From: jane botham <jbotham>
Date: Tue, 12 Jan 1999 14:02:29 -0600

Glad to see you mentioning poetry titles, Tom! Don't forget the Lillian Morrison titles.

The Milwaukee Public Library had a "Poetry Concert" every year in the 80s. It involved children participating in workshops wherein they wrote their own poetry, performed with poetry, and some of the lucky ones were in workshops with the likes of Eve Merriam, Ashley Bryan, Paul Janeszko, Lillian Morrison. It culminated in a performance at the Central Library showcasing the talents of the kids and the guest poet or poets.

The year that Lillian M. was there, we had her recite "The Break Dance Kid" from the book with the same title, while a kid did breakdancing. Talk about a show stopper!!!

Seems to me there are all kinds of opportunities for showcasing sports poetry with the kids who know and participate in sports. There is a rhythm in sports that cannot be denied, and it fits right in with poetry. Ask Arnold, Eve, and Lillian! They'll agree. So---three cheers for poetry.

Lillian Morrison was quite touched when one of the children's parents approached her to say they never knew their daughter could write poetry and they were quite impressed---(as was Lillian!).

Jane Botham Formerly, Coordinator of Children's Services, MPL Milwaukee, WI

Tom Hurlburt wrote:
Received on Tue 12 Jan 1999 02:02:29 PM CST