I have been publishing this series for many years and during that time my own two boys have grown up into young men. I am no longer involved in the world of children learning how to read and write and so I have decided it is time for me to down tools in this space.
I would like to leave you with two poems about my journey raising my two boys to young adults.
This first poem, which appears in Sir Chocolate and the Condensed Milk River story and cookbook, is about Michael.
It’s a boy!
A new arrival brings so much joy
Especially if it’s a little boy
He’ll have a loud and lusty wail
He’ll let you know that he is male
So beware,
A disturbance has started!
He’ll want to be just like his Dad
He’ll drive his mom and sister mad
He’ll keep insects in his room in jars
He’ll build a spaceship to the stars
So beware,
An adventure has started!
He’ll vanish at a sign of work
He’ll quickly learn his share to shirk
At homework time he’ll run away
Much to mom and dad’s dismay
So beware,
An endurance test has started!
In the end he’ll turn out right
You’ll be proud, he’ll be so bright
He’ll make you laugh, and then you’ll cry
When out he moves with a cherry goodbye
So beware,
A life journey has started!
Picture caption: Fondant pair of boys dressed in the South African national soccer team outfits
The next poem is about my older son, Gregory.
Words for my son
Words flow fluidly from my mind to pen, they come very easily to me
So why is it when I speak to you, I just cannot seem to make you see
That I love you, my most special boy, I am your number one fan
It is a joyous journey to watch you becoming an extraordinary man
You have an amazing mind, you’re like an adult when we engage
It makes it hard to understand the teenage turmoil that within you must rage
You make us smile when you sit laughing at some amusing situation in a book
Although I can get really cross when you give me your uncooperative look
My own teenage years are a fairly distant memory, but I do remember
The emotional highs and lows, like the violent thunderstorms of December
An adventurous and exploratory time in your life, bursting with so much possibility
To take advantage, you need to control body and mind and take responsibility
You are exceptionally empathetic and kind, you always give to others
I take delight when I see you treating everyone as your sisters and brothers
New Series
From October, I am delighted to introduce my new series Read and Cook with Robbie Cheadle. This is the banner for this new series:
The new series will involve pairing a recipe, either a dinner meal or a baked item, with a book.
I think it will be good fun.
Thank you to all the readers who have followed Growing Bookworms over the years. I have loved our conversations.
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This segment of “Growing Bookworms” is sponsored by the My Backyard Friends Kid’s Book Series and WordCrafter Press.
The My Backyard Friends kid’s book series is inspired by the birds and animals that visit the author Kaye Lynne Booth’s mountain home. Beautiful illustrations by children’s author, poet, and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, bring the unique voices of the animal characters to life.
This is the final stop on the WordCrafter My Backyard Friends Book Blog Tour. So today, we’re just going to recap a few things about this series and meet the three characters who haven’t been introduced yet: Ethan Eagle from Heather Hummingbird Makes a New Friend, and Nancy Nuthatch and Katy Cat from Timothy Turtle Discovers Jellybeans. At the other stops, you should have met all the main characters, plus Becky Beaver from Timothy Turtle and Nicholas Nuthatch from Charlie Chickadee Gets a New Home. If you missed a stop or two, don’t worry. I’m including a tour schedule with links at the end of this post, in the wrap-up section. Also, before we go, I’ll reveal the surprise which I promised at the first stop. So with that in mind, let’s get on with the introductions.
But first, a reminder that you can buy direct at the My Backyard Friends Store while the tour is running and through July 24th. Discounted eBooks, pre-orders for signed print copies, (if we can raise enough to have them done in color. Monies for this item will be refunded, if not.), and the My Backyard Friends poster with all of your favorite characters.
About Heather Hummingbird Makes a New Friend
The My Backyard Friends kid’s book series is inspired by the birds and animals that visit the author Kaye Lynne Booth’s mountain home. Beautiful illustrations by children’s author, poet, and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, bring the unique voices of the animal characters to life.Heather Hummingbird Makes a New Friend is a picture book with a message of friendship and cooperation.
Heather Hummingbird and Ethan Eagle are two unlikely friends who discover that it is good to accept help from others and that is what friends are for.
If you miss the My Backyard Friends Store, which will disappear on Wednesday July 24th, you can get a digital copy of Heather Hummingbird Makes a New Friend through this retailer purchase link: https://books2read.com/MBF-HeatherHummingbird
Meet Ethan Eagle
Interview with Ethan Eagle
What type of eagle are you?
Isn’t it obvious? I am an American Bald Eagle; a national symbol, I am told.
You have lots of feathers covering your head. Why do they call you a bald eagle?
There are approximately two thousand feathers on my head, and they are all white. No other eagle has a white head. The label comes from the old English “balde” which means white.
Are American Bald Eagles and endangered species?
I am told that we are no longer endangered, although I still do not believe there are many of us. For a while there we were because humans were using some kinds of poisons that made their way up the food chain to us. It thinned the shells on our eggs so that they often were crushed under the weight of the mother sitting on them, causing our numbers to dwindle. My mother used to talk about how precious life was and how past generations struggled to keep their young alive and bring them to maturity, so us kids would not behave in a reckless manner once we learned to use our wings.
Eagles can fly very fast. Did your tiny hitchhiker slow you down much?
Not at all. Heather is only about three inches in size and I bet she only weighs about two and a half grams. I was woried at first that she might not be able to keep her hold at high wind speeds, since I have a six-foot plus wingspan and my cruizing speed is about thirty miles per hour, but she grasped some feathers with her tiny claws and tucked her body down into my underdown, leting the outer feathers block her from the wind. Heather is pretty smart for a hummingbird.
Why do you think yours and Heather’s is an unlikely friendship?
Normally, we larger birds of prey don’t bother ourselves much with birds as small as hummingbirds. When I first met Heather I found her kind of annoying. She never slowed down, and she spoke in quick, brief little snippits. She’d ask me a question and then zip away before I could answer. But the day she helped me, even when I did not believe there was anything she could do, changed the way I thought about hummingbirds, and Heather in particular.
Do you consider Heather to be your friend?
By all means. Eagles don’t have many friends. I believe we are intimidating to the smaller birds, even the hawks. We tend to be loners and we are territorial with our own kind, so we cannot ‘hang out’ together or the like. Heather is the only true friend I’ve ever had.
Fun Facts About Eagles
American Bald Eagles can live up to 20-25 years.
Bald Eagles have incredible eyesight, and can see in front of them and at a forty-five degree angle at the same time.
Bald Eagles eat mostly fish, but they are also carrion eaters.
“If a Bald Eagle catches a fish that is too heavy to lift, it may grasp the fish with its talons and use its wings like oars to swim to shore.” (“Fascinating Eagle FAQ”. National Eagle Center. https://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/learn/faq/)
Bald Eagles have special circulation in their legs and talons which allows them to withstand very cold temperatures and stand on the ice for short periods of time.
It’s interesting that a cat is friends with a turtle. How did that come about?
I’ve known Timothy Turtle since he was not much bigger than a tadpole. Even when he was small, I couldn’t very well eat him, because of his hard shell. I’d swat him around with my paws, but I never did him any damage. As he got bigger, he’d come by my yard on his way to the raspberry patch, or the strawberry patch, or even sometimes he would visit the melon patch. No doubt about it. That boy has a terrible sweet tooth.
Why would you suggest Timothy to turn around in his shell?
Oh for heaven’s sake, I was kidding. He had a tummy ache, and I just said that he might feel better if his tummy were in the round part of his shell. I didn’t think he could actually do it. My girl, Kimmy, called me and I had to run. Kimmy gets upset when I make her wait. When I came back, I found Timothy in a terrible bind, but I have to admit, it was kind of funny, too.
You know, I agreed to come answer your questions, but I don’t think I like what you’re implying. I might have been teasing him a little, like I always do, but I waasn’t being spiteful or mean. I don’t think I want to answer anymore of your questions.
And with a flip of her tail Katy Cat has left the building.
Fun Facts About Cats
Cats can run up to 30 mph for short distances.
Cats use their whiskers to sense changes in the air through vibrations.
Adult cats can leap up to 5 or 6 feet in the air, distances up to six times their body length, especially with a running start.
The bumps and ridges on a cat’s nosepad is unique, like a human’s fingerprints.
Cats sweat through their paw pads.
Cats have 32 different ear muscles and can rotate their ears 180 degrees.
One study claims that male cats are left-pawed, while females are right-pawed.
Cats sleep 12 – 16 hours per day, about 70% of their lives, and they dream. Science believes the dream about cat stuff like hunting a mouse or running for a food bowl, when their paws twtch in their sleep.
Cats make over 100 vocal sounds and each one has meaning.
The oldest known evidence of a pet cat was discovered by archeologists near Cyprus in 2004, and it predates Egyptian cat art by 4000 years.
Cats walk like camels and giraffes with a pacing gate, meaning they move both feet on one side, then the other.
Ancient Egyptians shaved off their eyebrows in mourning when their cats died.
About Timothy Turtle Discovers Jellybeans
The My Backyard Friends kid’s book series is inspired by the birds and animals that visit the author Kaye Lynne Booth’s mountain home. Beautiful illustrations by children’s author, poet, and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, bring the unique voices of the animal characters to life.Timothy Turtle Discovers Jellybeans is a picture book with a moral message from a young turtle’s perspective.
Meet Timothy Turtle, who has a sweet tooth. He eats too many jelly beans and finds himself in a pickle. His friends Katy Cat and Betsy Beaver try to help, and Timothy learns that you can get too much of a good thing.
If you miss the My Backyard Friends Store, which will disappear on Wednesday July 24th, you can get a digital copy of Timothy Turtle Discovers Jellybeans through this retailer purchase link: https://books2read.com/MBF-TimothyTurtle
Meet Nancy Nuthatch
Interview with Nancy Nuthatch
Why did you agree to take time out of your busy day to help Timothy Turtle?
What else was I going to do? Let him starve? I had to forage and find insects for my hatchlings anyway. It didn’t take that much time to drop him an insect or two each day. They were enough to keep him alive, but not enough to let him gain weight until his tummy shrunk down to size.
Do you know Nicolas Nuthatch?
I should hope so. He’s my little brother. He’s more of a softie than I am. That’s how he met his friend Charlie Chickadee. The little guy needed a hand and Nick was there to offer one. They’ve been best friends ever since, even though they have a big age difference. I think Charlie looks up to Nick. I can’t complain. Charlie has always been a good kid.
As for me, I see Timothy around here and there. I’m sure he’s grateful for my help with his dilemma, but it’s not like he’s my best friend for life or anything. If I had to do it again, I would. It might not be such a bad thing to be a softie.
Fun Facts About Female Nuthatches
Nuthatches lay 5 – 9 eggs each breeding season. The female sits on the nest and incubates the eggs for 12-14 days, while the male brings food to the nest for her. They have one brood per year.
Both parents feed the youngsters until they are ready to leave the nest between 14-26 days. Young are fed a diet made up entirely of insects and spiders.
Pairs mate for life and remain together year round. Mating behaviors begin in late winter, as early as January in some areas. Male raises his head and spreads his tail feathers, droops his wings, sways back and forth, and bows deeply to his mate in courtship. He may also feed her when courting. (“The White-Breasted Nuthatch”. Audobon. https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/white-breasted-nuthatch#)
Nuthatches nest in large natural cavities or vacated woodpecker holes. The females line the nest with bark fibers, grasses, twigs and hair. And they sweep the nest inside and out with insects crushed in their beaks. It is believed that the chemical secretions fend off predators.
The My Backyard Friends kid’s book series is inspired by the birds and animals that visit the author Kaye Lynne Booth’s mountain home. Beautiful illustrations by children’s author, poet, and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, bring the unique voices of the animal characters to life. Charlie Chickadee Gets a New Home is a story of survival from a young bird’s perspective.
Charlie Chickadee is happy with his family in their cozy nest. But whem the violet-green swallows thake the nest for their own, Charlie finds himself alone, seperated from his parents and on his own to face the dangers of the forest. His new friend Nicholas Nuthatch shows him the ropes and teaches him about the other birds and the woman who puts out food each day, and by a stroke of liuck, Charlie discovers the perfect spot and builds a new nest that he can be proud of.
If you miss the My Backyard Friends Store, which will disappear on Wednesday July 24th, you can get a digital copy of Charlie Chickadee Gets a New Home through this retailer purchase link: https://books2read.com/MBF-CharlieChickadee
That about wraps things up for the tour. If you’ve followed the tour, you’ve met all the characters introduced in the first three books in the My Backyard Friends Kid’s Book Series. While we had them all together for the tour, we also put together a cool poster, kind of like a group photo, in honor of the tour. Every kid would love to have this poster, featuring Robbie Cheadles wonderful illustrations, on their wall. But you can only get this fabulous poster at the My Backyard Friends Store until July 24th, so get one for each of the kids in your life now.
My Backyard Friends Poster Designed by Sonoran Dawn Studios
But wait! There’s one more surprise to reveal.
Surprise Giveaway!
Tell me in the comments which character is your favorite and the most interesting thing you learned about them during the tour for a chance to win one of two digital sets of all three books in a random drawing. After the tour ends, I’ll leave the comments open until Wednesday, so that everyone will have time to go back and visit stops they missed and get their comments in. The winners will be announced in my August segment of “WordCrafter News” on Monday July 29th, along with who the most popular character turns out to be.
Drop by Undawnted for Day 7 of the WordCrafter My Backyard Friends Book Blog Tour, where you can meet Charlie Chickadee in a mini-interview with DL Mullan, some fun facts about Chickadees, and a review of Charlie Chickadee Gets a New Home. Join us as we wind down the send off for this wonderful kid’s series, written by Kaye Lynne Booth and illustrated by Robbie Cheadle.
Today, we’re hanging out over at Carla Loves to Read, where Carla Johnson-Hicks is reading and reviewing all three books with her grandchildren for Day 6 of the WordCrafter My Backyard Friends Book Blog Tour. Won’t you stop by to see what the kids think of this wonderful kid’s series written by Kaye Lynne Booth and illustrated by Robbie Cheadle, and find out how you can help support the color print editions.
Today we’re over at Robbie’s Inspiration for Day 4 of the WordCrafter My Backyard Friends Book Blog Tour with a guest post from me, some fun facts about beavers, and a mini-interview with Robbie and Becky Beaver. Join us in helping to send off the series and raise enough to publish them in color print editions.
This month, I am delighted to introduced talented author and poet, Gwen M. Plano, as my Treasuring Poetry guest.
What is your favourite style of poetry to read, i.e. haiku, ballad, epic, freestyle, etc?
I enjoy all forms of poetry. If a poem gives me pause by how it transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, or if it illuminates a mystery, then I’m captivated. Pablo Neruda and Maya Angelou are two of my favorites, and they both write freestyle. But I also love syllabic poetry. Matsuo Basho’s The Old Pond is breathtaking:
An old silent pond
A frog jumps into the pond
Splash! Silence again.
What is your favourite poem in your favourite style to read?
In the 1980s, I discovered T.S. Eliot and his Four Quartets. Written in freestyle, the lengthy poems address the deep questions of life. I’ve probably read the poems a dozen times. The last quartet, Little Gidding, is my favorite. It’s too long to include in this post, but Section IV offers a glimpse of Eliot’s spiritual depth:
The dove descending breaks the air
With flame of incandescent terror
Of which the tongues declare
The one discharge from sin and error.
The only hope, or else despair
Lies in the choice of pyre or pyre—
To be redeemed from fire by fire.
Who then devised the torment? Love.
Love is the unfamiliar Name
Behind the hands that wove
The intolerable shirt of flame
Which human power cannot remove.
We only live, only suspire
Consumed by either fire or fire.
What is your favourite style of poetry to write? Why?
When I write spontaneously and from my heart, the poetry is freestyle. I don’t think about the structure of the poem; rather, I’m focused on the story it tells. If I were to choose a favorite style, it would be freestyle.
Every week, though, I participate in poet Colleen Chesebro’s syllabic poetry prompts. I’ve learned tremendously through her example and instruction. Importantly, I’ve come to love syllabic poetry.
What is your favourite of your own poems in your favourite style?
I’ve two poems that I particularly like, and I can’t decide which one is my favorite. One reflects on grief, and the other focuses on writers. Both are written in freestyle, and the first includes rhyme.
The Old Pier
Picture caption: The Old Pier by Gwen M. Plano
The Old Pier
Remember when we danced in the moonlight? I was your princess, and you were my knight. Remember the star you said was mine alone? Brilliant and pulsing, it was our secret cosmic stone.
Now I hold your ashes and not your embrace, and I weep with every memory trace. I walk the old pier and hope I will see you standing there, waiting for me.
But ashes to ashes is as day is to night a harsh, inevitable part of life’s hike. My tears are lost in the water below. Maybe they’ll find you if I can just let go.
The Author
Picture caption: The author by Gwen M. Plano
The Author
I search for you,
writer unknown,
each page a port of departure.
Through hurdles, fears, and
the dreams you disclose,
I wander.
A word laid bare,
a phrase that lingers,
a plot that captures or awakens,
your footsteps stealth on paper trails,
the scent of you,
I savor.
The web you spin,
entraps and cradles,
while entangled characters wrestle.
Through the give and take of life and love,
the glimpses of you,
I follow.
At last, I see,
my muse, my tease,
behind the hes and shes you’ve crafted,
a warrior or tender lover – the storyteller,
YOU, now revealed, I honor.
Tell us a bit about your fiction writing and your latest book, The Soul Whisperers Decision. What is the book about? What inspired the book?
Picture caption: the cover of The Soul Whisperer’s Decision by Gwen M. Plano
Much like my poetry, writing fiction is a journey. I write when something gnaws at my soul. It often begins with scenes and questions, and just as often, I don’t know where the story will take me. I am both the writer and the reader.
The Soul Whisperer’s Decision begins with a tragedy. A father loses his little children in a car accident that almost kills his wife as well. The young man is a veteran, and he is pulled back into his struggle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The story follows this veteran through the pain of loss to the eventual rediscovery of hope.
What inspired this story? For a decade, I worked with Marines and soldiers from all service branches, returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. I was an administrator at a college located near military bases. I soon discovered that most of those who were boots-on-the-ground suffered from PTSD in addition to physical injuries. By choice, my work shifted to serving those who had served all of us.
Over the years, I’ve heard people scoff at PTSD as though it is a sign of weakness. These individuals never served and have no idea what these brave men and women experienced. In my novel and my WIP, I attempt to illuminate that experience.
The Soul Whisperer’s Decision also includes a nurse who has a Near Death Experience. Her choice of remaining in the heavenly realm or returning to her life shapes the story’s direction. Since the 1980s, I’ve studied NDEs and have spoken with some who have medically died. It is an experience that is personal and close to my heart.
My review of The Soul Whisperer’s Decision
This beautifully written and emotional book is ultimately about making choices when life presents us with devastating obstacles on our path. For various reasons, this topic is close to my heart and I related heavily to the main character, Sarah, who, following a devastating car accident, needed to make the ultimate decision about whether to fight for life or let go. To make this decision harder, Sarah lost both her small children in the accident. I have watched loved ones making this choice and the decision to live is a hard one when months of rehabilitation and pain lie ahead.
While Sarah is fighting for her life in hospital, her husband, Jack, a Vietnam veteran, faces mental collapse when his post traumatic stress disorder rears its ugly head. Jack is devastated by the loss of his little ones and flawed by the uncertainty as to his wife’s recovery. Jack must also make a choice about whether to face the pain and try to rebuild his life or whether to end his suffering.
The sensitive and yet realistic manner in which the author deals with the trauma and the emotional and mental reactions of her two central characters demonstrates a deep understanding of people and the human condition. This relatively short novel will have you examining your own life and considering how you would react in the same circumstances. There is a lot of subtle guidance woven throughout this book and it is essentially, a very uplifting read. I strongly recommend this excellent book.
Gwen M. Plano, aka Gwendolyn M. Plano, grew up in Southern California and spent most of her professional life in higher education. She taught and served as an administrator in colleges in Japan, New York, Connecticut, and California. Gwen’s academic background is in theology and counseling. Recently retired, she now lives in the high desert of Arizona, where she writes, gardens, and travels with her husband.
Gwen’s first book is an acclaimed memoir, Letting Go into Perfect Love. Her second book, The Contract between heaven and earth, is a thriller fiction novel, co-authored by John W. Howell. It has received multiple awards and is an Amazon Best Seller. The Choice, the unexpected heroes is the sequel to The Contract. It is also a thriller, involving the attempt of an unfriendly nation to take over the world. The third book in the series, The Culmination, a new beginning is an action-packed military thriller that spans the globe and involves multiple Heads of State and the threat of World War III. Only love can change the fate of humanity.
When Gwen is not writing, she’s often in the beautiful Red Rocks of Sedona, where she finds inspiration.
About Robbie Cheadle
South African author and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated sixteen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, and written and illustrated three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.
Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/
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This segment of “Treasuring Poetry” is sponsored by WordCrafter Press and the Poetry Treasures series.
I have always loved reading. I started reading at the age of four years old and have never stopped. I consume books like dinners. When I was a little girl, I used to read books from the library. I didn’t own many books myself. I loved books with bold and bright illustrations and I always think of Richard Scarry’s books first.
Picture caption: Image from Richard Scarry’s website: https://www.richardscarry.com/. If you don’t know this wonderful author and illustrator, do go over and acquaint yourself with him.
Richard Scarry used personification for the animals in his books. They all walk and talk like humans and they wear clothes. They are delightful, but they are not representative of the world of nature and the reality of nature. When I was little, I knew about animals. I was exposed to them and I knew that milk came from cows, eggs came from chickens, and other things about meat that I’ve always tried not to think about to much. As I grew older, I read other books that included the personification of animals. One of my favourite books in this genre is Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame.
Last year, when I discovered an aptitude for drawing and painting, I thought I would turn my hand to creating pictures of the animals and birds I love so much. I have now created several animal pictures which you can see on my art page here:
In June 2023, Kaye Lynne asked me if I would like to illustrate her My Backyard Friends books. I thought about it and decided to give it a go, even though I hadn’t ever tried to do drawn/painted illustrations before. I was busy at the time with creating the illustrations and story for my latest children’s book, Neema the Misfit Giraffe.
Before embarking on illustrating books for children, I reflected for some time on what the best type of illustration would be for modern children. Children who grow up in cities now don’t have much interaction with animals. They don’t know that milk comes from cows and eggs come from chickens. I decided it was necessary for them to see the reality of the animal world and not a fantasy, personified versions. Especially given the Sixth Mass Extinction our planet is currently facing with the endangerment of many of our animal species world wide. If believed it was better for children to be exposed to wildlife in a true and natural way. I hoped it would help to stimulate interest and passion for our animals. Afterall, our children are the next generation and will have to carry the torch for the salvation of what is left of the animal kingdom.
It is for these reasons that my drawings and paintings of wildlife and birds in my own children’s books and in Kaye Lynne’s children’s books are based off real photographs and are not personified or animated in any way. I am happy with how the illustrations have worked out and I hope that they will make a small difference towards saving our limited supply of remaining animals and birds.
Picture image: my watercolour painting of Becky the Beaver from Timothy Turtle Discovers Jelly Beans by Kaye Lynne Booth.
About Robbie Cheadle
Award-winning, bestselling author, Robbie Cheadle, has published fifteen children’s book and three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.
Robbie also has two novels published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
The eleven Sir Chocolate children’s picture books, co-authored by Robbie and Michael Cheadle, are written in sweet, short rhymes which are easy for young children to follow and are illustrated with pictures of delicious cakes and cake decorations. Each book also includes simple recipes or biscuit art directions which children can make under adult supervision.
Robbie and Michael’s new Southern African Safari Adventures series is aimed at teaching young children about Southern African wildlife in a fun and entertaining way. Each book contains a rhyming verse story about a particular animal, as well as illustrations by Robbie Cheadle, photographs and links to video footage about that animal.
Want to be sure not to miss any of Robbie’s “Growing Bookworms” segments? Subscribe to Writing to be Read for e-mail notifications whenever new content is posted or follow WtbR on WordPress. If you found it interesting or entertaining, please share.
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This segment of “Growing Bookworms” is sponsored by the My Backyard Friends Kid’s Book Series and WordCrafter Press.
The My Backyard Friends kid’s book series is inspired by the birds and animals that visit the author Kaye Lynne Booth’s mountain home. Beautiful illustrations by children’s author, poet, and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, bring the unique voices of the animal characters to life.
Today, I am delighted to welcome talented poet and author, Michelle Ayon Navajas, as my June Treasuring Poetry guest. Michelle is also the editor of Hotel by Masticadores. Welcome Michelle!
What is your favourite style of poetry to read i.e. haiku, ballad, epic, freestyle, etc?
I love to read freestyle and ballad.
What is your favourite poem in your favourite style to read?
I love to repeatedly read Annabel Lee. Though technically, it’s not a ballad, but I trust that Edgar Allan Poe referred to it as one, because like a ballad, the poem uses repetition of words and phrases purposely to create its mournful effect.
Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe
It was many and many a year ago,
In a kingdom by the sea,
That a maiden there lived whom you may know
By the name of Annabel Lee;
And this maiden she lived with no other thought
Than to love and be loved by me.
I was a child and she was a child,
In this kingdom by the sea,
But we loved with a love that was more than love—
I and my Annabel Lee—
With a love that the wingèd seraphs of Heaven
Coveted her and me.
And this was the reason that, long ago,
In this kingdom by the sea,
A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling
My beautiful Annabel Lee;
So that her highborn kinsmen came
And bore her away from me,
To shut her up in a sepulchre
In this kingdom by the sea.
The angels, not half so happy in Heaven,
Went envying her and me—
Yes!—that was the reason (as all men know,
In this kingdom by the sea)
That the wind came out of the cloud by night,
Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee.
But our love it was stronger by far than the love
Of those who were older than we—
Of many far wiser than we—
And neither the angels in Heaven above
Nor the demons down under the sea
Can ever dissever my soul from the soul
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
For the moon never beams, without bringing me dreams
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And the stars never rise, but I feel the bright eyes
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side
Of my darling—my darling—my life and my bride,
In her sepulchre there by the sea—
In her tomb by the sounding sea.
What is your favourite style of poetry to write? Why?
I love freestyle and ballad poetry because they offer a unique freedom of expression and emotion. Freestyle allows for spontaneous creativity, while ballads provide a structured yet melodious form to convey deep feelings and stories. Both forms can be deeply personal and evocative, resonating with the human experience in different ways.
What is your favourite of your own poems in your favourite style?
“What If Snowflakes Don’t Fall In Winter?”
What if snowflakes don’t fall in winter? and fresh buds don’t bloom in spring? or summer doesn’t need sunshine?
nor leaves don’t fall in autumn?
Will you remember how we used to be?
the love we shared gently like snowflakes falling smoothly in winter out of thin air unannounced, unnoticed unspoken yet blissful
the dreams we dream, hopes we hope like spring awakening the earth bringing heaps of sunshine after the cold, gloomy winter
the laughter we gave out like sunshine on a summer day rhyming along as the birds singing passionately hot, vibrant, and crisp
the memories we created like leaves falling flawlessly in the autumn breeze, with cooling temperatures and darkening nights
What if snowflakes don’t fall in winter? and fresh buds don’t bloom in spring? or summer doesn’t need sunshine? nor leaves don’t fall in autumn?
Will you still love me tenderly?
How do you promote your poetry and your poetry books?
Promoting my poetry books involved a mix of traditional and modern strategies:
Social Media: I utilized platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to share snippets, and behind-the-scenes insights, and engage with my audience.
Book Readings/Events: I join readings at local bookstores, libraries, or cafes. I also join virtual events which can also reach a wider audience.
Collaborations: I partner with other poets, artists, or influencers for cross-promotion.
Press Releases: I send out press releases to local newspapers, literary magazines, and online platforms.
Book Reviews: I solicit reviews from book bloggers, literary magazines, and online reviewers.
Online Presence: I maintain a blog where readers can learn more about me and my work.
Book Signings: I join book signings at bookstores, festivals, or community events.
Book Trailers: I create short videos or trailers featuring excerpts from my book.
Email Marketing: I build an email list and send newsletters with updates, exclusive content, and offers.
But remember, consistency and engagement are key to building a loyal readership.
Hotel by Masticadores
Michelle is the editor of Hotel by Masticadores “Hotel of Broken Hearts”.
Hotel was born from a conversation within the masticadores Editors. Barbara Leonhard (USA), Miriam Costa (Brazil) and j re crivello (Barcelona-Spain), understand that all of us, at some point in life, would like to write a letter to: an ex-love, or a deceased relative, or remember that landscape or house that sheltered us in a stage of our life.
For this reason, we have created Hotel, an ephemeral tool that we put at the service of readers and writers. The only rule is a maximum of 600 words (in Word) and that the texts and images be accepted by the Editorial Board. That being said, Hotel will appear in Spanish and English.
You can send your collaborations to fleminglabwork@gmail.com
Hotel also publishes poetry and book reviews.
My review of Locker by Michelle
Picture caption: Book cover of Locker by Michelle Ayon Navajas featuring a red school locker against a red background.
What Amazon says
We can close our eyes to reality and pretend things didn’t happen the way they happened. Fiction is the closest to escaping what’s true and painful. This collection of over fifty poetic flash fiction stories will push the boundaries of our reality. It will make us discern things for ourselves and will lead us to understand our true nature better.
Each is a stand-alone story you can read anytime, anywhere, without the need to finish the entire book. But, as soon as you flip to the last page, you will realize there is more to these poetic flash fiction stories than simply a collection of poetic tales.
My review of Locker
Locker is a deeply emotional and heartfelt collection of flash fiction. Each piece revolves around the central themes of love and secrecy. The title, Locker, refers to a school locker where students store their personal items. These comprise of a mixture of practical, everyday items and also their personal secrets. Love notes, drawings, and books are all articles that are stored in lockers.
Each piece of flash fiction draws on this concept of opening our own ‘mental’ lockers and looking through the memories stored there. Some are wonderful, bright flashes of happy joy in our lives, and others are sad or traumatic. All mould us into the people we are and are vital components of our life paths.
As with our own memories, some of these stories are wonderfully uplifting: the moment when we fall in love and everything in our world is perfect. Others cover losses of love interests, miscarriages, and even situations where love changes to abuse.
The author is a talented and well known poet and the writing style of her short stories is lyrical and poetic. The language is a treat for lovers of the written word and evokes intense feelings.
I highly recommend this beautiful and intense book to all lovers of character driven stories.
Picture caption: Poet and author photograph of Michelle Ayon Navajas
Michelle Ayon Navajas (born June 23, 1976) is a Filipino poet, writer, and educator. She is a Best-Selling international Poet known for her books reaching the #1 spot within days of their release. Her 8th poetry book, “I Am In Itself Poetry In The Dark,” went straight to the top of both the best-sellers list and new releases on Amazon on short notice. Her 7th poetry book, “It Ain’t Winning If Without You,” went straight to the best-sellers list on Amazon in less than 24 hours of release by pre-orders alone and eventually became the number Poetry Book on Amazon India on its actual release day, soon after the book rose to the best- sellers list as well in all other Amazon Markets worldwide.
Currently, Michelle holds the title of having 4 books published in a row to have made it to Amazon’s Best-Sellers List (“I Will Love You Forever, Too,” “After Rain Skies, 2nd Edition,” “It Ain’t Winning If Without You,” and “I Am In Itself Poetry In The Dark”) and 3 books on Amazon’s #1Hot New Releases/New Releases (“I Will Love You Forever, Too,” “It Ain’t Winning If Without You,” and “I Am In Itself Poetry In The Dark”.)
Her poetry appeared in several international literary magazines and anthologies such as Spillwords NYC, MasticadoresUsa, and MasticadoresIndia. Her poems “Holding Hands” was voted as Spillwords Publication of the Month for November 2021 and “Love Happens” was voted as Spillwords Publication of the Month for December 2022.
She is also part of the award-winning ensemble of authors in two Poetry Anthologies, that are both Amazon Best-Sellers: Hidden In Childhood and Wounds I Healed.
Graduated with a Master of Education majoring in English in the Philippines (University of San Agustin, Iloilo City). Michelle was a former college professor, teaching literature, speech & oral communication, creative writing, drama, and theatre arts. She is also a graduate of Mass Communications major in Journalism (Centro Escolar University, Manila).
Michelle is active in her writing profession and works as a freelance creative writer.
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Several readers questioned the relationship between hyenas and wild dogs. I didn’t realise that there was confusion between these creatures because I’ve grown up knowing the differences (or some of them at least). This month, I am providing some insights into those differences.
First and foremost, wild dogs are canines and hyenas are Hyaenidae. Hyenas are considered to be ‘cat-like’ carnivores and are evolutionarily closer to felines than canines.
Appearance
Wild dogs have large, rounded ears that stand up on their heads as if perpetually listening. The African painted wild dog has a pattern on its coat that resembles paint splashes in white, ochre, and black. Wild dogs are the largest of the African canine and measure between 60 and 75 centimetres tall at their shoulders. They weight between 18 and 36 kilograms and have long, slender legs.
Picture caption: African painted wild dog with large, rounded ears and long slender ears.
Hyenas have smaller ears that they draw back towards their heads. The spotted hyena has a brown-coloured coat with small dark brown spots scattered all over it and a main of longer hair. Spotted hyenas have short hind legs and longer front legs. They are larger and stronger than wild dogs having a height of up to 92 centimetres at the shoulder and a weight of up to 86 kilograms.
Behaviour
Wild dogs
Wild dogs are always on the move as they are threatened by bigger, stronger predators. They live in packs ranging from approximately 7 to 15 members and roam huge territories in search of food. Male wild dogs stay with their birth packs and females leave and find another one to join.
Packs are usually led by a dominant pair, although every member plays a valuable role. Team players, wild dogs care for other members of their pack and never leave a pack member behind.
Wild dogs are known for their endurance and can run long distances to wear down their prey. Wild dogs can reach a top speed of approximately 60 kilometres per hour (44 miles per hour).
Wild dogs are primarily diurnal like cheetahs, meaning they hunt during the day. Wild dogs are excellent hunters with an 85% hunting success rate, making them one of the most successful predators in the world. Working as a team, they can wear down animals like zebras, wildebeest (gnu) and large antelope like kudu. During a hunt, each member assumes a role as follows: subordinate males separate the target, the pack leader runs down the prey, and the others fan out to cover escape routes. Wild dogs nip and tear at their prey with their teeth as it continues to run away from them.
Hyenas
Hyenas live in groups, or clans, of between 6 and 100 individuals. Their complex social hierarchies are dominated by the larger and more aggressive females. They are much more aggressive than wild dogs and spend a lot of time fighting among each other. Despite this behaviour, the members of the pack work together to raise their young. Juveniles eat first at kills and the older females tend to sick and elderly pack members, even regurgitating food for them.
Opportunistic hunters and scavengers, hyenas have a reputation for stealing food from other predators. Hyenas are nocturnal meaning they hunt at night. Although they look ungainly, spotted hyenas can pursue prey for several kilometres without tiring. They can reach a top speed of approximately 60 kilometres per hour (37 miles per hour) and their heart is, proportionately, twice as big as a lion’s. Spotted hyenas often hunt alone but they can take down larger prey if they hunt as a pack. However, if the opportunity presents itself, they will steal from other predators including cheetahs and wild dogs.
Picture caption: Juvenile spotted hyena in the sunlightPicture caption: Juvenile hyena with its brown coat covered in small darker markings and its mane of longer hair.Picture caption: Adult spotted hyenaPicture caption: Spotted hyena cub
My gender is obscure One of nature’s tricks I have the same appendages as my mate I am also bigger Much more aggressive *** Birthing is difficult My babies – stillborn After suffocating in my birth canal Only the strong survive To continue my line *** When my pack makes a kill I get my share first When all females have fed, and
then our offspring Then, and only then Do the males partake
Picture caption: Cover of Lion Scream featuring a lion with its mouth open in a roar.
About Roberta Eaton Cheadle
Award-winning, bestselling author, Roberta Eaton Cheadle, is a South African writer and poet specialising in historical, paranormal, and horror novels and short stories. She is an avid reader in these genres and her writing has been influenced by famous authors including Bram Stoker, Edgar Allan Poe, Amor Towles, Stephen Crane, Enrich Maria Remarque, George Orwell, Stephen King, and Colleen McCullough.
Roberta has two published novels and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories included in several anthologies. She is also a contributor to the Ask the Authors 2022 (WordCrafter Writing Reference series).
Roberta also has thirteen children’s books and two poetry books published under the name of Robbie Cheadle, and has poems and short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
Roberta’s blog features discussions about classic books, book reviews, poetry, and photography. https://roberta-writes.com/.
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I like freestyle. This is the style of most of the poems I have learned about at school and it is my favourite style to write. I like the freedom and lack of specific structure of freestyle poetry. It must have rhythm, but other than that, there are few restrictions with freestyle poetry.
What is your favourite poem in your favourite style to read?
Eating Poetry by Mark Strand was introduced to me this year by my English teacher. At first, I didn’t really understand the poem but after reading it a few times, it captured my imagination. I like the surreal and unusual style of this poem.
Eating Poetry by Mark Strand
Ink runs from the corners of my mouth.
There is no happiness like mine.
I have been eating poetry.
***
The librarian does not believe what she sees.
Her eyes are sad
and she walks with her hands in her dress.
***
The poems are gone.
The light is dim.
The dogs are on the basement stairs and coming up.
***
Their eyeballs roll,
their blond legs burn like brush.
The poor librarian begins to stamp her feet and weep.
***
She does not understand.
When I get on my knees and lick her hand,
she screams.
***
I am a new man.
I snarl at her and bark.
I romp with joy in the bookish dark.
Do you like listening to poetry?
I don’t listen to poetry outside of school. I do love music and I think that songs are a form of poetry. The poems are just set to music. I love music and I’m learning to play the electric guitar.
This is my favourite song:
What is your favourite of your own poems in your favourite style?
I have nine poems published in Square Peg in a Round Hole, poetry, art & creativity by Robbie Cheadle. I have written a few poems subsequently, but not that many as I am studying art at school. It takes up a lot of my time. I like my poem, Devil’s Thoughts in the collection because the setting is one of my photographs. I enjoy photographing roads and cloud formations.
Picture caption: Devil’s Thoughts extract from Square Peg in a Round Hole
Devil’s Thoughts by Michael Cheadle
Panic and pain
Consume everything
I attempt to speak up
Trying again and again
To call for help
The only response
Is the devil’s reply
Shouting loudly
“Come to me, I can stop it all.
I can make you smile.”
The temptation
I endeavour to resist
The world may be crumbling
It is an endless pit
But it is a road I must traverse
About Square Peg in a Round Hole, poetry, art & creativity by Robbie Cheadle
Picture caption: front cover of Square Peg in a Round Hole featuring various forms of artworks by Robbie Cheadle
How to stay positive in a negative world!
Square Peg in a Round Hole is a collection of poetry, art, and photography. The section, Life, demonstrates the author’s perceptions of life in a fast-moving world filled with work, ill-health, and other demands. The other sections illustrate how the poet makes use of writing poetry, creating art, and photography to keep smiling.
A 5-star Amazon review for Square Peg in a Round Hole
Gwendolyn Plano says:
This collection of poetry, photography, paintings, and reflections grabbed my attention immediately. So much so that I devoured it in one sitting. The questions raised, the sorrows expressed, the hopes shared — all resonated with my own. For example, the tanka ‘Voice of Reason’ addresses current situations:
Leaders have the power To direct others’ footsteps Don’t blindly follow Like a lemming to the sea Let the voice of reason speak
This is a book worth savoring. The author’s brilliance is everywhere present. As an added dimension, Michael Cheadle’s heartbreaking poems bring the collection to a close. Bravo to both Robbie and Michael!
About Michael Cheadle
Picture caption: gravatar for Michael Cheadle. A boy asleep in bed with his headphones and cell phone. Cake art by Robbie Cheadle
Michael Cheadle is a student in Johannesburg, South Africa. Together with Robbie Cheadle, Michael has co-authored eleven books in the Sir Chocolate books series, the first book in the Southern African Safari Adventures series, and Haunted Halloween Holiday.
Michael also has nine poems and a charcoal artwork in a poetry collection, Square Peg in a Round Hole.
Award-winning, bestselling author, Robbie Cheadle, has published fourteen children’s books and three poetry books. Her work also features in several poetry and short story anthologies.
Robbie also has two novels published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
The eleven Sir Chocolate children’s picture books, co-authored by Robbie and Michael Cheadle, are written in sweet, short rhymes which are easy for young children to follow and are illustrated with pictures of delicious cakes and cake decorations. Each book also includes simple recipes or biscuit art directions which children can make under adult supervision.
Robbie and Michael Cheadle have recently launched a new series of children’s books called Southern African Safari Adventures. The first book, Neema the Misfit Giraffe is now available from Amazon.
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