Marshmallow Clouds: poems inspired by nature

This stunning collection of poems is a delightful celebration of nature. American poets Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek use the structure of the four elements to play with imagery, personification, metaphor and emotion. Fire is inspired by stars, autumn leaves and lightning, for instance, while Water explores tadpoles, and a worm in a puddle. Each poem has unexpected images, and feels thoughtful.

The book is large format like a picture book, and illustrated beautifully in soft colours. The expressive images by Richard Jones perfectly reflect the mood of each poem, combining to create a powerful impact on the reader. The whole effect is of a dreamy meander through art and reality, fact and fancy.

In an afterword, the two poets invite the readers to use their own imaginations. This is certainly a collection to inspire children to write their own poems.