You're a Poet

Introducing young readers to the magic of wordplay and poetry, this collection serves as an engaging guide to creating verse. Led by the delightful character of Piglet, Taylor presents five types of poems, each introduced in a playful, highly-accessible way. The large, square format of the book is perfect for sharing, with each page moving between Piglet’s free-verse adventures and excited reflections on his own poetic creations. After each journey, the narrator steps in to show readers how they, too, can compose a similar poem, making the process inviting and fun.

Taylor’s narrative is simple yet layered with meaning, as Piglet discovers the joy of shaping words from his observations and experiences. The author’s talent for capturing childlike wonder makes this book an inspiring tool for sparking creativity and showing any reader or listener that they, too, can create poetry. Piglet’s journey mirrors the experiences of young readers, presenting poetry as playful and inviting rather than intimidating.

Equally, Usher’s watercolour illustrations complement the text, bringing vibrancy and warmth to Piglet’s world. There are also sweet moments where the illustrator goes beyond embellishment, adding depth to Piglet’s experiences – these often occur on those spreads where poetry exercises and ideas are shared. These moments of love and exploration encourage readers to look closely, inviting them to discover something new with each reading—just like a poem.

The book’s most powerful quality is its ability to demystify poetry, revealing it as a vessel for holding thoughts, emotions, and observations. Taylor gently emphasises that there’s no right or wrong way to write a poem, making it a wonderful tool for inspiring creativity and self-expression. Both instructional and inspiring, this book is an ideal choice for young readers ready to explore the world of poetry, offering them the encouragement to find their own voices and the joy of capturing their unique experiences on paper.