

Mittened fingers cross in hopes of spring’s initiation.

Will they suffer six more weeks of winter’s frigid gloom?

Maybe yes, or maybe no, but soon bright buds will bloom.

                                                F. J. Lee

                                                from The Poetry of US (Edited by J. Patrick Lewis)

Silent Sentinel

     Battle of Gettysburg

At field’s edge atop Cemetery Ridge, an old,

battered tree stands – split down the middle like

so many families whose sons

went separate ways in war.

Silent sentinel, it saw that costliest of campaigns –

an eternity of suffering in three days’ time.

Unmovable witness, it watched Pickett’s charge,

counted up its colossal casualties

With roots bathed in bloodshed –

did it break at once or over time, riven by

the weight of sorrow, torn apart by conflicting

passions of thousands injured and dead?

Still it stands, an aged, living monument

in a park full of granite and bronze markers.

One by one, in time, witness trees fall,

the last living veterans who survived it all.

                                    Kelly Fineman

                                    from The Poetry of US (Edited by J. Patrick Lewis)

The Jackalope

            Douglas, Wyoming

The oddest thing you’ve never seen

are antlered hares.  They’re very mean,

or so you’ll hear if you pop in

to Douglas diners now and then.

A cry is heard up in the hills,

the kind of cry that gives you chills.

“The jackalope,” townsfolk explain –

but if you look, you’ll look in vain.

For no one’s ever seen up close

that warrior rabbit.  No one knows

just where it sleeps, how fierce its fight,

how high it leaps, how sharp its bite.

Indeed, this creature’s very rare:

The only actual antlered hare

is mounted on a wall – a prop

made by a taxidermy shop.

Some taxidermists though it fun

to sew two creatures into one –

but still at night it gives you chills

when lonely cries rise from those hills.

                                    Abigail Carroll

                                    from The Poetry of US (Edited by J. Patrick Lewis)

Legends of the Sonoran Desert

My mom left Tucson twice in her life.

Both times she came back fast and said,

“I like it better here.”

She lets tarantulas walk up her arm.  She says

all the collared lizard needs is a tie

and he can go to dinner anywhere.

She favors saguaro and chaparral.  She blows

kisses at the unlovely javelin but she adores

the remorseless gila monster because,

“It looks like a fancy beaded purse your father

almost bought me.”

                                    Ron Koertge

                                    from The Poetry of US (Edited by J. Patrick Lewis)

Golden Gate Bridge

Rising above

            the fog,

I am an aria

            of orange,

a symphony

            of steel –

a remembered

            melody.

Beneath

            I span the

Golden Gate Strait,

            from shore to

shore, with a

            chorus of cars.

What song will you

            discover

On the other side?

                                    Joan Bransfield Graham