The Storybarn Selects… From The Reader Bookshelf

The Reader Bookshelf is a  carefully curated collection of literature for adults and children, exploring a different theme each year, this year’s theme ‘Wonder’ is about being bold, being curious and being open. Staff and volunteers around the country have selected 12 titles for children which explore what 'Wonder' means to them.

We're continuing to delve into the Children and Young People's choices from The Reader Bookshelf with a review by our Children and Young Persons Project Lead, Tavia Panton. This month Tavia shares her thoughts on Wonder: The Natural History Museum Poetry Book, Edited by Ana Sampson.

You can open a page at random or read it from start to end

This poetry anthology can be a companion or friend

Wander through its lyrics to discover museum wonders

Search beyond the sky and stars, the artefacts and plunder

Read the meaning of trees in these leaves to reveal their worth

Then erupt like lava demanding freedom from below the earth

Dine with dinos, walk among fossils older than belief

Recognise the reptilian things rustling in the leaves

Hear birds tweet as they migrate from the rain

Care for creepy crawlies, the foundation of our food chain

Marvel at the mammals marking their moment

Biology and history have many diverse components

The natural world is captured in rhapsodies

Through oceans and rivers, the connecting bodies

In a journey of wonder that never ends;

Read the poems again or send them on to a friend!

Wonder weaves a marvellous tale of our natural history within its selection of poems. With contributions from a variety of wonderful poets, there is sure to be something juicy in here for even the grumpiest of dinos!

Near the start of the anthology, Grace Nichols invites everyone in to experience the dazzling universe…

‘Even the far-away stars

explode

on the dancefloor of infinity - ’

Learning about our world has never been more fun! Take an ‘Excursion to the Planet Mercury’ or fall under a ‘Snail Spell’! ‘Plant a Tree’ or do a ‘Dolphin Dance’! Find bird shaped rhymes, butterfly plates, and portraits to guide you on an exploration of nature’s phenomena. With all this richness to discover, a reminder to appreciate the wonders of the world stands out from Holly McNish;

‘till then, let us cram

these baskets of body

with what life

we are lucky to get’

Like a trove of tremendous treasures, each poem is an elegant, bite-sized jewel. The collection could also be the perfect companion for a museum visit. These works encourage critical thinking through discovery, and reflection in a fun, engaging way. What a Wonder-FULL read!