Laura Brown makes her way to the local farmers market to sample teas from De Fer Coffee and Tea in the latest stop on the Pittsburgh tea quest tour.
Book Club Announcement: Storm in a Teacup: The Physics of Everyday Life
Join us beginning November 1 for a “romp through the physical world” in our upcoming book club on Helen Czerski’s Storm In A Teacup: The Physics of Everyday Life.
Poets and Poems: Michelle Menting and “Leaves Surface Like Skin”
The poems of ‘Leaves Surface Like Skin” by Michelle Menting use the images and metaphors of nature to explore and explain the human condition.
Form It: A Bear Poetry Prompt
“Form It” is a poetry prompt that focuses on exploring our topic through form poetry. The prompt includes recommendations for each form’s best use! This time, we’re going to “form” a bear.
Children’s Book Club: “Frederick”
Poets have their own sort of economy—they harvest words. Join us as we read Leo Lionni’s classic fable “Frederick” with Megan Willome as our guide.
Regional Tour: The Metz Fire of 1908 (Metz, Michigan)
The historic Metz Fire at the turn of the 20th century connects Sandra Heska King to the story of a place.
Write the Moon: A No-Write Poetry Prompt
With a little help from a possum, pumpkin spice, and a classroom of kindergartners, Callie Feyen has a no-write poetry prompt for fall.
The Lenore Marshall Prize: “Brooklyn Antediluvian” by Patrick Rosal
The Academy of American Poets has awarded the Lenore Marshall Prize to “Brooklyn Antediluvian,” an arresting and innovative collection by Patrick Rosal.
Bears & Beasts Prompt: The Bestiary
Medieval bestiaries were the National Geographic of their day. Except, some of the bears & beasts were imaginary. Learn about some of the most unique creatures and create your own magnificent beast with poetry.
A Random Day of Poetry
We celebrated another day of Random Acts of Poetry, delighted by poems chalked and inked and memorized and read aloud in the public square. How did you spend the day?
Reading in the Wild: September’s Pages
Come learn the secrets of being a wild reader. Or just share your September pages. Megan Willome leads the way, with her September goodreads.
Make a Conscious Decision: It’s Random Acts of Poetry Day!
Today is Random Acts of Poetry Day. Make a conscious decision to share a little random poetry in your world today. We could all use such an act of kindness.
The Mythic and Heroic: “The Song of Hiawatha” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“The Song of Hiawatha” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a beautiful story about a heroic leader who loses what he holds most dear.
Bears & Beasts: Animate Poetry Prompt
This week’s poetry prompt asks you to join the wild rumpus and become Bears & Beasts. Imagine the adventures! Join us, animate yourself into a wild animal or a mythical creature, and create poetry. Rawr.
Infographic: How to Write a Cinquain Poem
We have Adelaide Crapsey, the butterfly, the reverse, Spanish quintillas and Sicilian quintains. Don’t miss our new How to Write a Cinquain infographic and cheer for your favorite variation.
Thank You Notes: Walks
Thank You Notes is a monthly writing prompt to express our thanks to a particular person, place, or thing. This month we’re saying thank you to walks.
Poets and Poems: John Latham and “From Professor Murasaki’s Notebooks”
The poems of “From Professor Murasaki’s Notebooks” by John Latham linger in the mind, and in the heart, long after the reading is done.
Poetry Prompt: The Reverse Cinquain
We’ve added a little challenge this week as we’re learning to write the reverse cinquain. Hop in and take a ride with us—in reverse gear. It’s going to be fun.
Life Notes: Notes from an Urban Cabin # 19
Laura Lynn Brown writes about unexpected life in her urban cabin and a cat-and-mouse game. What happened to the peanut butter in the traps?
Top 10 Alphabet Books for National Literacy Month!
Great tips for teaching reading—from librarians, teachers, and literacy specialists—plus professional picks of 10 terrific alphabet books.