book cover

Poems Aloud

by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Daniel Gray-Barnett

Interest age: 6 to 11
Reading age: 6+

Published by Wide Eyed Editions, 2020

  • Funny
  • Picture books
  • Poetry and rhyme

About this book

The aim of this dynamic collection of verse is to bring poetry alive, both for the reader and their audience. There are tongue twisters to master and riddles to decipher, poems to read alone and others to perform in a group, all with an emphasis on being read aloud.

Each poem is accompanied by practical suggestions about a variety of performance techniques. Children are encouraged to experiment with a range of voices for each poem. For example, would a lion speak differently than a frog or an ant? How would inanimate objects sound, such as a pencil case or slime? Do some poems have more impact if they are whispered or shouted? Does varying the tone, pace or volume of a poem change the atmosphere?

The distinctive illustrations are bold and joyful, adding to the drama and humour of the text. Perfect to encourage children to develop a love of poetry and performance, this inspiring picture book anthology would make a fabulous gift and a valuable addition to any classroom.

About the author

Joseph Coelho is an award-winning children's author, performance poet and playwright based in London. He is also the Waterstones Children's Laureate for 2022-2024. His debut poetry collection, Werewolf Club Rules, was the 2015 winner of the CLPE CLiPPA Poetry Award. His second book, Overheard in a Tower Block, was shortlisted for the 2018 CLPE CLiPPA Poetry Award and is longlisted for the 2019 UKLA Book Awards. Joseph features in the BBC Teach 'Understanding Poetry' online series.

His work has poetry and performance at its heart, drawing on over 16 years' experience running dynamic creative literacy sessions in schools. He aims to inspire young people through stories and characters they can recognise.

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