Marshmallow Clouds: Two Poets at Play among Figures of Speech by Connie Wanek, Richard Jones, Ted Kooser
Published by Candlewick Press on March 15, 2021
ISBN: 1536203033
Pages: 72
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads

“Celebrated poets Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek, along with illustrator Richard Jones, invite you to let your imagination run wild and celebrate unique visions.” The poems in this book are framed by the four elements: fire, water, air, and earth. However, they are more about imagination and what ifs. Evocative metaphors, e.g. “We keep our fire in a playpen where we feed it, mostly leftovers from the woods,” and arresting imagery, e.g. “The TV remote means to change the world one channel at a time.” cause readers to pay attention. Beautiful illustrations from Richard Jones compliment the 27 poems each on a 2-page spread. An intriguing collection to share with budding poets that will likely cause the most reluctant poets to pause and think about everyday things. Recommend this book of poetry to everyone!

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library