Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People / Poeta del pueblo
on Goodreads (711)
What’s inside...
A new Spanish and English bilingual edition of the stunning picture book biography of Pablo Neruda, one of the world's most enduring and popular poets, from the acclaimed Monica Brown. The book tells the story of a little boy named Neftalí who loved wild things wildly and quiet things quietly. From a young age, he surrounded himself with words, finding comfort and inspiration in the magic between the pages of books. At sixteen, he began publishing his writing as Pablo Neruda and wrote poems about the things he loved, including nature, the marketplace, and the people of Chile and their struggles. With a new translation of Monica Brown's lyrical text and Julia Paschkis' gorgeous art, this edition introduces young readers to the legacy of one of history's most iconic talents.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Pablo Neruda felt when he discovered his love for words and poetry?
What do you think the phrase 'Poet of the People' means?
Can you imagine how words can be powerful enough to change how people think or feel?
How do you feel when you read or listen to a poem?
Why do you think it's important to share our feelings and thoughts through writing?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to the narrative by asking how they use words to express themselves.
Discuss the cultural and historical aspects of Pablo Neruda's life, emphasizing his impact on society.
Invite your child to create their own short poem inspired by a theme or topic from the book.
Explore the meanings of challenging words or phrases together, enhancing vocabulary and comprehension.
Reinforce the idea that poetry can be a powerful tool for expression and change, and ask your child how they might use it in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation for diversity
Explanation: This book explores the life of Pablo Neruda, a poet who used his words to celebrate the people and places around him, showcasing a diversity of cultures and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and appreciate the differences in people they meet and the environments they encounter, fostering a more inclusive and accepting attitude.
Example Lesson: Power of expression through writing
Explanation: Neruda's poetry is highlighted as a powerful tool for expressing thoughts and emotions, sparking change and creating beauty.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use writing as a form of self-expression and emotional exploration, helping them develop their communication skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Importance of empathy
Explanation: Through his poems about ordinary people and his own experiences, Neruda exemplifies empathy and understanding toward others’ feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to connect more deeply with others by considering other people's emotions and viewpoints, which can lead to more supportive and meaningful relationships.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The book illustrates how Neruda saw the world in unique and imaginative ways, turning everyday objects into poetic subjects.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to view their world with creativity and curiosity, helping them develop innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.