As I hand over the reins on this monthly column to an esteemed poet colleague, Terry House, I invite you to follow me to the world of children’s books, where language and image can be as exquisite as a finely crafted poem. Next month on October 1, my debut picture book, Bird Count, will be released by Peachtree Publishing Company, and I will be devoting more of my energies to writing for children. If you live in the area, please come to Silver Unicorn Books in West Acton for my launch party on Saturday, October 5 at 11 a.m.! For other news, my author site is www.susanedwardsrichmond.com.

This month’s Poem of the Month is a trio—three poems from Leslie Bulion’s magical collection of bird poems for all ages, Superlative Birds.

Three Poems from Superlative Birds

by Leslie Bulion

Barn Owl Papa

Silent wings brush nighttime air.

Be wary, lemming, vole, and hare—

Owlets need their growing share.

Papa swoops, a downward sheer,

Toward rustlings only barn owls hear.

He hunts by supersonic ear.

The Great Communicator

Hop-a-dee, flit-a-dee,

small black-capped chickadee

calls out a warning most

other birds heed.

Growing or shrinking its

neuroanatomy,

sizing its song-brain

according to need!

Bird Hunter

Wings trim

peregrine knifes earthward

from sky scraper cliff

bold spirit embodies

the shape of speed.

These poems were first published in the United States under the title Superlative Birds by Leslie Bulion, illustrated by Robert Meganck. Text Copyright © 2019 by Leslie Bulion. Reproduced by arrangement with Peachtree Publishing Company, Inc.

Leslie Bulion writes science poetry and science-infused middle grade novels for young readers ages 6-106. When Leslie isn’t traveling for research, scuba diving, visiting schools, or speaking at conferences, she writes, explores, and lives in Connecticut with her husband.

Catch Leslie on the "Spark Curiosity" panel at the upcoming AASL annual conference in Louisville, KY on November 16!

Superlative Birds Portfolio Page: https://peachtree-online.com/portfolio-items/superlative-birds/

Leslie Bulion’s author site: https://www.lesliebulion.com