Welcome, everyone. You’re in the right place! Poetry Friday is here, February 3, 2023. Never heard of Poetry Friday? Let Renee La Tulippe explain.
Please add your links in the comments. I will be rounding up the old fashioned way.
But before we get to that, lets talk about the magic of found families. I love stories where makeshift families come together to love and support one another. They are a part of the charm of The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate and A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga (my current middle grade read).
So I was enchanted from the moment I opened Laura Purdie Salas’ upcoming picture book, Finding Family: The Duckling Raised by Loons — the true story of a mallard duckling adopted by a loon pair. On the inside flap, these words greeted me:
gliding through rippling stripes of pine, maple, and aspen, the unlikely family sails the lake.
Pre-order at Bookshop.org.
Laura has told this story in spare, poetic free verse filled with sound-play and the calls of lake creatures.
Mother and father loon guard the nest that rests in the shadow of the tamarack. Bald eagles patrol the sky. They spy, shriek, and swoop.
When one egg is lost, the loon parents “hover over one scruffy yellowish chick.” As the days go by, it’s clear that this chick is not a loon at all. She is a duckling, who takes to her loon parents’ ways like … a duck to water!
Mother and Father dive down, rise up with fish. Duckling snatches the tiny silver silvers. Mallarads don't eat minnows or take food from their parents... but Duckling does.
Watch the book trailer for a sneak peek at the interior art and a photograph of the real life family that inspired Finding Family.
This sweet story is Laura’s first narrative nonfiction picture book. It’s a beautiful read-aloud for families of every stripe, spot, and feather.
Laura was kind enough to share some links and resources to go with Finding Family:
- Finding Family on Laura’s website (teaching guide coming soon!)
- Finding Family as a SEL book
- Meet the Author of Finding Family audio
- Venn diagram activity sheet
- Buffy Silverman blog post
- 3 Questions with Mr. Schu
- Kirkus review
- The Loon Project blog posts about the loon-mallard family
This Week’s Poetry Friday Link-up
Interviews
At Alphabet Soup, Jama has an interview with Andrea Potos about her new poetry collection, Her Joy Becomes.
Announcements
Robyn Hood Black has a haiku in the new issue of bottle rockets, and shows off her birthday crown: http://www.robynhoodblack.com/blog/posts/42258
Matt Forrest Esenwine has news about school visits, World Read Aloud Day, and shares a poem from his past: https://wp.me/p2DEY3-3nJ
Original Poems
Linda Mitchell responds to Catherine’s challenge to write about a time when an activity took up all your attention. Check out her post and poem ‘Flow is Wolf Spelled Backwards.’ https://awordedgewiselindamitchell.blogspot.com/
Janice Scully shares two February poems at http://Janicescully.com
Michelle Kogan is celebrating “Mid Winter” with a poem and some music. She says “for all those in cold climates–perhaps it’ll soothe whatever can use soothing”: https://moreart4all.wordpress.com/2023/02/02/poetry-friday-mid-winter/
Kay McGriff introduces us to her “newish” dog with a poem and has a late contribution last week’s cascade poem challenge: https://kaymcgriff.edublogs.org/2023/02/02/poetry-friday-meet-lucky-pup/
At Teacher Dance, Linda Baie shares Poetry Friday postcards and her own haiku for all of us who love snail mail. https://www.teacherdance.org/2023/02/poetryfriday-love-my-mail.html
Alan J. Wright discovered a J. Patrick Lewis invented form — Careerhymes! He shares one of these light verse gems by Lewis and a careerhyme of his own.
Catherine Flynn is getting cozy with a poem about knitting! https://readingtothecore.com/2023/02/02/poetry-friday-string-theory/
Bridget Magee introduces us to her my new poetry series, “Camera Roll 23: Nothing Gets Under My Skin,” (23 words about a picture on my phone’s camera roll).
http://www.weewordsforweeones.com/2023/02/camera-roll-23-nothing-gets-under-my.html
Marcie Flinchum Atkins is in with a haiku and a post about her word for 2023, NOTICE. https://www.marcieatkins.com/2023/02/03/poetry-friday-noticing-nature/
Patricia J. Franz explores color and light in a crossover with her Spiritual Thursday post.
Over at The Poem Farm today, Amy Ludwig VanDerwater has a wintry poem — a box full of snow and a couple of writing ideas.
You’ll find more snowy verses in the form of a new ArtSpeak forgiveness poem at Irene Latham’s blog. https://irenelatham.blogspot.com/2023/02/forgiveness-poem.html
Rose Cappelli is writing is about the beauty and wonder of a church’s stained glass windows, inspired by poet Margaret Simon.
Speaking of Margaret Simon, today she is sharing a poem draft about the writing process and loss. https://reflectionsontheteche.com/2023/02/03/poetry-friday-blocks-to-flow/
At My Juicy Little Universe, Heidi Mordhorst is responding to Catherine Flynn’s invitation to flow: https://myjuicylittleuniverse.blogspot.com/2023/02/all-hail-csikszentmihalyi.html
More flow poetry from Mary Lee Hahn, who is also sharing a response to Catherine’s challenge for the Inklings: https://ayearofreading.org/2023/02/03/poetry-friday-the-joy-of-making/
An original poem AND an announcement from Karen Edmisten — it’s her 39th wedding anniversary!
http://karenedmisten.blogspot.com/2023/02/poetry-friday-thirty-nine-years-wishing.html
Carol Varsalona shares, “I am filled with thoughts of a Disney family vacation, something I wished for with the grandgirls for a few years. My post with several image poems and links to prior blogs about this trip are at https://beyondliteracylink.blogspot.com/2023/02/poetry-friday-wishes.html“
Jone MacCulloch is participating in my February Poetry Project. Check out two of her poems in response to this year’s theme: STORY. https://www.jonerushmacculloch.com/blog/poetry-friday-week-5-poems-from-prompts
At Nix the Comfort Zone, Inkling participant Molly Hogal has a flow poem. https://nixthecomfortzone.com/2023/02/03/almost-forgot-to-flow/
Featured Poetry Books
Laura Purdie Salas is featuring Lydia Lukidis and her new book Deep, Deep Down: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench. https://laurasalas.com/poems-for-teachers/lydia-lukidis-and-deep-deep-down-poetry-friday/
Poems We Love
At The Opposite of Indifference, Tabatha is celebrating Saint Brigid’s Day with a poem by Emily Hancock. (P.S. from Laura — There’s a beautiful podcast episode about Brigid of Kildaire at What’s Her Name: Stories of Fascinating Women You’ve Never Heard of.)
At There is no such thing as a God-forsaken town, Ruth shares “Feather” by Lew R. Sarett, along with a French song that Ruth translated for us!
The book sounds charming!! Thanks for the sneak peek (can’t believe it’s Laura’s first narrative nonfiction pb, though).
This week at Alphabet Soup, I’m sharing an interview with Andrea Potos about her new poetry collection, Her Joy Becomes.
https://jamarattigan.com/2023/02/03/chatting-with-andrea-potos-about-her-joy-becomes/
Thanks for hosting!!
Jama, I know! I was kind of shocked to realize this too :>D But I tend to write survey/expository books, so…
It *is* charming! Thanks for stopping by, Jama.
I was enchanted by the idea for this book the first time I saw it – it will be adored by SO many, & bring comfort, too. Marvelous! Congratulations, Laura P.S. – beautiful work!!
And thank YOU, Laura Shovan, for rounding us all up today.
I’m in with a haiku in the new issue of bottle rockets, and a birthday crown. ;0)
http://www.robynhoodblack.com/blog/posts/42258
Thank you so much, Robyn!
You’re welcome, Robyn. Congratulations on your publication!
How beautiful! I love that book trailer. As part of a found-human family, I’m drawn to stories like this. Thanks for shining a light on this newest one! And, what great links…this book is a winner already.
I’m in this week with a version of Cathrine’s challenge to write about a time when an activity took up all your attention. My post and poem are ‘Flow is Wolf Spelled Backwards.’ I’m looking forward to a weekend of poetry reading. Thank you, friends. https://awordedgewiselindamitchell.blogspot.com/
Thanks, Linda <3 I'm hoping this book will really resonate with families that include adoption, fostering, or choosing.
Ack! Now I can’t unsee “Flow is Wolf Spelled Backwards.” How cool is that?!
(Me tooooo!)
Aroooooo!
What a sweet and inspiring story of an unusual family. Thanks for the review of Laura’s new book. I posted two February poems at http://Janicescully.com
Thank you, Janice :>)
Thanks for chiming in, Janice!
Thanks for this rich review of Laura’s new Loon family book! I love all the links you’ve included and especially the book trailer–all looks delightful and intriguing! Fun to hear about the additional found family books too. Thanks for hosting us all this week Laura!
I’m sharing a poem and some music on “Mid Winter,’ and for all those in cold climates–perhaps it’ll soothe whatever can use soothing: https://moreart4all.wordpress.com/2023/02/02/poetry-friday-mid-winter/
Thanks, Michelle!
Thanks, Michelle. It is Brrrcold today in Maryland.
Thanks for hosting and for sharing Laura’s new book. It looks delightful. I’m sharing a poem about our newish dog (and a late contribution to the cascade poems from last week).
https://kaymcgriff.edublogs.org/2023/02/02/poetry-friday-meet-lucky-pup/
Thanks for reading, Kay!
Congratulations on the new(is) dog, Kay!!
Oh, animals are so amazing. Laura’s book sounds and looks very sweet. Thanks for sharing Laura S.! I’m sharing more wonderful postcards from PF friends & a poem, too. Thanks much for hosting! https://www.teacherdance.org/2023/02/poetryfriday-love-my-mail.html
They are, aren’t they? And so much more likeable than many humans! Thanks, Linda.
Thanks, Linda. I love this tradition in our PF community.
Thank you for hosting Laura, and for providing an extensive preview of Laura Salas’s new book. The fact that it is based on a true story, adds further to its appeal.
I am grateful to Laura for alerting me the poetry of J Patrick Lewis last week. I have discovered another light verse form he invented and have explored further into it. What fun!
https://alanjwrightpoetrypizzazz.blogspot.com/2023/02/careerhymes-light-verse-rhyme.html
Thanks, Alan. It was such a challenge not to make up anything when the family was only observed on 6 occasions! And I’m happy to have introduced you to Pat. He’s brilliant–one of my favorite children’s poets (though he writes for adults, too).
Thanks for sharing such a clever poetic form with us, Alan!
[…] today’s Poetry Friay roundup, please visit my friend Laura Shovan’s blog where she shares a review of our mutual friend Laura Purdie Salas’ upcoming new picture book, […]
I’ve been seeing so much about this book, I’m so happy for Laura! (And congrats to you on YOUR new book, as well, which I’ll be reviewing!)
Thanks for hosting, Laura. Today I’m sharing news about school visits, World Read Aloud Day, and a favorite, personal poem from my past: https://wp.me/p2DEY3-3nJ
Thanks, Matt! With 3 books to promote this spring, I’ve gone all in. :>| But…hoping they’ll find readers…
Thanks, Matt. Appreciations!
Thank you so much, Laura! I just walked in the door from several days of out of town school visits. Be back to check in tomorrow. Meanwhile, I’m featuring Lydia Lukidis and her new book Deep, Deep Down: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench. https://laurasalas.com/poems-for-teachers/lydia-lukidis-and-deep-deep-down-poetry-friday/ Thanks for rounding up and for featuring Finding Family! <3
This sounds like an exciting book! Can’t wait to check it out.
Hi Laura! Thanks for hosting and for sharing LPS’s heartwarming book 🙂 I have a Saint Brigid’s Day poem: https://tabathayeatts.blogspot.com/
Tabatha! In the post, I shared a podcast episode about Brigid of Kildaire. Fascinating story.
Thanks, Tabatha :>)
Hi, Laura! Thank you for hosting this week and for giving us a peek into Laura Purdie Salas’s new book! I can’t wait to get a copy for my grandchildren! Today I’m sharing a poem about knitting.
https://readingtothecore.com/2023/02/02/poetry-friday-string-theory/
Thanks for reading, Tabatha!
You know I love anything knitting related, Catherine!
This looks so good! Thank you for hosting, Laura!
Here’s my post: https://thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com/2023/02/poetry-friday-feather.html
Thank you, Ruth! (It was an amazing event.)
Thanks for being part of the link-up, Ruth.
So excited to read Laura’s latest (or one of the three!). Thanks for the sneak peek, Laura – and for hosting.
Here is my post (live in approx 30 minutes):
https://patriciajfranz.com/poetry-friday-color-and-light/
Thank you, Patricia :>)
Thanks, Patricia!
Yay for FINDING FAMILIES! Yay for found families! Yay for Laura!
And thank you, Laura for hosting! 🙂
I’m in with the first post of my new poetry series, Camera Roll 23: Nothing Gets Under My Skin.
(23 words about a picture on my phone’s camera roll).
http://www.weewordsforweeones.com/2023/02/camera-roll-23-nothing-gets-under-my.html
(I’m pretty sure I got the comments section to work again…fingers crossed.)
Thanks, Bridget! And yay for you and the new forms you embrace!
You’re welcome, Bridget. Oh, I hope the comments are working on your blog now!
Thank you for hosting! I’m looking forward to reading Laura’s book very soon!
I’m in with a haiku and a post about some little ways I’m trying to notice nature since NOTICE is my word of the year. https://www.marcieatkins.com/2023/02/03/poetry-friday-noticing-nature/
Thank you, Marcie–hope you enjoy it!
“Sometimes the family you find is the family you need.” What a warm, true, and beautiful book, full of the gentle wisdom our world needs. Thank you to both of you wonderful Lauras for continuing to bring such goodness to the world.
Over at The Poem Farm today, I offer a box full of snow and a couple of writing ideas.
xo, Amy
Thank you, Amy. You’re my personal hero of gentle wisdom, so that means a lot!
[…] has the roundup today here where you’ll find a sneak peek at Laura Purdie Salas’ soon-to-be-released book Finding […]
Thanks, Laura! I’m lucky to have a galley copy of Finding Family ready to review. It’s such a heartfelt story.
My post today is about the beauty and wonder of a church’s stained glass windows, inspired by fellow poet Margaret Simon.
https://imaginethepossibilitiesblog.wordpress.com/2023/02/03/poetry-friday-stained-glass/
Thanks, Rose. Ooh, I love stained glass!
Such a great story, and Laura’s execution is exquisite! Thanks, Laura, for sharing. I’ve got snow on my mind…and a new ArtSpeak forgiveness poem. https://irenelatham.blogspot.com/2023/02/forgiveness-poem.html Appreciate you hosting! xo
Thanks so much, Irene!
I have an ARC of this book and am enjoying reading it to my students. I need to post about it. You did such a lovely and thorough job. My two Lauras side by side. Thanks for hosting.
Today I have a confession about my not-so-flowing writing: https://reflectionsontheteche.com/2023/02/03/poetry-friday-blocks-to-flow/
Thank you, Margaret! I read it aloud to students for the very first time on Tuesday. 4th-6th graders, and I had them repeat “Nobody knows” and “But Duckling does.” It felt lovely to share it!
Who can resist a “raised by loons/wolves/baboons” story? And why is that? It’s because we all want reminders that we’ll be taken in, accepted, nurtured, even across manifest differences. This is a book that looks like it’s for 3-8 year olds, but really it’s for all of us! I’m responding today to Catherine Flynn’s invitation to flow: https://myjuicylittleuniverse.blogspot.com/2023/02/all-hail-csikszentmihalyi.html Thanks for hosting from wherever you are!
Oh, Heidi, I love your comment. Right to the heart of the matter. Thank you.
This is a book so needed right now. It’s going to make all kinds of difference in the lives of young (and old!) readers! What a perfect message for these times.
I’m in with a response to Catherine’s challenge for the Inklings: https://ayearofreading.org/2023/02/03/poetry-friday-the-joy-of-making/
Thank you, Mary Lee–exactly what I’m hoping!
Thanks for hosting, Laura, and for highlighting Laura’s new book, which looks completely charming! ❤️
I’m in this week with an original poem. The link is here:
http://karenedmisten.blogspot.com/2023/02/poetry-friday-thirty-nine-years-wishing.html
Thanks, Laura!
Thank you, Karen!
Laura, thank you for hosting and reviewing Laura Purdi Salas’ fabulous new book. It is a beautiful story that goes beyond the narrative. It is a tender story filled with gorgeous photos. I do have the arc and just fell in love with it. I am filled with thoughts of a Disney family vacation, something I wished for with the grandgirls for a few years. My post with several image poems and links to prior blogs about this trip are at https://beyondliteracylink.blogspot.com/2023/02/poetry-friday-wishes.html.
Thanks, Carol!
[…] for lots of wonderful poetry, don’t miss this week’s Poetry Friday Roundup with poet Laura Shovan! So excited that she’s sharing one of my new picture […]
Laura, thanks for your lovely review of FINDING FAMILY! It’s always extra heartening when a poet friend has good things to say. I really appreciate your time and enthusiasm <3
Happy to share your wonderful book, Laura. In fact, I had coffee with a friend whose two children are adopted this morning and told her all about Finding Family!
What a story. I always love Laura’s books and her spare words. I am sharing two of my poems from the prompts this week:
https://www.jonerushmacculloch.com/blog/poetry-friday-week-5-poems-from-prompts
Thank you for hosting.
Thanks, Jone!
Thank you, Jone <3
Hi Laura, Thanks so much for hosting this week and for a delightful peek into Laura Purdie Salas’s enchanting book. What a treat to enjoy on this very, very cold winter’s night! I’m in with a last minute response to our monthly Inkling challenge. https://nixthecomfortzone.com/2023/02/03/almost-forgot-to-flow/
Hi, Molly! Oof — 11 degrees in Maryland this morning.
Thanks, Molly!
Thank you so much for highlighting Laura’s book. Ordering now to read to my first & second grade friends.
Thanks so much, Susan! I hope y’all enjoy it! I just read it aloud with kids for the very first time on a school visit last week. I was reading it with 4th-6th graders, and I had them repeat (in a hushed tone) “Nobody knows.” And, more upbeat: “But Duckling does!” It was so lovely to share it!
Thanks, Susan!