Aloud in My Head

Description

Aloud in My Head

Children’s poets discuss a poem each

edited by JonArno Lawson

illustrated by Johnny Hannah

(Walker Books)

In Aloud in My Head, twenty- one children’s poets explain the science behind one of their works. For example, ‘Five Girls’  is inspired by rhymes Carol Ann Duffy’s mother invented for her. Thereafter, she did the same for her daughter, incorporating names they invented or knew.

X.J. Kennedy was perplexed as to which animal he’d include in a verse book he was writing of that subject when it came to the letter I. However he was inspired when reading about an iguana, costumed as an iguanodon for the film ‘One Million B.C.’ This resulted in the poem, ‘Iguana’-  ‘To glue a few fake backfins on/ And play it’s great-grandpappy.’

In addition to motivation for works, we learn about the devices employed. For example JonArno Lawson explains how rhythms, feelings or sounds might initiate a verse, as in his ‘The Octopus and the Seahorse’.

While the response within the feedback is varied, like the styles of poetry, the entire compilation is fascinating. It shows the strength, breadth and possibilities of poetry through every facet of our lives. Like Poems to Live Your Life By the works and responses engage, inspire and inform.