Showing titles in Stories in Verse

With bouncy rhyming language, What Can A Mess Make? inspires listeners to embrace their imaginations, linger in the beautiful messes on every page, and make some messes themselves.

Share, Share, Share! is an emotionally intelligent, rhyming story about a child's reluctance to share and a parent's gentle reminder of the benefits that you experience when you allow others to be involved.

Twelve-year-old Raj is happiest flying kites with his best friend, Iqbal. As their kites soar, Raj feels free, like his beloved India soon will be, and he can’t wait to celebrate their independence. But when a British lawyer draws a line across a map, splitting India in two, Raj is thrust into a fractured world. With Partition declared, Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim families are torn apart—and Raj’s Hindu and Iqbal’s Muslim families are among them.

This story takes the form of a poem about a young boy called William who dreams of Santa’s crazy rush to deliver presents for his mom, dad, and his dog, Tessa. Along the way, Santa has a few hitches, but William finds out about the very first Christmas and why we give gifts at this time. William is shown to be a good and thoughtful little boy who lives up to the true spirit of Christmas.

With skin as rich as cocoa and hair that curled with glee, Kai was a little boy as special as could be. He met a red cardinal, perched high on a tree, Its feathers were like flames, a stunning sight to see. The cardinal smiled, his voice kind and sweet, "Little one, colors are what make our world complete." Encouraged by the cardinal's words, Kai continued his quest, He trekked through the forest, feeling eager and blessed.

The family have outgrown their home and the search is on to find a better one. But can they find the perfect fit? Its not going to be easy! Just as they are about to give in, a fairytale surprise awaits them and they get far more than they ever expected.

It’s the last few months of eighth grade, and Isaiah feels lost. He thought his summer was going to be him and his boys Drew and Darius, hanging out, doing wheelies, watching martial arts movies, and breaking tons of Guinness World Records before high school. But now, more and more, Drew seems to be fading from their friendship, and though he won’t admit it, Isaiah knows exactly why. Because Darius is…gone.

Daphne is unbearably sad and adrift. She feels the painful loss of her father acutely and seeks solace both in the security of her local library and the escape her phone screen provides by blocking out the world around her. As Daphne tries to make sense of what has happened she recalls memories of shared times and stories past, and in facing the darkness she finds a way back from the tangle of fear and confusion, to feel connected once more with her friends and family.

In this story the child is invited on a journey to a magical enchanted forest known as a glen. The narrator’s excitement about the discovery of this special place rings through each step of the journey and will immediately engage the child. “The Glen of Way Back When” offers a standing invitation to the child. It is a playful place where skipping to peace is always available to the child. The narrator states this plainly at the end of the book for the child to absorb.

. In this story the child is invited on a pet walking journey. This journey is full of surprises as the outing unfolds with the pet choosing the path. The narrator realizes that this is a fun and welcome way to spend time outside with the pet. “THE WAY TEDDY” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that spontaneous decisions can lead to fun adventures. The pet has its own ideas which allow for both freedom and adventure. Choices are a main theme that the author embraces in this light-hearted story.

In this story the child is invited on a journey where packing an imaginary suit case brings new meaning and adventure. It is a game for the child to engage in with “Pretend” as a character who is always available to join them. “The Case Suit” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will be invited to investigate what the narrator chooses to pack and travel with to any destination imagination can create. The destination is open-ended so the child will participate with curiosity and play.

In this story the child is invited on a journey into the galaxy where wonders never cease. This is a galaxy where love, acceptance, and unconditional support reign supreme. “THE FAMILY STAR” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that they are always in good company as Stars are personified in a unique and brilliant way. It is a fascinating opportunity to look upon a galaxy of stars in their seemingly infinite number and feel comforted by their resilience and tenacity.

In this story the child is invited on a journey where self empowerment is modeled through an interaction between the narrator and a fictionalized character known as the Catcher Dream. This is a story where the narrator models strength and courage once an uncomfortable matter is identified through self-assessment. "The Catcher Dream” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that they are individuals in charge of safeguarding their physical and emotional space.

In this story the child is invited on a journey into space when the narrator is unable to sleep during the night. An interesting character known as the Tinker Sleep is introduced towards the end of the book and has been created to personify slumber. "The Tinker Sleep" offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that if their sleep is interrupted, just writing it down on paper can be helpful. They can use a journal, diary, notebook or pad as a temporary tool to find their way back to sleep.

In this story the child is invited on a journey to a town where there is a last snow. The season of winter is fully embraced as a strong element to demonstrate the natural occurrences of endings and beginnings. This book is designed to support the child who is learning how to cope with the emotions that accompany endings. "The Snow Last” offers a standing invitation to the child. Journey to the tail of a rainbow's end and see what seasonal adventures await. In "The Snow Last" the child will experience a place where an end is a reality.

In this story the child is invited to experience their sleep-time ritual with the comfort of Nature nearby. It is a remarkable combination of relaxation yet imagination igniting prose. “The World Small” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that no matter where they are on the planet, Nature has common elements. She is always available for discovery and wonder. In the story Nature is personified as a unifying presence to our planet.

In this story the child is invited on a journey to experience an everyday item in a new and exciting way. The item is the wheel and it is shown in a light that will encourage the child to play creatively with anything that has them attached. "The Skate Free” offers a standing invitation to the child. Journey to the tail of a rainbow's end and see what fantastical adventures await. In "The Skate Free" the child will experience a place where wheels are celebrated and enjoyed for the wonderful invention that they are.

In this story the child is invited on a journey into Nature where a discovery is made with the help of the Animal Kingdom and a joyful celebration results. The child is curious and Nature, as in real life, does not disappoint. “My Name Is Light” begins with a child in the great outdoors who notices something bright in their vision. The child takes the opportunity to interact with a feeling of “light.”

In this story the child is invited on a journey into Nature where a discovery is made through observation, vocalization, and communication. The child discovers a ring who believes itself to be a wing. "My Name Is Wing" begins with a child in the great outdoors who notices something round in their vision. The child takes the opportunity to interact, ask questions, and listen actively. The child will learn that asking questions leads to fun adventures, interesting conversations, and positive outcomes.

In this story the child is invited on a journey where honest discourse and communication result in clarity. The child and the main character, Art Fine, get to know each other in the story. The child's observations are voiced and received while Art Fine does the same. "My Name Is Art Fine" begins with a child who is curious about who they are encountering. It becomes clear that the child has questions regarding the information being shared.