A Poem Grows Inside You

by Katey Howes, Heather Brockman Lee (Illustrator)

We all hold the seed of something wonderful inside us, just waiting for the right moment to bloom. In A Poem Grows Inside You, the seed of an idea waits for the rhythm of the rainfall to awaken it, then takes root and begins to grow. At once a celebration of the deep connection creatives have with their art and an acknowledgement of the courage it takes to let it into the sun, this beautifully illustrated picture book encourages readers to nurture their talents and boldly share them with the world.

Genres: Picture Books, Poetry, Childrens

48 pages, Hardcover

Published October 4, 2022

Reviews

[Kaz Windness · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving an advanced reader copy, and this book is SPECIAL!

It's one of those picture books that is the perfect balance of words and images; the visual storytelling is just as spectacular as you would expect from SCBWI international portfolio showcase winner Heather Brockman-Lee.

This book will grow inside you and blossom again and again in multiple readings. Be ready to fall in love! I did!

[Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is simply beautiful through and through, with the perfect match between words and illustrations! If this book doesn't win awards, I will be very surprised. The overall premise of the book, of a poem growing inside you is really well done and masterfully reflected through the words that is a poem. Along with the connections between the child character and nature as they seem to explore the park near their home, and the vibrant illustrations, this is sure to be a book that many people of all ages will enjoy reading again and again.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

A POEM GROWS INSIDE YOU is about how a seed of inspiration can grow into a poem--if you let it. The seed metaphor fits perfectly and you can literally feel the story building and soaring as the child creates and shares the poem. Importantly, the story also addresses the fear of judgement that comes with creation and sharing creations, and encourages bravery by showing how poems nurture both the poet and those surrounding them. The pastel illustrations are accessible and child like. A POEM GROWS INSIDE YOU is a book to be read and shared over and over.

[Kristin Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book would be the perfect read-aloud to start a poetry unit for just about any age level (but it could also make a great, peaceful bedtime read!). Katie Howes's lyrical rhyming language carries the important message that everyone can be a poet, and that we all have poems inside us that can be shared in meaningful ways. And Heather Brockman Lee's gorgeous illustrations help the message connect with all readers. Highly recommend!

[Essie (Sarah) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pleasant little surprise. The illustrations truly take the cake in this one.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book beautifully captures how the idea of poem starts and then progresses to the finish, filling the main character with hope, wonder, inspiration, and even the realistic worry of what will happen when that idea/poem is shared with others. The delicate rhythm builds to soaring highs and is matched perfectly by the vibrant garden illustrations. It's wonderful!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stunning illustrations

[Sarah Kurpiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, rhyming story about the power of poems to nurture us and those around us. When a child steps outside and feels the rhythm of raindrops on their skin, the seed of a poem is planted inside them. But once the poem has grown and is ready to burst forth, will the child choose to let it see the sun? Howes words are poetic and beautiful. Her poem-plant conceit is lovely. Brockman Lee’s illustrations are soft and gentle, at times magical. My favorite is the gorgeous spread looking up from beneath a river. A joy to read.

[Sarah Hovorka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful!
Not only is the story beautifully told and evocatively illustrated, the author gives us a glimpse of that dark place we all know where we wonder if what's inside of us should be shared with the world. A wonderful book for any budding creative spirit (everyone!) that shows the beauty of idea shared with others.

[Laura Zimmermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katey Howes’ lyrical rhyming text and Heather Brockman Lee’s soft, expressive illustrations show children how their poems unfold from the first drop on a seed to its colorful blooms. It encourages readers to be brave and enjoy the beauty they create.

[Terry Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book about the power of words and poetry. Told in, of course, evocative language, the story’s a poem about the birth, growth and spread of a poem and it’s power to lift all that come in contact with it. Thanks to Katie Howe for providing an advance copy of this beautiful story.

[Jill S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A POEM GROWS INSIDE YOU is a gorgeous book that takes you on an inspiring creative journey through the blossoming of an idea. This book is the perfect gift to inspire kid (and adult) readers to follow their creative inspirations (in writing and other expressions as well) and to respect others’ creativity. Plus, the gardening metaphors can serve as gardening inspiration to those who loves plants. Kudos to Howes and Brockman Lee!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The young boy in the book I'm sharing today by Katey Howes, illustrated by Heather Brockman Lee demonstrates beautifully to poets that it does happen, that tiny seed, just needs a push, rain maybe, but courage is included, too.
Using growing a seed as a metaphor, a young boy starts out into the world, giving encouragement as raindrops touch something inside. Roots grow but first, he must overcome the fear of what others might think if he allows it to grow, he must accept, then celebrate, the words. With the gorgeous, almost beaming, illustrations by Heather Brockman Lee, and nearly all double-spreads, Katey Howe's brief rhymes are there to give hope to every writer of poetry.

Some of Katey's inspiring words:

"They build a foundation
connect, and grow strong
in soil rich with memory,
simile, song."

The book certainly inspires me, hope this glimpse will give you a boost, too. It would be fun to share with a class, I'm sure.

[Charlotte Offsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure what I love most, the stunning illustrations, the language that sings, or the comparison of creativity to a small seed in need of recognition and nurture.

A Poem Grows Inside You begins with a young child who has a seed of an idea inside them. They long to share it with the outside world but are nervous about how others will react. Ultimately they decide to pay attention to their seed, nurture it and let it bloom into something the whole world can delight in.

As a writer, this book speaks to me. When I have a new idea it crawls under my skin and won't let go until I pay attention to it. It can be scary to share it with the world and see how others react but when I give it the attention it deserves and share it, I am always delighted by how it gives back to me tenfold.

This is a fabulous book and I highly recommend checking it out. It is sure to encourage creativity and would be particularly wonderful as part of a poetry or writing unit.

[Anitra Rowe Schulte · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Poem Grows Inside You" is a poetic picture book about the arrival of a new idea and the nurturing required in order for it to bloom. The story begins on a rainy day, as dripping droplets call a child outdoors. With umbrella and parka, the child ventures out, and then -- impact. An idea arrives, in the form of raindrops on the skin. It has a beat and rhythm all its own and sweeps the child up in the exciting flow. Soon, a seedling starts to grow. Excited but scared, the child hides the sprout. However, without light, the new idea cannot flourish or connect. Lush with creative imagery and detailed, prismatic illustration, "A Poem Grows Inside You" is gorgeous, heart-filled story that brings a familiar metaphor fully and unforgettably to life.

[MOSS Kids Book Project · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Poem Grows Inside You exemplifies how a seed of an idea can take root & grow inside of you -- if you let it. The seed as a metaphor is beautifully illustrated & by the middle of the book, you begin to not only see the seed growing roots, creating a foundation, & eventually letting it burst out to bloom, you begin to FEEL it too. The expression, the creativity, the wonder & hope but also the realistic worries of society's judgement, questioning. Journeying through feelings to end up listening to their inner voice & expressing their creativity, expressing themselves with confidence. A beautifully diverse read, perfect for classrooms!

[Barbara DiLorenzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katey Howes recently passed away unexpectedly. To friends and family, this news is still a heartbreaking shock. To the book world, her absence will be felt profoundly. She had additional books set to come out soon, including The Reindeer Remainders: A Lesson in Working Together and Including Others (July 9, 2024). Support for her remaining projects will benefit her family and the illustrators tied to those projects.

Something readers may not know is that Katey was a tireless advocate for anyone working to make their own books. She made time for people and encouraged us all. She was an amazingly kind human, and so many will miss her so much.

[Kristen Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book is essentially a poem about writing a poem - very cleverly done! The main character feels something growing inside him, and it turns out to be a seed, which he nurtures into a poem. Illustrations complement the nature-themed story wonderfully. The text covers the many feelings we experience as creatives from nervousness, to excitement, joy and pride. It even touches on revision. This book encourages children to explore their creativity and would be a great complement to a poetry unit.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of how the seed of imagination – once nurtured and given expression – grows into a poem, using the metaphor of a seedling sprouting, being watered with imagination, and growing as we take a chance sharing our poem with the world. Joyful and animated illustrations accompany the tender and thoughtful rhyme. A treat for the eyes and ears. A wonderful introduction to all the magic of poetic expression.

[Carrie Finison · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a writer, I love how this book captures the process of developing an idea into a poem. What starts as a tiny seed takes root in your heart and your bones, and, with a little nurturing, grows into something you can share with the world. It's a beautiful metaphor (written in impeccable rhyme) for the creative process. The illustrations are absolutely exquisite, and I love how they become more complex and more vivid as the story develops. A gorgeous book to encourage young writers!

[Laura Roettiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this book! Katey's book Be a Maker is fantastic and I used it for a presentation in 2020 and I was excited to see she collaborated with Heather Brockman Lee who's art got me through the shutdown of the pandemic and that's not hyperbole. Needless to say, a book with poetry from an author and an illustrator that I admire has become a beloved addition to my collection! I highly recommend this book!!

[Debra Shumaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, I love this book and it's encouragement to everyone that we all have poems deep inside of us. With a little bit of listening to the world around us and a little bit of courage, we can all express ourselves through poetry. The art and text are perfectly matched. Every kid (and grown-up) should read this book!

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written, spare poem shows kids where ideas for poems come from and, if we nurture those sparks, how they can develop into poems. I really like seeing books that make something seemingly intangle feel understandable. The artis uplifting adding to the already inspirational feel of this lovely book.

[Joan Marr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated, wonderfully lyrical book encouraging kids to let the magic inside of them out into the world. It goes through the different emotional states a kid might feel having a song/poem/story they want to voice, and how to let it out, encouraging kids to be creative and to embrace their uniqueness. Beautiful read!

[Gina Soldano · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful combination of botany and poetry! The way the author used a poetic narrative to describe the beauty of poetry itself is magnificent. Also, the illustrations parallel to the story showing the similarity between the start of a poem and a seed are breathtaking. My son thoroughly enjoyed following along the story and seeing how the poem grew on every page.

[Brianna Scarmack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story for elementary school students. Not only is it full of poetry, but it also has tier 2 and tier 3 words that the teacher can use to broaden the students vocabulary knowledge. This story is a great way to teach students about their uniqueness and the gifts that each one of them has. I would use this story in my classroom when talking about being unique, poetry, and vocabulary.

[Alexa Mosca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love poetry and this book was so beautifully written. I think the pictures are very fun and creative. The pictures and text go along well together. The story has a wonderful meaning about how we all have potential and something amazing growing and waiting to bloom. I think this is a great inspirational book for children.

[Layla Esmail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a delightful and inspiring picture book that celebrates the creative process and the joy of self-expression. The illustrations are vibrant and expressive, bringing Ava's world to life with vivid colors and dynamic compositions. Each page is filled with charming details that invite readers to linger and explore, making the book a visual delight from start to finish.

[Beverly Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting! I love the imagery of this book both in the words and illustrations. Poetry is like a garden within which when nurtured flows outward into a beautiful, fragrant plant delighting those who come in contact with it. The art is lovely as are the words. Enjoyable to read over and over again.

[Lea Maryanow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had had a story like this one read to me when I was little. How can you not grow a love for poetry? Beautiful illustrations that inspire as much as the adorable story. This is a must-have addition for anyone's library.