book cover

Red Sky in the Morning, Poet's Warning

by Alex Wharton, illustrated by Ian Morris

Interest age: 9 to 11

Published by Firefly, 2025

  • Adventure
  • Funny
  • Poetry and rhyme

About this book

This slim book of verse contains a selection of imaginative poems about the world around us, some of which lean towards the darker side of life. It is the companion volume to Red Sky at Night, Poet’s Delight, which contains an equally inspiring collection of poems about the delights of the world. 

Some poems evoke a strong sense of place, such as 'From the Folly', which beautifully describes the panoramic views from a solitary tower high on a hill. 

Others feel more foreboding; 'Wild Boys' tells of lost children running, hunting and hiding in the dark, shadowy woods, always watching. A variety of creatures make an appearance, including a duck enjoying its final day, a suspiciously large spider who lives in the shed, and a rockstar dragon with a passion for music.  

Written by Alex Wharton, the Children's Laureate Wales, many of the works are set in and around his hometown of Pontypool. Additional notes at the foot of several of the poems provide context and background information, including the inspiration behind them. 

The black-and-white illustrations which feature throughout are full of energy, style and humour, helping to bring the text to life. 

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