This book is old, (1964) but sweet and speaks to the artist in me....a small, brown bat "the color of coffee with cream in it" can't sleep and soon finds himself awakening to the brightness of daytime and the poet in his soul. This neglected gem of a book is wonderful on many levels . First, I love how the book shows all ages (but especially kids) some real lessons about poetry and what it is like to struggle with the creative process. The author also succeeds in showing the difficulties of finding an appreciative audience for ones creations. But my favorite part, and I thank the author for this, was his ability to point out the difference between appreciating a poem (or any art) for its technical excellence and simply feeling the work of art on a gut level.42 pages make The Bat-Poet by Randall Jarrell a quick read that is perfect for a ferry crossing with family or bedtime lounge on the couch with the kids. (Maurice Sendak has sprinkled the pages with delicate drawings that are simply perfect!)
Bats, Poetry And Maurice Sendak
This book is old, (1964) but sweet and speaks to the artist in me....a small, brown bat "the color of coffee with cream in it" can't sleep and soon finds himself awakening to the brightness of daytime and the poet in his soul. This neglected gem of a book is wonderful on many levels . First, I love how the book shows all ages (but especially kids) some real lessons about poetry and what it is like to struggle with the creative process. The author also succeeds in showing the difficulties of finding an appreciative audience for ones creations. But my favorite part, and I thank the author for this, was his ability to point out the difference between appreciating a poem (or any art) for its technical excellence and simply feeling the work of art on a gut level.42 pages make The Bat-Poet by Randall Jarrell a quick read that is perfect for a ferry crossing with family or bedtime lounge on the couch with the kids. (Maurice Sendak has sprinkled the pages with delicate drawings that are simply perfect!)
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