Poetry Friday: Mary Ann Hoberman

Mary Ann Hoberman was one of the names bandied about (by bloggers)  for the recent Children's Poet Laureate title, but that went to Jack Prelutsky.  Hoberman's first book for children, All My Shoes Come in Twos, was published almost fifty years ago, and her latest, I'm Going to Grandma's, sees print next spring, with many books in between. That's a remarkable career.

So, today I thought others might like to read some of Hoberman's work at her web site. I especially liked "To Make a Garden": "To make a garden, all you need/Is just a single simple seed." And speaking of gardens, I want to go live at Mary Ann Hoberman's house. Just look at her own gardens. Beautiful.

Liz at A Chair, A Fireplace and A Tea Cozy has a cool post and a list of everyone participating in Poetry Friday today.

Comments

[Elaine M.]

Yes, I agree! Mary Ann Hoberman has had a remarkable career.
Hoberman was one of my top two picks for Children's Poet Laureate. The other was Karla Kuskin. Both of these women have been publishing delightful children's poetry for many decades. They have both been recognized for their work with the National Council of Teachers of English Award in Excellence in Poetry for Children. They, too, are masters of meter and rhyme like Jack Prelutsky. And I believe they have shown more depth and range in their published works than the new laureate of children's poetry.

[Susan]

Elaine, Karla Kuskin's book "The Philharmonic Gets Dressed" is one of my all-time favorites, and I just "discovered" it last year. I'll have to read more of her (and Mary Ann Hoberman's) poetry. I do like Prelutksy, too. Thanks for dropping by!

[Elaine M.]

Unfortunately, many of Kuskin's poetry books are now out of print. Fortunately, HarperCollins published MOON, HAVE YOU MET MY MOTHER?: THE COLLECTED POEMS OF KARLA KUSKIN in 2003. Two other Kuskin books I highly recommend are ANY ME I WANT TO BE and ROAR AND MORE, her first book of poems that was published 50 years ago.

[Susan]

Thank you for those suggestions. That's great!

[Gregory K.]

I had the good fortune of being able to see Mary Ann Hoberman do two classroom visits. They were amazing. Besides great poetry, she included the kids in the activities in so many ways. They were engaged, charmed, laughing, intent, and learning without knowing it. And bottom line is that everyone had a blast. I scurried off to write notes, but the truth is that she simply "has it" and that's not learnable!

[Elaine M.]

Susan & Greg,

One of Mary Ann Hoberman's books that had been out of print has been reissued in paperback: THE LLAMA WHO HAD NO PAJAMA. It is a wonderful collection of 100 of her most popular poems. FATHERS, MOTHERS, SISTERS, BROTHERS: A COLLECTION OF FAMILY POEMS--a Reading Rainbow Book--is also available in paperback. And you won't want to miss her delightful new series of three YOU READ TO ME, I'LL READ TO YOU books illustrated by Michael Emberly.

Here's to poetry and all those who share it with children!

[Susan]

Gregory K., what a fun experience. Elaine, more good books to share. Great!