"Behind the Hidden Door" by Darren Sardelli from CLARA'S BOOK

Here's one more fun poem from Clara's Kooky Compendium of Thimblethoughts and Wonderfuzz-- out now. This poem is "Behind the Hidden Door" by Darren Sardelli and it's full of strong imagery and has a great surprise ending. 

Here's a silly video I created for sharing the poem. Enjoy! 

And here is the page from the book featuring the poem, plus the fun Thimblethought, Wonderfuzz, and skill connection for this poem.

from Clara's Kooky Compendium of Thimblethoughts and Wonderfuzz

If you're interested in getting your own copy of Clara's Book, it's on Amazon and (at a discount) from QEP Books here. We're so excited that it's a "Hot off the Press" book at the Children's Book Council.

Now head on over to Radio, Rhythm, and Rhyme where Matt Forrest Esenwine is hosting our Poetry Friday gathering here. See you there! 

Clara's Kooky Compendium of Thimblethoughts & Wonderfuzz IS HERE!

Janet (Wong) and I are so happy to announce the publication of our latest book, Clara's Kooky Compendium of Thimblethoughts and Wonderfuzz (Pomelo Books, 2024). It's something very different-- a poetry anthology, but one that is mashed up with the look of a junk journal, the essence of a graphic novel, the look of a cartoon, and the fun of ton of trivia. With 150+ poems by 100 poets, it's rich in verse and story, while weaving in kid-friendly questions and fascinating facts. There are so many entry points for young readers-- those looking for poems, those who love drawings, those who are drawn to facts and details, those who are aspiring writers-- on any and every page. 

We're so proud that this book was selected as a "Hot Off the Press" book for October by the Children's Book Council. It's a validation that Clara's Kooky Compendium is something special! #mustread #kidlit #CBCHotOffThePress  

Here's a glimpse into the book with a focus on describing what a "Thimblethought" and what a "Wonderfuzz" is! 

Here's the double-page spread featuring the "underwear" Thimblethought: 

  

You can find more sample pages at "Read Sample" at the Amazon listing and download "activity sheets" from the book at our Pomelo Books site here. You'll find fun classroom-friendly activities to promote writing, thinking, questioning, researching, drawing, and doodling.

We also want to give a shout-out to our fantastic illustrator from Germany, Frank Ramspott, who created such fun characters and kooky animals, doodles, and scenes that make Clara's Kooky Compendium so engaging and visually appealing. 

We're also so grateful to our poets who authored such fun, funny, clever, and kid-friendly poems that fill the book. They bring Clara to life and populate her week with spunky friends and an authentic family. Her amazing teacher, Mrs. Booker, inspires Clara and her classmates to keep their own compendiums and we follow Clara's thoughts and musings along the way. 

Our friends at QEP Books are currently offering a discount on purchasing Clara's Kooky Compendium and you'll find that link here. 

Meanwhile,Tabatha is gathering all the Poetry Friday contributions at her blog The Opposite of Indifference here. There's always a lot to read and think about on Poetry Friday, so be sure to check it out.