The Sun in Me: Poems About the Planet

Judith Nicholls (editor)

Beth Krommes (illustrations)

Barefoot Books, UK: 2003

ISBN: 1841480576 9+

Genres: picture book, poetry

Issues: ecology, environment

This beautifully illustrated anthology is certain to appeal to most young readers, especially those who are highly visual.

Judith Nicholls, a recognised children's poet herself, has chosen superbly crafted short pieces from a variety of cultures, pieces that use surprisingly simple language to convey a great depth of feeling. There are poems here that use words like brush strokes, using economical lines to create an image that dances on the page of the reader's mind.

A strong environmental theme unites the collection, from simple appreciation of nature's beauty to stronger messages about conservation. Readers should be aware that the poems selected are from the northern hemisphere and so many of the seasonal references are alien to young Australians.

The full page illustrations look like remarkably fine tinted etchings but are in fact creations on scratchboard which are then photocopied and filled in with watercolour. The images are slightly naïve in style but full of energy, warmth and life. Colour is used generously, creating vibrant pictures full of details designed to capture the attention and imagination of the reader.

Highly recommended.