Also by this author: Night Wishes
Published by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers on April 16, 2024
Genres: Children's, Children's Educational
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A celebration of creatures—and one of the last books edited by beloved children’s poet Lee Bennett Hopkins.
In this adorable, often amusing collection, Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Lois Lowry, and twelve other poets give thanks for those who bark, purr, chitter, and slither. The poems feature fourteen different animal companions, including a cat snoozing in her bed, a goldfish dancing in her bowl, and a gerbil nestling in an overall pocket. Illustrated in warm, tender detail by Lita Judge, Bless Our Pets captures the charms—and antics—of pets and the people who love them.
From puppies to mice to turtles to ponies, this endearing anthology expresses children’s gratitude for creatures big and small. Bless Our Pets is the perfect tribute to the friends who bring so much joy into our everyday lives.
Bless Our Pets is the perfect book for anyone who loves both poetry and pets. Edited by acclaimed poet Lee Bennett Hopkins shortly before his death in 2019, this book brings together fourteen poems from fourteen different acclaimed authors to celebrate pets and what they bring to our lives. Lita Judge illustrates in magnificent fashion, giving readers realistic and warm illustrations that accurately capture the emotions and personalities of all types of pets.
It’s amazing that Hopkins was able to collect brand-new, previously-unpublished poetry from so many acclaimed children’s poets and authors. I mean, freaking Lois Lowry contributes a poem called “Mouse Dreams,” where a young child watches their pet mouse sleep and wonders if they dream of the danger of the wild and promises to keep them safe. Kristine O’Connell George gives us three 3-line stanzas about a horse that are filled with meaning and power. Charles Ghigna gives readers a humorous and playful poem from a person very happy their friend enjoys their pet snake—and also very grateful that it is not theirs.
The whole Table of Contents is a who’s who of children’s poetry and the poems themselves reflect that quality. While written for children, Bless Our Pets is an artistic work that all people can and should appreciate. From the humor of “Pet Snake” to the sadness of “My Old Dog” to the playfulness of “Hamster Hoping,” there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s truly a delight!