Smile Out Loud

Poetry – poems – are still often seen as esoteric, to be handled with care, presented in hushed tones. Joseph Coelho has a mission to dismiss this stereotype and in partnership with the illustrator, Daniel Gray-Barnett, he sets about this with vigour. These are not ‘serious’ poems – the title alerts one immediately; these are poems designed to make the reader smile – laugh- waddle- play – and finally quietly reflect. Nor are they meant to be read alone (unless you want to); many suggest group participation. They are to be shared. With each poem Joseph supplies suggestions and ideas for performance – and creativity. The poems themselves are not overwhelming or long – never more than a two-page spread, but their forms are varied, even traditional (an ode perhaps – or a villanelle) – but all invite playful engagement and enjoyment. This is helped by Daniel Gray-Barnett’s vigorous illustrations allowing young readers to have a visual experience of the text, encouraging them to take that next step and roar like the child on the page, imagine having tree trunk legs or leap into space. A bold unsaturated palette and well-defined images match the words to create a truly immersive experience. Open this well designed, robust hardback and Wake up with a Smile, Have a Brush with Danger or try that Recipe for This Boy. Go on.