All the Wild Wonders: Poems of Our Earth

This is a lovely anthology of thirty-six poems that are grouped into subjects relating to the natural world around us, offering different perspectives about both the beauty of the world and the threats to our environment.

Some use humor to make a point, like this short limerick:

"Song of the Open Road
By Ogden Nash

I think that I shall never see
A billboard lovely as a tree.
Perhaps, unless the billboards fall,
I’ll never see a tree at all.”

Two poems on the elephant by Gina Douthwaite will give kids lots to think about. One is called “Captivating Creature” and the other is called “Captive Creature.”

The first poem in the book by Elizabeth Honey, which is also the title poem, probably conveys the anthologist's sentiments the best. A show more mother is wishing for her new baby all the wild wonders and she ends the poem:

"For this wish to come true
We have much work to do
All the wild wonders
All the wild wonders
For you my sweet babe.”

Delicate and whimsical watercolors by illustrator Piet Grobler accompany each poem.

A list in the back gives a brief identification of each poet, chosen from the past as well as the present, and displaying a remarkably diverse set of contributors.

Evaluation: This poems in this book will undoubtedly be very pleasing to children, and will also provide subtle lessons on the importance of cherishing and protecting nature. show less

2. The book about poems of our Earth, “All the Wild Wonders,” shows two sides of our world and its future. All the poems tie into the main idea about celebrating the beauty of our wild wonders, but also pointing out the dangers, and how we need to think and act upon them. The book is interesting and unique in its own ways. The whole book wants the reader to joyously reflect the wonders of the world in the words they have given us. I love the message that all the poems tie into to relay. The author’s goal was to have the poems linger in the minds of the readers. I like the writing of each poem because it’s very flowy and engaging which questions, entertains, describes, and touches our imaginations. The language is clear, and show more offers hope for readers. A poem called Leave the Whales Alone, Please reads, “Leave the whales alone, please, let them live their lives, let them leap, and swim, and sing, let the whales survive!” The illustration that goes along with the poem is created in water color and brings the reader into the ocean. All the elements of the poem: meaning, rhythm, sound, and imagery work together to express the meanings of each. show less

(Discussed in previous assignment)