Bartholomew, Tillie, and Poetry

This is one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books. (I also like The 500 Hats of Batholomew Cubbins.) I found this today and as soon as I saw it, I knew it had to be mine! Such a classic. In my opinion at least. :) But Kara, you're wondering, that's not one of Dr. Seuss' books written in poetry! Right you are. But finding it and then also finding another book of poems at the same time, is where the poetry part of the title will come in.

See, when I was younger I read these big, thick books of silly children's poems. (I've always enjoyed poetry.) And somewhere along the line, I read these books enough that I finally had one poem memorized. I can still recite it word for word today. In fact, I can even put a tune to it and sing it for you! No. I'm not posting a video of me singing. But I can sing it, as ridiculous as that probably sounds. Anyway, while looking through the children's books at this particular store, I found a smaller version of those big books of poetry. And lo and behold, while flipping through it, there was my poem! The one I have memorized I mean. So of course, I knew I wouldn't be leaving that book in the store either.

Both books are now happily sitting on my bookshelf. I think they're pretty excited about their new home! I know I'm sure happy to have them there. :D

What's that? Oh. You want to read that poem I can recite? Are you sure? Okay. But just remember that it's a children's poem, so it's a bit silly. Here you are:

Isn't it great? Well, even if you don't think so, there's plenty of children that laugh and laugh when I recite it. :) Would you like to see another one? Sure you would.

When the day is that boring, going back to bed is a great option. Always. ;)

Anyway! Going back to Dr. Seuss. There are several people I know that don't like his books. Perhaps you happen to be one of those. But me? I love his made up words. They're so fun to say out loud! I love that his poems all rhyme and that they have a beat to them. (You know. When you read them, you can tap your foot along with your recitation.) You could probably even put a tune to them if you were so inclined! Alas, I've only done that with the "Tillie" poem.

My point is, I like Dr. Seuss. I like his books. I like his poems. I like to read them out loud to children and listen to them giggle. I like to giggle along with them!

There is much that can be expressed through poetry. Meaningful things. Encouraging things. Empathetic things. But I'm glad that there's silly poems out there too. Life is a struggle sometimes. Being silly, with made-up words and funny rhymes, gives children (and even adults!) the chance to just laugh and enjoy themselves. I think there's a place for both. We need both! Thus I'm incredibly thankful that Dr. Seuss created his silly stories. That he was able to get them published. And that I can still read them to my nieces and nephews today and we can laugh over them. There's just nothing better than sharing stories together. :)