The Poet of Piney Woods
What’s inside...
In this breathtaking picture book, a misunderstood wolf writes heartfelt poems about his forest home and friends. The Poet Wolf is known by his forest friends as a dangerous predator, but as they listen to his beautiful poems about life in the woods, they discover a sensitive soul who prefers to eat crisp pears instead of his fellow creatures. Through his pithy verses, they learn to see past his fearsome exterior to the gentle heart within.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience while reading about the Poet of Piney Woods?
How do you think the poet’s surroundings in Piney Woods influenced his poetry?
What similarities and differences do you see between yourself and the Poet of Piney Woods?
If you could ask the poet one question, what would it be?
Why do you think the poet chose to write about nature, and how does it make you feel about the natural world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on their own experiences with nature and how it makes them feel, connecting their personal experiences to the themes in the book.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking and allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story and its characters.
Discuss the poet's creative process and inspire your child by writing simple poems together about your surroundings or daily experiences.
Relate the discussions back to the child’s life by comparing the poet’s emotions and experiences in Piney Woods to your child’s personal experiences and emotions.
Use descriptive language from the book to build vocabulary and understanding, asking your child to describe scenes or characters in their own words.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: Through the protagonist’s adventures in Piney Woods, children see the beauty and wonder of natural landscapes.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and respect their own local environments, fostering a connection to nature.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: The main character uses poetry to express his feelings and thoughts about his surroundings.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to explore creative outlets such as writing, drawing, or music to express themselves.
Example Lesson: The Value of Solitude
Explanation: The poet finds peace and inspiration in solitary moments, showing that being alone can be enriching.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of spending time alone to reflect and recharge, which is crucial for personal development.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: The poet faces challenges but continues to pursue his passion for writing poems.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to persevere in their endeavors, even when they face obstacles.
Example Lesson: Observation Skills
Explanation: The poet’s keen observations of his environment enhance his poetic works.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to pay closer attention to the details around them, enhancing cognitive and perceptual skills.