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Out Loud
Smile Out Loud: An Anthology of Happy Poems
From the fantastic duo behind Poems Aloud comes another compendium of poetry to read out loud and make you smile!
Twenty five original poems from award winning poet Joseph Coelho designed to be read aloud to project confidence , conjure happiness, make you laugh or cheer others up. Some are odes, some can be said as personal mantras or just poems full of words that you can't help but smile when you hear them.
This is a book for any child who wants to build confidence reading aloud , or wants a way to channel their speech and drama confidence. It is a book to foster a love of words and the power that comes with the spoken word. It will show children how speaking a poem aloud has a certain magic, almost like reading a spell.
Poems can be read aloud to an audience, muttered quietly to oneself or whispered in the ear of someone who needs to hear some cheerful words.
Twenty five original poems from award winning poet Joseph Coelho designed to be read aloud to project confidence , conjure happiness, make you laugh or cheer others up. Some are odes, some can be said as personal mantras or just poems full of words that you can't help but smile when you hear them.
This is a book for any child who wants to build confidence reading aloud , or wants a way to channel their speech and drama confidence. It is a book to foster a love of words and the power that comes with the spoken word. It will show children how speaking a poem aloud has a certain magic, almost like reading a spell.
Poems can be read aloud to an audience, muttered quietly to oneself or whispered in the ear of someone who needs to hear some cheerful words.
- GenresPoetryPicture Books
40 pages, Hardcover
Published May 10, 2022
About the author
Joseph Coelho
90 books86 followersJoseph Coelho is a British poet and children's book author who was elected Children's Laureate in 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 6, 2022
A funny poem collection for children!
As a smile is infectious, the fastest way to spread smiles is to smile yourself. This book contains 25 silly and funny poems to help children generate a grin, a laugh, maybe even a guffaw.
The main introduction reveals how the poems can be read aloud or even performed. Every page has a mini-introduction about the theme or style of the poem(s) on that page. This adds a lovely informative touch to the book, plus it also gives a clue about what performance technique can be used for that particular poem.
The poems come in a variety of rhyming styles and even incorporate special writing techniques such as zeugma and spoonerism. The simplicity of the poems and the multifarious actions in each gives them an action-song kind of feel. Simple, bright and colourful illustrations add the right amount of hilarity.
The only flip side is that there are difficult words such as ‘cantankerous’ or ‘ambling’, which may make readalouds tricky for younger kids without an accompanying adult.
Regardless, it is a pretty good collection and will work as a great technique to get shy readers to open up and confident readers to have even more fun with performances. This is meant for the 5-10 years age group.
4.25 stars from me.
My thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions and NetGalley for the DRC of “Smile Out Loud: 25 Happy Poems”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
As a smile is infectious, the fastest way to spread smiles is to smile yourself. This book contains 25 silly and funny poems to help children generate a grin, a laugh, maybe even a guffaw.
The main introduction reveals how the poems can be read aloud or even performed. Every page has a mini-introduction about the theme or style of the poem(s) on that page. This adds a lovely informative touch to the book, plus it also gives a clue about what performance technique can be used for that particular poem.
The poems come in a variety of rhyming styles and even incorporate special writing techniques such as zeugma and spoonerism. The simplicity of the poems and the multifarious actions in each gives them an action-song kind of feel. Simple, bright and colourful illustrations add the right amount of hilarity.
The only flip side is that there are difficult words such as ‘cantankerous’ or ‘ambling’, which may make readalouds tricky for younger kids without an accompanying adult.
Regardless, it is a pretty good collection and will work as a great technique to get shy readers to open up and confident readers to have even more fun with performances. This is meant for the 5-10 years age group.
4.25 stars from me.
My thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions and NetGalley for the DRC of “Smile Out Loud: 25 Happy Poems”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
April 27, 2022
Thank you, Quarto Publishing Group Wide Eyed Editions, for the advance reading copy.
This is such a fun read! The poems and the illustrations do make the reader happy!
Love each of the poem, love each of the fun illustrations. The artwork and the rhyming my look chaotic but that's what's giving the perfect vibes for the reading audience.
Gather everyone. It doesn't have to be just the kids!
Have fun with this book. That's all!
This is such a fun read! The poems and the illustrations do make the reader happy!
Love each of the poem, love each of the fun illustrations. The artwork and the rhyming my look chaotic but that's what's giving the perfect vibes for the reading audience.
Gather everyone. It doesn't have to be just the kids!
Have fun with this book. That's all!
July 29, 2022
Smile Out Loud- An Anthology of Happy Poems was an interesting read. The book is made up of Twenty-five original poems which are relatively short, active poems. Each poem comes with suggestions of what to do while reading it, such as look in a mirror, close your eyes, act out the poem, keep a dream journal etc. The poems come in a variety of rhyming styles and even incorporate special writing techniques such as zeugma and spoonerism. I found some of the vocabulary difficult for the age this book seems to be aimed at. I also had difficulty getting into a rhythm with most of them. I tried reading this to my 6 year old granddaughter and she enjoyed some of the poems, but not others. It might be a good book to read with students when doing a unit on poetry, but it was a miss for us.
March 25, 2022
A book that wants with all its heart to take the worry out of teaching poetry for an hour, with verses that come in multiple styles of delivery, or their own movements and so on. But not for the first time I find the author lacking, providing little that junior me would have actually wanted to work with and around in class, or read in my bedroom. You might have much more luck in a classroom with this than I did in my imagination, but I found little appeal.
May 20, 2022
Smile Out Loud by Joseph Coelho and Daniel Gray-Barnett is a such an accessible poetry book. Often poetry can be accompanied by little or no illustrations even for younger children, often been thought of as something to be solely heard. It's very much the images that drew my five year old daughter to this book. She was enthralled by the dragon and the person with wooden legs telling me which poems to read first based on what piqued her interest from the images. The Yeti and the dinosaur bones were also instant hits.
I never expect to love every poem in a collection or anthology as poetry is something so person. Often it can depend upon my mood whether a poem is feeding my soul that day or not. However, I found that we enjoyed so many of the poetry in this glorious book and lots did have us giggling and laughing out together.
I liked the little introduction to each poem that gave tips on how to read the poem and activities and ideas for when reading. My little one really enjoyed the Zeugmas and Dada's Treasures. Poetry can be one of those things that those learning to read can find challenging as you try to slip into the rhythm of the author. Although, I did feel that this collection, in the layout and spacing, particularly aided reading for younger readers.
I'd put this book at around 5+ years and would certainly use it as a poetry text throughout the primary years. Perfect for your bookcase whether at home or school.
Thank you Quarto for sending this Wide Eyed publication to me for review.
I never expect to love every poem in a collection or anthology as poetry is something so person. Often it can depend upon my mood whether a poem is feeding my soul that day or not. However, I found that we enjoyed so many of the poetry in this glorious book and lots did have us giggling and laughing out together.
I liked the little introduction to each poem that gave tips on how to read the poem and activities and ideas for when reading. My little one really enjoyed the Zeugmas and Dada's Treasures. Poetry can be one of those things that those learning to read can find challenging as you try to slip into the rhythm of the author. Although, I did feel that this collection, in the layout and spacing, particularly aided reading for younger readers.
I'd put this book at around 5+ years and would certainly use it as a poetry text throughout the primary years. Perfect for your bookcase whether at home or school.
Thank you Quarto for sending this Wide Eyed publication to me for review.
May 31, 2022
This book is a winner all round! The poems are upbeat, funny, and sometimes silly with an interactive component. I loved Shel Silverstein's poems so much and now I can transfer that admiration onto the talented poet Joseph Coelho since sadly Shel is no longer with us.
This collection of joyous poems are meant to be read out loud for optimum enjoyment. I guarantee smiles, chuckles and boisterous laughter will be generated as they are voiced. The poems were created to conjure up happiness and cheer others up too.
Another mission of the book is to build confidence in kids when reading aloud. Its playful language and related suggested activities will enrich the love of words and the skills associated with reading. The intended audience can be whomever needs some merriment infused into their lives. Come on now... we all need a good laugh and some goofiness don't we? I know I do.
The poems are presented in a variety of rhyming venues and incorporate special writing styles such as Zeugma and spoonerism. Kid-friendly, bright and colourful illustrations add to the magic that is produced as the poems are read ( and performed ) by the reader or receiver of the verses.
I love each of the 25 poems presented and I am sure kids will too. "Smile Out Loud: An Anthology of Happy Poems" will also be a perfect addition to a classroom shelf and in an elementary school library. I love it and I highly recommend it! Rhyme on...........
This collection of joyous poems are meant to be read out loud for optimum enjoyment. I guarantee smiles, chuckles and boisterous laughter will be generated as they are voiced. The poems were created to conjure up happiness and cheer others up too.
Another mission of the book is to build confidence in kids when reading aloud. Its playful language and related suggested activities will enrich the love of words and the skills associated with reading. The intended audience can be whomever needs some merriment infused into their lives. Come on now... we all need a good laugh and some goofiness don't we? I know I do.
The poems are presented in a variety of rhyming venues and incorporate special writing styles such as Zeugma and spoonerism. Kid-friendly, bright and colourful illustrations add to the magic that is produced as the poems are read ( and performed ) by the reader or receiver of the verses.
I love each of the 25 poems presented and I am sure kids will too. "Smile Out Loud: An Anthology of Happy Poems" will also be a perfect addition to a classroom shelf and in an elementary school library. I love it and I highly recommend it! Rhyme on...........
April 27, 2022
I appreciate that this poetry collection is intended to she light on the joy of poetry -- not just the experience of reading poetry but also how poetry is constructed. The author provides 25 original poems meant to be read aloud. At the beginning of each poem is a brief explanation of what the intention is behind the poem, or even instructions on how to better engage with it. I think it could work for the right educator/classroom experience. The intended age range is 5-10 which is a pretty large span. I think the younger end of that age spectrum might struggle with some of the conceptual stuff but certainly will enjoy the experience of listening to these poems! I think the illustrations are also fantastic and do a nice job bringing each poem to life.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Quarto Kids. Opinions are my own.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Quarto Kids. Opinions are my own.
March 20, 2023
Delightful! While some poems appealed to me way more than others, this book is sure to delight everyone. I especially enjoyed A Tip of the Slongue, a poem using spoonerisms!! And yes, many others too. I loved how smoothly different poetic forms as well as literary devices are integrated into the poems themselves with a short introduction before the poems themselves, making this book both entertaining and educational.
And I adored the cute and colorful artwork accompanying the poems – like cookie-cutter perfect for the words!
Check it out for yourself, or gift it to a loved one, and smile out loud together! Also reviewed here on my blog
Thanks to Edelweiss Above the Treeline for a digital review copy of this book.
And I adored the cute and colorful artwork accompanying the poems – like cookie-cutter perfect for the words!
Check it out for yourself, or gift it to a loved one, and smile out loud together! Also reviewed here on my blog
Thanks to Edelweiss Above the Treeline for a digital review copy of this book.
May 5, 2022
What a fun collection of Silverstein-esque poems for young readers! The poems are short and encourage a great deal of play with language. What's really special is that these poems are meant to be read aloud and the author includes tips and suggestions for young readers for how to do that. This is an excellent activity for newly independent readers to encourage them to move beyond the mechanics of reading and into reading for content and expression.
The book is full of lively and colorful art that really complements the text. This would be a wonderful class activity for early elementary and would be a wonderful addition to school libraries.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
The book is full of lively and colorful art that really complements the text. This would be a wonderful class activity for early elementary and would be a wonderful addition to school libraries.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
April 27, 2022
What could be better or more cheer inducing than sharing some happy/silly poems with a child? This collection includes some delightfully titled poems. Among them are Monstrous Faces, The Dragging Dragon, A brush with Danger, Memories of Smiles, I Wake Up with A Smile and Fun with Animal Names.
Each entry is short and accompanied by a colorful illustration. They encourage movement, using imagination, laughing and more. Truly an interactive read. Note: some of these poems do not rhyme but they always invite the reader in.
Many thanks to Quarto-Wide Eyed Editions and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
Each entry is short and accompanied by a colorful illustration. They encourage movement, using imagination, laughing and more. Truly an interactive read. Note: some of these poems do not rhyme but they always invite the reader in.
Many thanks to Quarto-Wide Eyed Editions and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
May 8, 2022
Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGally & Quarto Publishing Group- Wide Eyed Editions.
First, I chuckled, then I chortled, then I LAUGHED OUT LOUD!! Smile Out Loud- 25 happy Poems was a surprisingly fun read. The images were reminiscent of Charlie Brown with a hint of Maurice Sendak. Simple and fun. I have to say while reading a “A Brush With Danger” my family asked what was so funny!! This would be a great book to ready, study and work with children on creating their own poems.
Oh what fun we had reading this book of poems!
First, I chuckled, then I chortled, then I LAUGHED OUT LOUD!! Smile Out Loud- 25 happy Poems was a surprisingly fun read. The images were reminiscent of Charlie Brown with a hint of Maurice Sendak. Simple and fun. I have to say while reading a “A Brush With Danger” my family asked what was so funny!! This would be a great book to ready, study and work with children on creating their own poems.
Oh what fun we had reading this book of poems!
March 16, 2023
Another wonderful collection from Joseph Coelho. These 25 poems will not only make you smile, but they are also perfect for reading aloud, acting out and inspiring children to write their own poetry.
Amongst my favourites were 'Imagination Running Free', 'A Brush with Danger' about a yeti brushing his hair, and the wonderfully soothing and meditative 'Bedtime'.
It is also wonderfully illustrated by Daniel Gray-Barnett.
Amongst my favourites were 'Imagination Running Free', 'A Brush with Danger' about a yeti brushing his hair, and the wonderfully soothing and meditative 'Bedtime'.
It is also wonderfully illustrated by Daniel Gray-Barnett.
November 26, 2022
Nice introduction to the importance of smiling and poetry.
Notable poems:
p. 7: The slow-mo (walking through egg yolks)
p. 8: zeugmas
p. 13: I spy
p. 18: As I walked (focus on walking and observing)
p. 20: Sadness
p. 24-25: Yeti poem
p. 26-27: Villanelle
p. 30: memories of smiles (to comfort us in difficult times)
p. 34: spoonerisms
Notable poems:
p. 7: The slow-mo (walking through egg yolks)
p. 8: zeugmas
p. 13: I spy
p. 18: As I walked (focus on walking and observing)
p. 20: Sadness
p. 24-25: Yeti poem
p. 26-27: Villanelle
p. 30: memories of smiles (to comfort us in difficult times)
p. 34: spoonerisms
Read
December 6, 2022This collection of poems can be read independently or shared with a class. It invites the child to express their silly side, and have fun when reading. It also invites the child to be creative and make their own poem.
Want to Read
March 4, 2022Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
August 28, 2022
*received for free from netgalley for honest review* Very cute poem book! perfect to read out loud to kids and get them rolling on the floor laughing!
October 11, 2022
Fun and playful, has a great performance aspect to the poetry.
August 31, 2024
Love the different types of poems included in this collection and the tips for how to share them!
August 22, 2025
A lot of these don’t actually scan very well when read aloud and the rhyming can be questionable. Root/foot?
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews