Weird, Wild & Wonderful: The Poetry World of James Carter
What’s inside...
Welcome to the weird, wild and wonderful world of James Carter! Expect to hear the moon speak, explore a magic wood and play air guitar. You'll meet wolves, elephants and a dung beetle; you'll get close to a gorilla and sing a lullaby to a woolly mammoth; you might even meet an alien in a library. Packed with James Carter's most popular and requested poems, plus 8 brand new poems, this is an important collection from one of the top children's poets writing today. The book features many classroom classics and includes pictures by an award-winning children's illustrator.
Age
7-9
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What is your favorite poem from the book and why?
How do the illustrations add to the poem's meaning?
Can you think of a fun rhyme for your favorite animal?
What feelings do you experience when you read these poems?
If you could write a poem about a wild adventure, what would it be about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Share your own favorite poem from the book and explain why it resonates with you, creating a personal connection.
Encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite scene to deepen their understanding and enjoyment of the poem.
Discuss the emotions each poem evokes, asking your child to relate the poems to their own experiences or feelings.
Create a playful challenge by coming up with family-themed rhymes or poems inspired by James Carter’s style.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: James Carter's poetry often explores themes of the natural world, emphasizing the beauty and importance of various ecosystems and creatures.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to observe and appreciate their natural surroundings, fostering a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: The book uses poetic forms to express thoughts and emotions in a creative way, encouraging children to discover and use poetry as a form of expression.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use poetry to articulate their feelings and thoughts, enhancing their communication skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Language Play
Explanation: Carter's work is known for its playful use of language, including rhymes, alliteration, and puns, which can help children understand the flexibility and fun of language.
Real-World Application: Engaging with poetic techniques can improve children's literacy and linguistic skills, making reading and writing more engaging and effective.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The poems often introduce new topics and intriguing facts that spark curiosity about the world.
Real-World Application: Children learn to ask questions and seek out more information, key skills for academic success and lifelong learning.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: Through diverse themes and subjects, the poetry introduces children to a wide range of cultures, perspectives, and stories, fostering inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and respect diverse cultures and viewpoints, which is essential for their development into well-rounded individuals.