We are exactly one month away from celebrating the book birthday of one of the late Lee Bennett Hopkins’ final children’s poetry anthologies, Night Wishes (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers), and Kirkus loves it– calling the book, “A gentle, comforting ticket to beddy-bye — and good dreams.”
The premise of this collection is that as a child prepares to fall asleep, the inanimate objects in his/her room all say good night, each in their own particular way. I’m very proud to be able to join these esteemed folks as a contributor:
Rebecca Kai Dotlich
Jude Mandell
Prince Redcloud
Alice Schertle
Joyce Sidman
Eileen Spinelli
Irene Latham
Lee Bennett Hopkins
Nikki Grimes
Deborah Ruddell
Darren Sardelli
Renee LaTulippe
I’m also proud of the fact that Eerdmans chose to spotlight my poem, “Pillow,” with my friend Rebecca Kai Dotlich’s poem, “Bed,” on their recent Eerdlings blog post!
Bed
Rebecca Kai Dotlich
Climb in, child.
Climb in.
Cuddle into thoughts
of things you did today…
(continue reading HERE)
As you read both poems, bear in mind that Rebecca and I never spoke to one another about our poems or process…and yet notice how remarkably seamless they are, flowing from one to the other. (We even both address the reader as “child”)
If you enjoy the poems, I hope you’ll pre-order your copy now! And for all of today’s poetry links and fun, head over to Nix the Comfort Zone, where Molly Hogan is hosting today’s Poetry Friday roundup with the comfort zone of a snail and the discomfort being felt by many fellow Mainers about the impending possible demise of their only state area code, 207. (That’s right – only one area code, and they may lose it!)
Did you know that Radio, Rhythm & Rhyme is one of the TOP 20 children’s poetry blogs, according to FEEDSPOT? That’s right – I’m scratching my head, too! FEEDSPOT is an app that allows you to combine all your favorite news feeds, podcasts, YouTube channels, etc. into ONE newsletter. Be sure to check it out!
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I continue adding to my “Wit & Wordplay” videos ! These videos were created for parents and educators (along with their kids) to learn how to write poetry, appreciate it, and have fun with it. From alliteration and iambs to free verse and spine poetry, I’m pretty sure there’s something in these videos you’ll find surprising! You can view them all on my YouTube channel, and if you have young kids looking for something to keep busy with, I also have several downloadable activity sheets at my website.
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Coming Spring 2021! Pre-orders are available:
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Ordering personalized signed copies online?
Oh, yes, you can!
You can purchase personalized signed copies of Flashlight Night, (Boyds Mills Press, 2017), Don’t Ask a Dinosaur (Pow! Kids Books, 2018), and nearly ALL of the books or anthologies I’ve been part of!
Just click the cover of whichever book you want and send the good folks at MainStreet BookEnds in Warner, NH a note requesting the signature and to whom I should make it out to. (alternatively, you can log onto my website and do the same thing) They’ll contact me, I’ll stop by and sign it, and then they’ll ship it! (Plus, you’ll be supporting your local bookseller – and won’t that make you feel good?)
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Thank you to everyone for your support!
- NY Public Library’s “100 Best Book for Kids 2017” AND “Staff Pick!”
- KIRKUS Starred review!
- Kansas NEA Reading Circle Recommended Books!
- “Best Reads of 2017,” Unleashing Readers
- Finalist, 2019 New Hampshire Literary Awards
- Positive reviews from Horn Book, School Library Connection, School Library Connection, Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, and Shelf-Awareness!
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.- “Rollicking rhyme!” – Booklist
- “A wild romp!” – Parenting NH Magazine
- “Cute…intriguing…4 out of 5 stars” – Tulsa Book Review
- “Rhythmic…funny and informative” – Unleashing Readers
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Did you like this post? Find something interesting elsewhere in this blog? I really won’t mind at all if you feel compelled to share it with your friends and followers!
Congratulations, Matt. Your poem is a creative flight of your imagination with just the right touch for a bedtime read aloud.
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Thank you so much, Carol!
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The book, which I’ve pre-ordered, sounds like the sweetest book from Lee, from all of you, Matt. I love your and Rebecca’s poems. What fun it will be to read them at a child’s bedtime. Thanks!
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Thanks, Linda – I can’t wait to read all the poems, myself!
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Looking forward to this book, Matt! I just preordered it.”Pillow” is the perfect invitation for any child (even grown ones) to lose themselves in sweet dreams.
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Thanks so much, Rose – glad you liked it!
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Congratulations, Matt! Your poem and Rebecca’s are perfect companions. This book looks like a delightfully warm and cozy bedtime read, and what a wonderful invitation you’ve shared with children to embark upon adventures.
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Thank you, Molly! I initially had thought about writing something completely different, but I’m glad I went in this direction.
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Congratulations! What a great opportunity to be part of this. Loved your’s and Rebecca’s poems, perfect for bedtime.
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Thank you. Janice!
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Hooray! Congrats, Matt. And, what a gorgeous cover on this anthology. Can’t wait.
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From what I’ve seen so far, the entire book will be just as beautiful. Thanks, Linda!
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What lovely invitations to the reader! I love how closely yours and Rebecca’s align. Beautiful!
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Thanks, Laura! Yes, I was delightfully surprised when I read her poem and saw how perfectly they segued from one to another.
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