Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets by Kwame Alexander
Published: March 2017
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Out of Wonder combines the talents of Kwame Alexander, Chris Colderley, Marjory Wentworth, and illustrator Ekua Holmes, as they pay “lyrical homage to twenty famed poets, selected for having made their hearts sing and their minds wonder” (as stated in the beautiful book jacket). It is divided into three parts that mirror the hearts of the celebrated poet’s style and themes, culminating with beautiful verses of thanks, highlighting the power and influence of their work today. It represents ancient and foreign-language poets, 19th and 20th-century poets, and contemporary poets in an unforgettable jamboree wrapped up in a treasure of a picture book.
The book is prefaced with words of wisdom and wonder from award-winning poet, Kwame Alexander, who hopes the reader will be inspired and encouraged to explore their own creativity through reading and writing poetry. This will be easy to do as you journey through the pages, delighting in the masterful words penned in brilliance, and as your eyes take in the stunning, colorful mixed media collage that will warm your heart and stir your imagination.
Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets
As one who loves the written word and thinks often of writing, I was indeed inspired by each of these beloved celebratory poems. I encourage you to seek a copy of this book post haste as it is a gift you will long cherish.
I will leave you with an excerpt from How Billy Collins Writes a Poem by Marjory Wentworth. It made me think about the many ways that normal, everyday things can spark ideas and cause our imaginations to soar.
Excerpt from How Billy Collins Writes a Poem
Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets
“…Our lives are made from these things,
and when you describe them,
you discover magic. It’s the way
your pen becomes a wand in your hand,
and this may be the only thing you need to know.”~ Marjory Wentworth (Celebrating Billy Collins)
CeCeLibrarian’s Book Blog 