A NCTE Notable Poetry Book
A NCTE Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts

"With poems about writer’s block and editing, VanDerwater doesn’t hide the hard part of writing. Mostly, though, with the aid of O’Rourke’s gently whimsical artwork — unicorns in flowers, pencils with butterfly wings — she embraces it." —The New York Times Book Review

"Both technique and imaginative impulse can be found in this useful selection of poems about the literary art... (t)his anthology has clear classroom applications, but it will also be enjoyed by individual readers who can pore carefully over playful illustrations filled with diverse children, butterflies, flowers, books, and pieces of writing. Here's hoping this will inspire many children to joyfully engage in writing." — Kirkus Reviews

"Following their poetic tribute to reading, Read! Read! Read!, VanDerwater and O’Rourke return with a collection of 22 poems about writers and their craft. VanDerwater, via various poetic forms, covers familiar motifs—starting out... and editing...alongside broader explorations of drafting. O’Rourke’s lightsome artwork, rendered in oil paints and colored digitally, features paper doll–like children of various skin tones embodying their accompanying poems, sometimes surreally. The poems are by turns amusing and thoughtful, and their examination of the writing process will be particularly useful to educators." — Publishers Weekly

"This delightful poetry collection introduces young readers to a cornucopia of forms and processes, guiding aspiring writers through brainstorming, revision, editing, and sharing their work... inspiring budding poets to push past writer’s block and be confident in expressing their valuable thoughts. Alongside the upbeat, flowing verse are vibrant, whimsical illustrations from O’Rourke, whose inclusive artwork showcases a variety of children, animals, and other creatures enjoying reading and writing. From cheerful couplets to meditations and songs, this successfully champions its tagline, 'Writing is for everyone.'" —Booklist

"This beautiful compendium of poems that celebrates the written word is a joy to share with young writers. There is sure to be a poem within these pages that appeals to every reader. Each poem celebrates parts of the writing process; the illustrations add depth to their meaning. The poems could also be shared with and appeal to older, independent readers. This collection would be well used as a mentor text for poetry writing in the upper elementary grades." — School Library Journal