A happy, lovely May to you! And hello new readers--thanks for coming along to make friends with poetry, whether for yourself or the young people in your world--kids, grandkids or students.
The greens are all greening here in Seattleland along with the purples and yellows, all bursting like fireworks. It is a beautiful time of year (except for all my allergy sneezing!) a gift from the rains of winter.
Golden Chain tree and purple rhododendron in our backyard
This Month-3 Poetic Books to Read this Summer
Each time I write to Subscribers or share on my blog I want to offer inspiration, information and how-to's to help readers Make Friends with Poetry. This month is no different--but instead of featuring a fun new homeschool lesson or poetry inspiration, I'm sharing three inspiring, poetic books that are a feast for the eyes and the heart. Or you can jump to the end of this email and click on the pink button that will take you to some super helpful poetry resources. Wink.
Galahad and the Grail-an Epic Poem, The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse-a winsome fable and Dear Miss Tickle-a poetry picture book for kids (and grown-ups!)
Book 1: Galahad and the Grail
The first selection I highly recommend for your summer reading is Galahad and the Grail by British priest-turned-poet Malcolm Guite. The book was recently released by The Rabbit Room, featuring artwork by Stephen Crotts and is the first in Malcolm's four-book project, a true epic told in ballad form.
Guite's Galahad is an epic retelling of the Arthurian legend surrounding the quest for the Holy Grail, the chalice Christ once drank from at The Last Supper. Tales of the founding of England are shot through with the legend of the Holy Grail and its fabled arrival in Glastonbury, England, by none other than Joesph of Arimathea.
What is a Legend, Anyway?
Legend, from the Latin, "Things to be Read" (Legenda). Originally, these were specifically curated readings for the church or monastery, functioning as lessons. And while some Christian traditions treat many legends with caution or prefer to stick closely to canonical Scripture, historically, these stories served as a "tapestry of memory" meant to inspire awe and devotion. Even when legends blended historical fact with embellishment, they were used to illustrate deeper spiritual and theological truths, such as God's providence and the triumph of good over evil." Thank you, Internet.
Christian writers such as C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and George MacDonald all used allegory, metaphor and myth to carry deep spiritual meanings through the images in their stories. The tales of Narnia, the Hobbit and MacDonald's 'Princess' books all reflect this. Not necessarily 'legends' but stories that reflect the 'baptized imagination' of Christian writers weaving Truth with a capital 'T' in their stories.
A Christ-centered King Arthur
We Americans have been schooled in all things King Arthur via the commercial and cultural approach of Hollywood--think Disney's animated Sword in the Stone (1963) or Warner Brothers' 'Camelot' film patterned after the stage play of the same name. (1967 and 1960, respectively.) Or maybe you had the pleasure as I did of reading T.H. White's Once and Future King (1958 edition) in high school. These film, play and written offerings only scratched the surface of the complete story of the legend of King Arthur and his Knights.
The tale of the quest for the Holy Grail is a metaphor of all the quests Christians undertake to seek God's Kingdom. Guite's Galahad redeems the Grail legend, reflected in this volume of his retelling. He 'takes up the tale' of King Arthur and his Knights by remembering, literally 'putting back together' the original golden thread of meaning woven with rich theological and spiritual images throughout.
In Malcolm's own words, "My aim is to make a poem that restores the spiritual elements that have been shorn away and renews their deepest meaning." From the Appendix, Galahad and the Grail, p. 318
Galahad's in Audio, but oh, the Book!
I became enthralled with Malcolm's storytelling during the Pandemic when he began his "Spell in the Library" channel on YouTube; many hundreds of viewers across the world became enchanted by his poetry readings at the same time as he recited and read everything from Shakespeare and Milton to C.S. Lewis' Narnia stories and selections from The Hobbit. Because of this, I couldn't wait to hear Malcolm read Galahad out loud.
The audio did not disappoint. However, Malcolm's British accent aside (like listening to Meryl Streep...he could read the phone book for all I care!) there were too many passages that made me pause and wish I had the actual page to look at and underline and circle; I needed the actual book. When the book arrived recently in the mail I was overjoyed. The volume is a beauty to behold.
Artist Stephen Crotts' frontispiece illustration, 'in a woodcut idiom' (the artist's own words)
The Best Kind of Read-Aloud
Galahad and the Grail is definitely a book to be read aloud to yourself or to your kids, an epic ballad that begs the rhythmic melody the words demand. Which is why this is a book for grown-ups AND children. Mind you, I'm still working through the introduction and the notes, admiring illustrations and savoring along the way. But reading will soon commence!
Malcolm himself urges this read-aloud practice, as he writes in 'A Note from the Poet' in the books opening:
I suggest that the best experience of this poem is to be had when it is read out loud, heard in the ear and tasted on the tongue, rather than merely gazed at upon the page...that physicality of sound and breath and speech is what it's made for.
-Galahad and the Grail, p. xvii.
Reading Galahad and the Grail out loud this summer to your family-or yourself! is a great way to make friends with poetry.
Book 2: The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse
Charles Mackesy ('mac a see') is a remarkably gifted British artist and illustrator who originally shared his creative thoughts of this foursome's journey via Instagram during England's lockdown. The posts became a book and voila! It has touched thousands of people around the world. Although this heartwarming fable is not anchored in Scripture, the story and message reverberate with the heart of Jesus.
One might assume The Boy, the Mole, The Fox and the Horse is a book for children. It is not; my daughter in law showed me her copy last year and I was enchanted by the illustrations and drawn in by each small yet powerful line in the story. I purchased a copy for myself and a friend immediately.
"Nothing beats kindness," said the horse. "It sits quietly beyond all things."
The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse is a book for people ages 8-80 and as a friend said recently, "The truths are very truthy in it." Mackesy's short animated film by the same name won an Academy Award, moving audiences around the world. Consider this slim, beautiful volume as a gift for a graduate or a soon-to-be wed couple. The quiet yet powerful words will carry them far.
Book 3: Dear Miss Tickle-Poetry and Art for the Young at Heart
Marcia Lynch is very gifted; in a previous life she was a children’s film editor, crafting live-action fairy tales for PBS. In addition to writing, she’s a mean knitter/crocheter, so she chose ‘Incogknito Press” as her publishing imprint. So clever.
I had a very small part in helping Marcia bring this delightful book into the world and I'm so very glad she did. She combines whimsical original watercolors and photography with her wise and witty rhymes. Here's my review on Amazon that sums up everything you need to know about 'Dear Miss Tickle.'
“Marcia N. Lynch's debut poetry picture book is positively stunning. Original artwork featuring both watercolors and photos of crafted creatures accompany these whimsical, rhyming verses.
Children will enjoy the illustrations and the sound of rhyme and meter as they read to themselves or a parent or grandparent reads to them, but don't be surprised if said grandparent or parent is moved, too. Many of the poems are inspired by scripture, and particularly creative in parsing out creation in an imaginative way. Can a giraffe wear a bowtie? What would a seahorse say to a horse? And how is a hen like God?"
Homeschool parents, grandparents and those who love to read to kiddos should check out Dear Miss Tickle.
So, there you have it. Three great books to add to your summer reading list--for yourself and your children (or grandchildren). Do let me know what's in your Summer To Be Read bookstack. All you need do is hit 'Reply' and send me an email.
And while you're making friends with poetry, remember you can find a wealth of FREE resources on my website, like:
How to Write a Poem with Pictures
How to use ‘Jabberwocky’ to teach reading, grammar & vocabH
How to use ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’ to write a Rhyming poem
Malcolm's Galahad and the Grail is available via the Rabbit Room Store here. His delightful YouTube channel, A Spell in the Library is available via this link, taking you to his launch day celebration and so much more. Mackesy's The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse and Marcia's Dear Miss Tickle are both available via Bookshop (choose my friend Shawn Smucker's store as your Bookstore!) or Amazon.
Thank you, friends for coming along to Make Friends with Poetry.
Until next time,
Jody
PS New readers who want to find out more about my work online and in print, including my poetry books and a list of my 5 Favorite Things, can visit my website HERE.
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Jody Lee Collins
I am a retired educator with over 20 years in the classroom, including 5 years working with Special Needs kids. I’m also an author, poet and Nana of six with a heart for helping parents, teachers and homeschoolers introduce children to poetry. Click on the links below for my website where you'll find Free Resources like curated poetry lists and how-to's. Also be sure SUBSCRIBE for monthly poems and inspiration. When I'm not at my desk writing or reading I enjoy spending time with my children and grandchildren. My husband and I call the Seattle area home where we marvel at the birds and mess about in our garden.
