Poetry Pizza

The dedication from the writer at the front of this collection makes it clear what young readers can expect from this volume; lots of mischievous word play and imaginative exaggeration.

The first poem is a further clarification as the writer ponders the list of things he might write about, ranging from the beautiful to the ridiculous or even the annoying.

There are made up words such as, ‘flooble,’ and poems imagining what initials could represent, does BRB stand for ‘Baking Raisin Biscuits?’ or ‘Better Relax Bro?’ We are asked to consider that if eating carrots can help you see in the dark maybe eating a pizza might help you write a poem.

Interspersed are anecdotes about the writer’s brother’s friend and his exaggerations such as solving a Rubik’s cube with his feet. There are longer narrative poems recounting events, for example the well-known classroom joke of being sent for a long ‘weight.’

Football features with a spell for infinite football skills reflecting many aspiring footballers’ desires. The frustrations of being a child are included too with being given false choices, (do you want a bath or shower before your early bed tonight?) And there are warm poems about the importance of hugs. Subject matter goes beyond the personal to climate change with Lights Out and Spell for Nature, considering the plight of polar bears and suggesting taking action to make a difference perhaps by picking up a pen.

There is further encouragement for readers to get started as poets themselves with space at the back of the book to make their own list of things to write about.

With lively illustrations this is an engaging varied first collection for older children from poet, performer and National Poetry Day ambassador Simon Mole.