A Crow Doesn't Need A Shadow: A Guide to Writing Poetry from Nature

by Lorraine Ferra, Diane Boardman (Illustrator)

"Each generation of young people, it seems, is further removed from nature, from the wind that 'rubs its chin on the trees' and the ducks that 'slip through the quiet pond like raindrops.' With the grace and wisdom of a true teacher, Lorraine Ferra shows us all the way back." --Don Stap, author of A Parrot Without a Name and Letter at the End of Winter. "These writing experiences give children (and adults) safe allowance to become quiet and tap into their inner wealth of being. I have seen miracles blossom from kids I least expected to respond. In a world of growing disquiet and alienation, this book offers us a welcomed calm and focused energy." --Judy Friesem, environmental educator, Olympic Park Institure, Port Angeles, Washington "In a spirit of exploration, A Crow Doesn't Need a Shadow contains a series of invitations for readers to look out upon their own landscapes and to write the important themes of their lives." --Richard Harmston, Utah State Office of Education; Co-director, Utah Writing Project

Genres: Poetry, Writing, Nature, Education

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 19, 1994

Reviews

[Allison Hibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just so wonderful, chock to the brim with prompts and child-examples and illustrations. I will tuck this away to use as a "textbook" to enrich language arts for my girls in a few years.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Over three hundred years ago, the poet Matsuo Basho said, 'To learn about a tree, go to a tree.' Basho was considering more than the scientific facts you learn about trees. He was suggesting that the creatures of the natural world speak a language, one perhaps different from yours, but one you can understand if you listen with your imagination" (7).

[Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clever, fresh approach to help children (and adults) work with nature and writing. While it's probably a YA book, I enjoyed the exercises, the illustrations, and the ideas in the book.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A choice text for young poets writing about nature. Contains good prompts. Quick read.

[Cadi Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the children's poems using Lorraine's writing exercises! This book encourages observation and reverence for nature, along with teaching how to think and write originally! A fun read with awesome illustrations :)

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great resource for working with kids and also a nice place to begin for writers of any age.

[Chanel Earl]

This is a fun guide to writing nature poetry, with a lot of ideas and prompts. It is a quick read.