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May 20, 2022/in Poetry 8-10 Junior/Middle /by Angie Hill
BfK Rating:
BfK 254 May 2022
Reviewer: Ferelith Hordon
ISBN: 978-0711271791
Price: £12.99
Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
Genre: Poetry
Age Range: 8-10 Junior/Middle
Length: 40pp
Buy the Book

Smile Out Loud

Author: Joseph CoelhoIllustrator: Daniel Gray-Barnett

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.

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http://booksforkeeps.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/bfklogo.png 0 0 Angie Hill http://booksforkeeps.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/bfklogo.png Angie Hill2022-05-20 08:00:482022-05-20 08:01:40Smile Out Loud

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