Where do poetry and science intersect?
Do they intersect at all?
Consider the patterns in both poetry and science. Or consider how each discipline uses observations to make sense of the world. Certainly, both use their own techniques and require creativity and even problem-solving. Perhaps the two disciplines are not so very different?
We love to start any science program for youth with a poem or two… Here are some great books of poetry we have used. What are your favorites? Let use know at askwater@aqua.wisc.edu!
ABOUT WATER
- In The Sea by David Elliott; Illustrated by Holly Meade
- In The Small, Small Pond by Denise Fleming
- In The Swim: Poems and Paintings by Douglas Florian
- Sail Away: Poems by Langston Hughes; Art by Ashley Bryan
- Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems by Joyce Sidman
- Water Sings Blue: Ocean Poems by Kate Coombs; Illustrated by Meilo So
- Water Can Be by Laura Purdie Salas; Illustrations by Violeta Dabija
ABOUT FLORA AND FAUNA
- H Is For Hook: A Fishing Alphabet by Judy Young and Illustrated by Gary Palmer
- Fine Feathered Friends: Poems for Young People by Jane Yolen; Photographs by Jason Stemple
- Flutter & Hum: Animal Poems = Aleteo Y Zumbido: Poemas de Animals by Julie Paschkis
- Insectlopedia: Poems and Paintings by Douglas Florian
- Lizards, Frogs and Polliwogs by Douglas Florian
- Song for the Whooping Crane by Eileen Spinelli
- Step Gently Out Poem by Helen Frost; Photographs by Rick Lieder
- Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature Written by Joyce Sidman; Illustrated by Beth Krommes
- Ubiquitous: Celebrating Nature’s Survivors by Joyce Sidman; Illustrations by Beckie Prange
ABOUT WEATHER AND SEASONS
- Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems Selected by Paul B. Janeczko; Illustrated by Melissa Sweet
- Iguanas in the Snow and Other Winter Poems by Francisco X. Alarcón, Illustrations by Maya Christina Gonzalez = Iguanas in la Nieve Y Otros Poemas De Invierno / Poemas, Francisco X. Alarcon; Ilustraciones, Maya Christina Gonzalez
- Once Around the Sun by Bobbi Katz; Illustrated by Leuyen Pham
- A Poem for Peter: The Story of Ezra Jack Keats and the Creation of the Snowy Day Andrea Davis Pinkney; Pictures by Lou Fancher & Steve Johnson
- Rain. Poems. Selections. by Anders Holmer
- Winter Eyes: Poems & Paintings by Douglas Florian
- Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold Joyce Sidman & Rick Allen
ABOUT GETTING IN THE GARDEN
- I Heard It from Alice Zucchini: Poems about the Garden by Juanita Havill; Illustrated by Christine Davenier
- When Green Becomes Tomatoes by Julie Fogliano, Illustrated by Julie Morstad
ABOUT OUR EARTH
- The Green Mother Goose: Saving the World One Rhyme at a Time by Jan Peck and David Davis; Illustrated by Carin Berger
- Thank You, Earth: A Love Letter to Our Planet by April Sayre