A Crow Doesn't Need a Shadow: A Guide to Writing Poetry from Nature

by Lorraine Ferra

Book Overview

Each generation of young people, it seems, is further removed from nature, from the wind that 'rubs its chin on the trees' and the ducks that 'slip through the quiet pond like raindrops.' With the grace and wisdom of a true teacher, Lorraine Ferra shows us all the way back. --Don Stap, author of A Parrot Without a Name and Letter at the End of Winter.

These writing experiences give children (and adults) safe allowance to become quiet and tap into their inner wealth of being. I have seen miracles blossom from kids I least expected to respond. In a world of growing disquiet and alienation, this book offers us a welcomed calm and focused energy. --Judy Friesem, environmental educator, Olympic Park Institure, Port Angeles, Washington

In a spirit of exploration, A Crow Doesn't Need a Shadow contains a series of invitations for readers to look out upon their own landscapes and to write the important themes of their lives. --Richard Harmston, Utah State Office of Education; Co-director, Utah Writing Project

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0879056002
• ISBN13: 9780879056001
• Release Date: May 2009
• Publisher: Gibbs Smith
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.43 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

Good for poets of any age.

I bought this small book years ago, in the bookstore of a museum. I was impressed with it and bought copies for my children - and my old parents. It's one of those perfect books, transcending it's own aims. It can help anyone - not just children - see more and write better. And for kids, it's an inspiration and a lot of fun. I can't recommend this book highly enough.

An Integration of the Outer and Inner Landscape

"Being lazy in the meadow. it is like placing my head on a pillow of wind, rivers, and dreams." ~Ben Burns, Age 8 Writing poetry can be an intensely personal and satisfying experience and while many poets draw on an inner well of experience, this book addresses the poems we write that are inspired by nature. Lorraine Ferra has divided this book up into wonderful chapters that are easy to read and are beautifully illustrated by Diane Boardman. The chapters include: Poetry Field Trips Building a Nature Wordscape Keeping a nature Journal Wandering, Noticing, and Writing Finding a Companion in Nature Creating a Landscape Becoming Your Surroundings Colors in the Natural World Dreaming Up a Place Nature in Your Hand Rhythms in the World and in Words Growing a Poem Naturally The chapter on Dreaming up a Place sounded familiar to me since I'm always wishing to revisit places I've been or imagining new ones I'd love to visit if they existed. Lorraine Ferra then asks questions about a sample poem to encourage an understanding and then gives suggestions for writing a poem about your own imaginary world. "Find a favorite spot outside and sit quietly for a while. A tree would be good to dream in, or you could lie on our back and wonder about the cloud shapes and colors drifting high above you. Wherever you choose to be, allow what is actually there- sounds, smells, tastes, textures, sights - to carry you to an imaginary place." ~ pg. 88 Poems that appear in this book include titles like: In a Snowy Field, Walking in Winter, Thunder, Dandelion, Storm, Shadows, Bees, Inside the Woods, Autumn and A Story in the Snow. What makes these poems so interesting is that they are written by children and you can see the world through a different perspective. NIGHT Night swallows the sunlight and devours the day It lingers across the plains cradling the moon and stars in its hands. ~Richie Browder, Age 8 Lately I realized you could be as inspired by a DVD from Australia as being outdoors in Australia. When reading this book you may want to also expand your world knowledge by viewing nature footage from a variety of countries. I found that this book and watching shows about nature and foreign landscapes enhanced the experience. A Crow Doesn't Need a Shadow is perfect for teachers or for parents to give to their children. Even adults will enjoy seeing the world in a new way as you integrate the inner and outer landscapes to create magical thoughts. ~The Rebecca Review