POETRY SPOTLIGHT: 'This Poem Doesn't Rhyme' by Kristin Martin

This week's poetry highlight is on the gorgeous South Australian children's poetry book, To Rhyme Or Not To Rhyme? With poems written by Kristin Martin and illustrations by Joanne Knott, this kid's poetry collection is charming and fun.

Post written by Poppy Nwosu

I participated in a nice event recently (talking about writing and my books) for the South Australian chapter of the children's writing organisation SCBWI. One of my sessions was chaired by the very lovely local author Kristin Martin.
I have known Kristin's name for a while (because the writing scene in Adelaide in small!) but I wasn't familiar with her work and the event was my first time meeting Kristin face to face (sort of ... it was via zoom, as all things are these days!).
So when my week to host our poetry spotlight rolled around again, I was very keen to check out Kristin's children's poetry book, published by Glimmer Press and distributed by Wakefield Press.

I really enjoyed reading through this lovely book! It is charming and sweet, with vivid imagery and gorgeous illustrations by Joanne Knott appearing throughout.

'This Poem Doesn't Rhyme' by Kristin Martin

I'd like to write a poem
that's as pretty as a rainbow
and sparkles in the slanting sunlight.

I'd like to write a waterfall
that takes
your breath away.

I'd like to write a cuddle
to comfort you
when you feel sad.

But most of all
I'd like to write a poem
that you would like to read.

I really like the clean, simple style of the writing in this collection, which sometimes rhymes or plays with the unique sound each word makes when said aloud.
These poems are cute, fun, vivid and often poignant. There is a strong focus on nature and animals, which I love. I imagine this will make the book very popular with its target market of younger readers.

So slow down, read a poetry book, and enjoy the simple things in nature all around you 🙂

Acclaimed South Australian children's poet Kristin Martin and artist and illustrator Joanne Knott have teamed up in To Rhyme or Not to Rhyme?, a stunning collection of children's poetry with a focus on the natural world.

Poems truly are all around us, and in this collection Kristin shares her love of nature and sense of fun on every page. Joanne's exquisite illustrations bring the animals and natural environment to magical life.
To Rhyme or Not to Rhyme? has links to the Australian Curriculum in English and Science from Foundation to Year 7, and extensive teachers' notes are available on Kristin's website.

Kristin Martin lives in South Australia. Her poems are published in her book Paint the Sky (Ginninderra Press, 2016), and in anthologies and magazines. Kristin works as a primary school teacher.
Joanne Knott studied science at university, lives in Adelaide, and has successfully exhibited her work in Adelaide and Melbourne. She illustrated Plane Tree Drive by Lynette Washington.

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