Take a saying that’s become cliché, and give it a new life when you question and then write a poem!
Questions & Curiosity: Wonder Plant Prompt
Join us this week to wonder about a common plant you may have passed by. Find your questions, then your answers, and then—your poem!
Children’s Book Club: “Dear Mr. Henshaw”
If Leigh Botts can become a writer, so can you. Join author Megan Willome as we read Beverly Cleary’s ‘Dear Mr. Henshaw’ for the Children’s Book Club.
Travel and Love: The Poetry of Catharine Savage Brosman
The poetry of Catharine Savage Brosman, especially in her later collections, is about travel, and the love she has for her “then and now again” husband.
May Photo ‘n Poem Prompt: Finding White Rose Wonder in the World
Join us with photographer Kellē Sauer, who’s prompting us at Poetic Earth Month, to find wonder in the world—in poems and/or photos.
Reader, Come Home: “Kristin Lavransdatter”
Come learn the secrets of being a deep reader with author Megan Willome, as she meets a 14th century Norwegian woman named Kristin. And share your April pages.
Book Club Announcement: How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci
Don’t know much about the Renaissance? Not to worry. Join LW Willingham for a bit of exploration and curiosity in a new book club on How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci.
By Heart: “Lake Isle of Innisfree” + New “Annabel Lee” Challenge
Join author Megan Willome as she learns W.B. Yeats’ “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” By Heart, shares some deep insights about the poem, and finds a lake to love.
National Poetry Month: Tony Hoagland and a Stolen Earth + Group Poetry Dare
Tony Hoagland writes words he cannot find, and plays to our baser instincts to call us to greater things in search of a stolen earth.
Poetry Prompt: Cupcake Poems
Join author Callie Feyen as she and her young library patrons imagine up cupcakes to bake for their favorite Mother Goose and fairy tale characters.
Afternoon Tea (and Poetry) with Tracy K. Smith’s podcast “The Slowdown”
When author Megan Willome needs an afternoon pick-me-up, she cues up ‘The Slowdown’ with U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith.
Poetry Prompt: Five Senses Poems
Join author Callie Feyen as she hunts for spring with a group of second graders. Then get your own senses kindled and respond with a poem!
National Poetry Month: Tony Hoagland and the Body + Group Poetry Dare
Poems, perhaps more especially now the ones that talk about bodies, have the means to calm and they make me grateful, like Hoagland, “for the lives I / never have to live again.”
Making a Life With Poetry, Together
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By Heart: Emily Dickinson + New “Lake Isle of Innisfree” Challenge
Even after spending a month with Dickinson and her unnamed dog (there is an unnamed dog in Sendak’s story too), I still don’t know what the poem means. And I did not go looking for an interpretation of it. I simply enjoyed the poem, dashes and all, says Megan Willome.
“Twirl” Book Club: On Writing—Dear Mr. Henshaw
In the final meeting of the ‘Twirl’ Book Club, we remember that writers are made, not born. Mostly.
Smiles, Laughter & Joys: Humor Me Poetry Prompt
What happens when two authors who publish within days of each other find themselves celebrating at the same local hangout? Lots of laughter, thanks to great friends.
Libraries, Literacy and Love: Passing Books Across Generations
From teaching to sharing treasured books with her grandchildren, Mary Van Denend finds libraries — and love — at the heart of literacy.
“Twirl” Book Club: On Stories—Where the Wild Things Are
In the second meeting of the ‘Twirl’ Book Club, we consider how costumes give us the freedom to be wild, bold, free—and even how they can help us come back from a possible undoing.
Smiles, Laughter & Joys: What Joy Feels Like Poetry Prompt
Join author Callie Feyen as she talks with kindergarteners about being frustrated and watches as they head toward joy, balloons in hand.