​Poetry Text Set

Stanza - Jill Esbaum, Illustrated by Jack E. Davis 

 

Stanza by Jill Esbaum is a fun, fast paced, rhyming picture book about a no-good dog who secretly writes poetry at night. He can't tell anyone for fear of what his terrible brothers would do to him if they found out he did something as silly as writing poetry. However, Stanza's favorite chicken pot pie company has a competition for their new jingle, and Stanza has to enter it! Though he doesn't win, he gets second place, a year's supply of his favorite chicken pot pie and the confidence to be himself. 

 

This book would be included as a read aloud book, before having the students delve into writing their own poetry. This book, along with the Asha Christensen video, speak of some of the issues of writing poetry- from lack of inspiration and self confidence to embarassment. We feel these are valid concerns many beginning (and experienced) poets have, and with these texts we can help to encourage and support our students. The goal of this text is to remind students that poetry can be fun and silly, and that they should not be ashamed of what their talents and interests are. 

 

Esbaum, J. (2009). Stanza (J. E. Davis, Illustrator). New        York, NY: Harcourt Children's Books.