Otter-Barry ISBN: 9781910959657. £6.99
What a memorable way to mark the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing by putting together such an enjoyable anthology of moon themed poems. Writers include Valerie Bloom, Brian Moses, James Carter, Tony Mitton and Roger Stevens (many are National Poetry Day Ambassadors), but also Shelley, Bronte, Longfellow and even more surprisingly, two very talented children. These poems demonstrate the lure, the fascination, the romance and magic the moon holds for us. Some are reflective, others are informative, descriptive or even comical, but none talks down to its young reader or panders to the penchant for cheap rhymes so often written for children. This language is to challenge, to try on the tongue and savour and just enjoy – along with Boxall’s wonderful lino-cuts, sketches and silhouettes. Put a copy in every primary classroom.It has so much potential.
Sue Barrett