Today, I have the pleasure of introducing you to H is For Haiku, a beautiful book on Haiku written by the late Sydell Rosenberg (1929-1996) published by Penny Candy Books. Syd was a charter member of the Haiku Society of America in 1968. She wrote and published her work over a literary career spanning roughly three decades. On this, the first day of National Poetry Month, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate! (And for dessert, we’ll be enjoying a mother-daughter haiku collaboration in a special book below by Syd and her daughter, Amy Losak.
In this award-winning collection of ABC haiku, readers will witness a boy sitting on a mailbox, drops of rain clanking on a watering can, waiting in line for ice cream, and so much more—all in haiku form and vibrant, playful illustrations.
Inspired by her experiences living in New York City, Sydell Roseberg’s haiku invite children and grown-ups alike to slow down, linger, and pay attention to the moments we often overlook. Illustrated in a dynamic and colorful style with text integrated into the images, H is for Haiku is a delightful addition to any bookshelf.
And Wow! Let’s talk about the illustrations by Sawsan Chalabiis, an amazing Lebanese-American illustrator and designer. The vibrant colors and child-friendly art as we go on a tour of the city is a feast for the eyes. The bold stylized lettering is art in itself! The combination of art and text makes for an inviting book that draws kids (and adults) into the world of haiku poetry. It’s easy to see why this beautiful book was honored in 2019 as a “Notable Poetry Book” by the National Council for Teachers of English.
- Publisher : Penny Candy Books (April 10, 2018)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 40 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0998799971
- ISBN-13 : 978-0998799971
- Reading age : 5 – 11 years
- Lexile measure: NP0L
- Grade level : Preschool – Kindergarten
grab your copy of H is for haiku here
lesson plan: teaching haiku with syd rosenberg
Visit Teachers and Writers Magazine for a lesson plan to help students understand how haiku can “make small moments big.”
A MOTHER-DAUGHTER COLLABORATION
Bonus poetry celebration! Syd’s daughter, Amy Losak, is not only her mother’s biggest fan and champion, but she is a poet and author as well. Together they have created Wing Strokes Haiku, a beautiful book of alternating themed haiku that reads as a thoughtful conversation between the two. Amy says, “I think of my mother every time I take the time to notice the often overlooked “small moments” in our daily lives. That’s what haiku poetry is all about – it’s poetic “mindfulness.” While H is for Haiku was written for children, Wing Strokes Haiku is written for adults but is appropriate for older children. Grab your copy below.
- Publisher : Kelsay Books (July 27, 2022)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 36 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1639801073
- ISBN-13 : 978-1639801077
- Item Weight : 2.26 ounces
- Dimensions : 6 x 0.09 x 9 inches
grab your copy of wing strokes haiku here
thanks for popping in
Happy National Poetry Month! Stay tuned for more fun poetry as we continue to celebrate our love of playing with words. If you enjoy Poetry Pop, please share the love with your friends and family using the buttons below. I am growing my site and always appreciate a shoutout. And as always, thank you for following the blog for your little pop of poetry.
I have this book! It’s wonderful! 🙂
Yay! It’s a keeper!