Poetry Comics

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Pub Date Mar 26 2024 | Archive Date Mar 25 2024

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Description

“A poetry-filled graphic novel that is powerful in its simplicity.” Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
 
"Personal but personable, too, with glints of quiet humor.”Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
 
Poetry Comics is . . . a sensorial experience that taps into what it means to be human and leaves you inspired to explore, discover, create, and connect.” —Aron Nels Steinke, Eisner Award-winning cartoonist
 
From the creator of Incidental Comics, Grant Snider, comes a fun and imaginative book that combines poetry and comics in a whole new way. Perfect for poetry lovers and reluctant readers alike.

From the cloud-gazing hours of early spring to the lost bicycles of late autumn, Grant Snider’s brilliantly illustrated Poetry Comics will take you climbing, floating, swimming, and tumbling through all the year’s ups, downs, and in-betweens. He proves that absolutely everything, momentous or minuscule, is worthy of attention, whether snail shells, building blocks, the lamented late bus, or the rare joy of unscuffed shoes. These poems explore everything you never thought to write a poem about, and they’re so fun to read you’ll want to write one yourself. Not to worry, there’s a poem for that, too!

FOR COMIC BOOK FANS: These poems for kids are brightly illustrated in graphic novel-style panels, adding a delightful new element to approaching poetry. Perfect for visually oriented readers and young people who already love comics, cartoons, and graphic novels.

EXCITING NEW APPROACH TO POETRY: Funny, instructive, and thoroughly engaging, this poem book is a perfect addition to classroom libraries and poetry curricula. 

POEMS FOR EVERY SEASON: With sections for winter, spring, summer, and fall, this poetry book offers teachers and kids lots to enjoy and share all year round. 

SPARK A LOVE OF POETRY AND ART: Perfect for classroom writing and drawing prompts, this book will inspire readers of all ages to make and share poetry comics of their own!

Perfect for:
  • Young readers of comics and graphic novels
  • Aspiring poets, writers, and cartoonists
  • Parents and educators seeking a fun and engaging way to introduce kids to poetry
  • Reading and sharing during Poetry Month
  • Readers looking for contemporary additions to classic children's poetry like Shel Silverstein's Where the Sidewalk Ends, Falling Up, and A Light in the Attic
  • Fans of Mary Oliver looking to share an equally contemplative, nature-loving poet with kids
  • Fans of Grant Snider books, including Nothing Ever Happens on a Gray DayWhat Color Is Night?, What Sound Is Morning?, One Boy Watching, and There Is a Rainbow
“A poetry-filled graphic novel that is powerful in its simplicity.” Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
 
"Personal but personable, too, with glints of quiet humor.”Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
 
...

Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781797219653
PRICE $18.99 (USD)
PAGES 96

Available on NetGalley

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Average rating from 46 members


Featured Reviews

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book before publication.

This is just adorable. The artwork is cute, the story is cute, even the topics are cute. This book feels childlike, as though we’re experiencing the daily imagination of a child in these pages. I couldn’t stop thinking about Shel Silverstein while reading because this reminds me of him. There are many differences though, such as color and the layout of the page. I can easily see myself using this in the classroom as an example for visuals with poetry for my artistic students. And I’ll definitely share it with me daughter because I feel it has some important life lessons too.

I like that art was paired with the text. The images bring the words to life.

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Poetry is close to my heart because simple words can touch such fundamental topics and move sometimes a scaled heart. This time, I decided to take upon the book to add two elements to poetry, I would never think about: children's book and graphic novel/comic book. In its simplicity, the author underlines the simple moments of childhood, and the mindfulness of it, and brings charm to mundane tasks through the words and graphics. I love the drawings. Their colors and message helped to understand sometimes complex words. The poetry on its own had an impact and made me think after every page about the essence of life. The whole book is divided into 4 parts to represent each calendar season. For each season, we also get a bonus tip on how to write poetry.

Overall, the book is not only for children but easy to be an amazing gift for an adult who are looking for something to practice their mindfulness and connect to their inner child during their therapeutic journey.

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In diesem Buch werden Gedichte, die hauptsächlich an Kinder gerichtet sind, mit Zeichnungen unterlegt und ergänzt. In vier Abschnitten wird sich jeder Jahreszeit gewidmet sowie den Aktivitäten, denen man in der entsprechenden Jahreszeit nachgeht oder den Gefühlen, die zu dieser Zeit aufkommen. Die Gedichte lenken die Aufmerksamkeit der lesenden Person auf die kleinen Wunder des Alltags, auf wertvolle Momente allein oder mit lieben Menschen und auf Themen, die Kinder und Jugendliche beschäftigen.
Ich empfand die Gedichte als sehr kurzweilig und unterhaltsam, und die passenden Zeichnungen haben dafür gesorgt, dass mir die Inhalte deutlicher in Erinnerung blieben. Neben einigen lustigen Gedichten gab es auch viele, die zum Nachdenken anregen und eine schöne Botschaft an jüngere Menschen senden. Ich kann dieses Buch sehr empfehlen, insbesondere für jüngere Lesende oder Menschen, die mit Gedichten vielleicht noch nicht viel zu tun hatten.

In English:

In this book, poems that are primarily aimed at children are accompanied and supplemented with drawings. There are four sections dedicated to each season and the activities you do during that time of year or the feelings that arise at that time. The poems draw the reader's attention to the small miracles of everyday life, to precious moments alone or with loved ones and to topics that concern children and young people.
I found the poems very entertaining and enjoyable, and the matching drawings ensured that I remembered the content more clearly. As well as some funny poems, there were also many that were thought-provoking and sent a beautiful message to younger people. I highly recommend this book, especially for younger readers or people who may not have had much exposure to poetry.

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This was a decent read. This is a collection of poetry and comics meant for kids. I thought it was a cute read for kids. The comics were great.

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This was cute, short, and sweet, but lacked the depth I've come to know and love from Snider's comics. I've followed his work for a while, so went in with high expectations about comics that explored the meaning of life and creativity in very tangible, kid friendly, and wholesome ways. There were a few comics smattered throughout that really made me sit back and think, but most of it felt like fluff to me. Would make a nice coffee table book but was not super a deep read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

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I adore the way that Grant Snider sees the world. His view is so unique and yet universal at the same time. I loved this book so much. I can't wait to own a physical copy of it to go back and flip through.

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This is good, particularly for younger readers. I was hoping this aimed a bit higher - at upper elementary - but this is a personal quibble for a book that will be a perfect poetry introduction for 3rd and 4th grader readers/writers.

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5 plus
I love this. Each page has a comic with panels that tell a poem/story and it's divided into four chapters, four seasons. I love the one that is to be like a tree, and the ones about worries, and anxiety, the imagination, the dreaming, and the about pretending to be a snail. But I also the Summer and the ones about having fun, enjoying nature, and letting the poetry come from the surroundings to welcome us. I loved all seasons and so many episodes are so relatable, not only to young readers. It's a great book to collect and gift.
Each page could make an awesome motivational and inspirational poster.
Thank you, publisher and Netgalley for this e-arc.

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What a beautiful, fun, and unique book! Little readers are really going to love this. Graphic novels/books are very popular, and meshing poetry and comics is clever! The rollercoaster and life analogy is a great way to describe life's ups and downs for children.

I appreciate the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

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What a cute collection, it really made me long for my childhood. I could see this being the perfect place to start in introducing children to poetry, that sort of literature that they might not be used to yet. The art was cute and wholesome and colorful as you journeyed through the seasons.

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I love how Grant combined poetry with comics throughout the book. This collection is an excellent way to introduce poetry to younger readers. The poems are perfectly complimented by the stunning illustrations. They add so much to each poem. I always love Grant’s books and comics, but this one tops them all.

I highly recommend the collection for both younger and older readers alike. It is an absolute delight.

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This book would be perfect for teaching poetry in school! I'm honestly tempted to get a copy for my class room when it comes out, but I think it might be a bit above my students skill level.

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Yes, yes, the title is self-explanatory. But what isn’t is how a novella-length graphic book of poetry might be a gateway for a reluctant reader to build the confidence to read longer books. Or an introduction to the wonders of poetry for youngsters unenthusiastic about older, more structured poems.

What’s also not obvious is how lovely the poems were and how author Grant Snider’s quirky illustrations were even better than the poems. Like Shel Silverstein’s books, Poetry Comics will delight more than its target audience of kids.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Chronicle Books in exchange for an honest review.

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I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am not a poetry girl. I often just don't get it. And that makes it dull. Poetry meant for kids is often too simple or silly. I just don't care for poetry.

But this book. This book is gorgeous. I loved the poems. I loved the illustrations. I admire how much time, work, and heart this author poured into it. While I was reading I was picturing reading this to my kids at night when I read their regular stories and chapter books. And how much they could get out of just one poem at a time. Not only will I order this for my library collection, I have already preordered it for my home.

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The concept of this book caught my attention but for some reason it's not letting me read it but it's showing up on my shelf. I'd give 5 stars for now but hopefully the error can be fixed later on!

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This is likely the first poetry book I have seen using comic book format and it really works. I'm not a great reader of poetry, but by following the panels and looking at the illustrations, I was slowed down enough to appreciate the words as well. The poems were fun to read, but contained enough depth to be interesting. I will be buying this for my collection and encourage young readers to pick it up, and maybe even try to write their own poetry in this style.

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I'm quite intrigued by this book concept! I'd be very interested in potentially adopting it for my classroom curriculum. Unfortunately, the file I downloaded included only the front and back cover (and no additional content). I'm not sure if it was meant to only be a preview, or if this was an error. It feels wrong to deduct stars for what seems to be an ARC error. I hope this can be fixed.

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Poetry Comics
by Grant Snider
A good teaching resource showing a cross over of comic books and poetry. Showing the simple nature of poems and nature. The child like eye of a young girl and her view of the world make a connection between students and poetry. The Images of the poetic words help the children understand how simple poetry can be connected to life experiences.

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This is a great introduction to poetry for young children.
If you or your child has ever felt bored by poetry books with no pictures, or maybe only one illustration per page, give this one a try. Each line is illustrated with cute pictures that help the reader visualize the narrative imagery. It’s a great idea, really and it was a fun read. This one is not for super young readers, so maybe starting at age five, just so they can understand all the words.
It’s a cute one!
Thank you for the eARC!

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The illustrations were awesome, but we aren't big fans of poetry. Toddler lost interest in me reading quick, but she did enjoy looking at the pictures.

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Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the ARC copy! I loved this poetry collection. Such a sweet and fun combination of poetry and comics. I thought it was organized really well and that the artwork was very cute and captures the feeling of the poems well. I would highly recommend this collection.

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I'm impressed! Not only a well done, fun read with cool comic style illustrations, but it offers up much to think about, It deals with universal human emotions and feelings such as anxiety, ambition, creativity, and the sheer joy (and fears) of living. The cover is very representative of what you'll find within. Look closely. That's the same tree split into four sections, in this case seasons. That is how the book is organized, season by season. According to info shared at the end, Jennifer Tolo Pierce was the designer, so kudos to her. There are even hints about writing poetry (and dealing with what we'll call writer's block).

The poems are deceptively simple but, as I read, I realized how much thought had gone into not just the words but the illustrations, which were done in pen and ink with coloring done by Photo Shop. They perfectly capture not just the universal joys and fears of youth but can be equally applicable to adults reading. I know a few gave me pause, recalling how emotions tended to leap and frolic, rising and falling, occasionally crashing. People everywhere, no matter where or what creed or color, experience the same. Being human is the focus here. Being human and having fun while out and about enjoying nature or stretching your imagination and creativity.

I wound up taking extensive notes, largely for my own benefit, but am opting not to share more than a few highlights here. One per section. In the spring section, the "Becoming" poem hit home, not only recalling the name of a recent Michelle Obama book but reminding us all that we're always evolving, always in the process of becoming. The summer submission that hit home for me was "Roller Coaster", a reminder that the road of life, cliche that it is, isn't always smooth and you will have both high and low moments, not to mention moments that feel like you're endlessly climbing or in a free fall, For fall, the "Autumn ABCs" won me over for it's sheer skill, using an almost sentence like list written in alphabetical order rather than individual items for the various letters. It worked well, too! And, ah, winter. Probably "Into the Woods" reminded me of the old saying about all who wander aren't lost. It notes that sometimes being lost simply means you need to figure out where you're going. Thanks to #NetGalley and #ChronicleBooks for sharing this wonderful book with me early. It's a great reminder of taking time to enjoy where we're at and the world about us and would be a great gift for any age. Teachers will definitely want to add this to their bookshelves.

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There is not enough poetry in the world! This collection is great because, with the combination of words and pictures, it evokes feelings of happiness and nostalgia. This is a great book for young readers to learn to appreciate poetry they can understand.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

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Organized by seasons, this is a collection of poems illustrated line-by-line in comic panels. For kids (and adults) who already know they like poetry, AND for anyone intimidated by it, these poems are often introspective but completely accessible, and provide a brilliant portal to poetry for visual thinkers and learners. I have already talked up this book to teachers and librarians who I'm sure will want this book in their collections! Kids will be inspired.

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'becoming' and 'joy' were my favorite poetry illustrations in the book. wow. reminds me a lot of something my mother used to read to me as a kid. this was a beautiful book that i would recommend to anyone with kids looking to read something a little deeper. a very cute story with amazing illustrations. loved it so much!

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I think this children’s mixed media poetry book is SO wonderful! My daughter is too young for it but I will absolutely buy a physical copy for her. I loved how the poems are easy to read in the comic strips and panels and how the illustrations are simple and add to the poem. I loved how so many poems are rooted in nature and promote a healthy relationship with the outside world through a child’s point of view.

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This was a really cute poem book, it would be good for both Young and older kids. Even some adults would enjoy reading this poem book. It would be a great introduction into poems. The art really goes with each and every poem making it an interesting read. Love the use of things that kids do or feel.

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The is a sweet book that combines poetry and comics in a fun and unique manner. This is a delightful graphic novel that takes the reader though the seasons. Great for all ages.

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A fun and elegant collection of poetry with some whimsical drawings to complement the book. I'm thankful for NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book. I find this collection of poetry can be relaxing for any one of all ages to read and relax after a day of tasks or chores galore. I really enjoyed the series of "How to write a poem," poems most of all. I'd have enjoyed reading this when I was a kid. I really haven't written poetry, but these poems provide creative meditations for any creative activity. The sense of time moving on with each season is also soothing. You could really come back and re read each season throughout the year. I might read and share this article with my young daughter to see what she thinks of this book too.

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Love Snider's art and poetry. Each page is a vignette worthy of framing. Perfect for gifting to anyone who appreciates nature, life, and feeling good.

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Grant Snider's "Poetry Comics" is a delightful exploration of the intersection between visual art and poetry, offering readers a unique and immersive experience that transcends traditional literary boundaries. Through a masterful combination of whimsical illustrations and evocative verse, Snider invites us on a journey through the landscapes of the human heart and mind.

At its core, "Poetry Comics" is a celebration of creativity in its myriad forms. Each page is a canvas upon which Snider paints vivid portraits of emotion and thought, employing a diverse array of artistic techniques to bring his words to life. From playful doodles to intricate pen-and-ink drawings, the illustrations in this book are as varied as the emotions they evoke, capturing the essence of each poem with remarkable clarity and precision.

What sets "Poetry Comics" apart is its accessibility. Snider's poems are deceptively simple, yet they pack a powerful emotional punch, resonating with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether exploring themes of love, loss, or the passage of time, his words possess a timeless quality that transcends the constraints of language and culture.

Moreover, the synergy between Snider's artwork and verse is nothing short of magical. Each illustration serves as a visual companion to the accompanying poem, enhancing its meaning and depth in ways that words alone cannot convey. The result is a seamless fusion of art and text that engages the senses and stirs the imagination, inviting readers to linger over each page and savor its beauty.

While "Poetry Comics" excels in its artistic vision and execution, some readers may find themselves craving a deeper exploration of certain themes. At times, Snider's brevity leaves us yearning for more, longing to delve further into the rich tapestry of human experience hinted at within these pages. However, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise stellar collection.

In conclusion, "Poetry Comics" is a testament to the transformative power of art and language, reminding us of the beauty that lies at the intersection of imagination and expression. Grant Snider's talent shines brightly in this enchanting book, offering readers a glimpse into a world where words and images intertwine to create something truly magical. Whether you're a seasoned poetry aficionado or simply looking for a visual feast for the senses, "Poetry Comics" is sure to delight and inspire.

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Kids love to be entertained and while I love poetry not all kids have fallen in love. This book is what you need to hand young readers to help them open up the door to loving poetry. I loved the whimsy of the poems, the seasonal approach to the book, and the feelings Snider captured. The joy of using your imagination comes to life in this comic approach to poetry. Fans of Shel Silverstein will recall the ridiculous, but Snider captures the ordinary and finds the extraordinary and joy of just being in nature and in living a well lived life. So many kids today forget what it is or don't know what it is to be joyful in rain, explore a tree, play in the outdoors, and reveal in being creative. I especially enjoyed the repeating series in each season of how to write a poem. This is a great choice for celebrating poetry month and in celebrating life and being imaginative. I am adding this book to my school library and will be sharing this review and talking up this book to anyone who will listen. We need poetry and this book meets youth in the comic aisle exactly where they are.

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This is a nice poetry book in the form of a graphic novel/comic. It may be labeled under Children’s, but adults can benefit from its reflections, as well. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will seek out other works from Grant Snider! Many people think poetry to be complex and overly complicated or just random words tossed onto the page and organized is some fancy way and called it a day, but really, it doesn’t have to be that way.

This is an ARC read obtained from NetGalley. Everything in this review is honest and my words. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read and review such a beautiful book.

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I received an ARC of this fun book from NetGalley. Just like the girl huddled in a window seat pondering what to write, I could imagine a student snuggling up with this book. It's a clever way to present the poetry, and might interest students who otherwise might think they couldn't write. The poems themselves were clever, with a scheme that made sense, occasionally rhyming or almost rhyming, with a nice flow. I had a hard time picking a favorite! A teacher could start with just one example and have the students write their own. I could see a whole class activity with "I'm becoming" flowing into a writing experience.

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This is one of the best poetry books I have ever come across. Typically when I read poetry there are only the words and my mind has to fill in the gaps with its own pictures. However, this time the author is also the illustrator, helping to enhance the words and lift the quality of the book that much more. I can imagine this as a treasured resource for middle and high school writing classes. The carefully chosen words and phrases, along with the alluring artwork, make this a classic work, in short a masterpiece for young and old alike. Highly recommended.

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Slightly Obsessed with this Poetry Graphic Novel!!
Creative, fun and a really great resource for readers of all ages to learn about and learn to love- POETRY.
The seasonal themes made it easy to read and kept reading of the poems "moving". With the varying subjects of each poem there is sure to be 2 or 3 that resonant with each reader. I particularly enjoyed Spring- JOY and My Favorite Color.
The illustrations bring even more life to each poem. If poetry hasn't been your cup of tea in the past, this is a great way to enjoy it.

I would recommend libraries around the world get extra copies of this book!! And teachers- what about a unit on poetry and illustrating your own poem?!!

Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from Chronicle Books and NetGalley.

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Organized by seasons, the author takes the reader on a journey of discovering poetry and its many formats, such as in Haiku. Set up like panels I h a comic book, it is an easy read with bright inviting illustrations.

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I fell in love with this book from the start. Each illustrated page surrounds a poem and the illustrated comic-like layout helps bring the story in each poem to life. The drawings are simple with enough detail to engage the reader or listener and encourage them to search the page for hidden treasures. The poems are gentle and easy to read out loud, a boon to every parent who has struggled with rhyming stories that don't quite find the right words.

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