Finds tongues in trees, books in running brooks,
Sermons in stones, and good in everything.
— William Shakespeare
If you like poetry about creepy-crawlies, then Cricket in the Thicket is for you! I picked it up because you know I love critter poetry, and it didn’t disappoint. Written by Carol Murray and illustrated by the divine Melissa Sweet, it was full of wonderful art not to mention words, like this about dragonflies: “A lovely wisp, awash in blue, with light and lacy wings, a mini-glider….”
How can I resist a poem entitled “Dragons Fly the Sky”? This book refers to dung beetles as sacred and even finds love for cockroaches! The writer is a kindred spirit.
Click here for my Dragonfly Ode.
Notes: This is the first post in new series: a Book by the Brook. I plan to devour books like a ravenous grasshopper and share a few delicious bits with you.
If you like my bug plug, check out Cricket in the Thicket (Christy Ottaviano Books by Henry Holt & Co 2017).
Also, Happy Poetry Friday! Thanks to Jone Rush MacCulloch at Check it Out for hosting.
If you haven’t left a link to a found poem at Poetry Is… A Sunrise there is still time. The events in Florida made me too sad and angry to write a poem in Laura Shovan’s poem a day, but I will be back. After my head stops aching, and my heart is calm again.
32 thoughts on “A Book by the Brook – Cricket in the Thicket”
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Friendly Fairy Tales 
Yea for a new Book Review blog! I always want to check out books recommended by Poetry Friday pals. Your dragonfly ode and accompanying photo is wonderful. Is it a haiga if a haiku with a photo? Diane knows. Thank you for sharing.
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Thanks, Joyce. I’m glad people like my new book review series. 🙂
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I love the idea of a “Book by a Brook” series. I agree with the anger over the events of this week. I hear you. A Cricket in the Ticket was a fun book.
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Thanks, Jone. I am so proud of those FL survivors.
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I’m not usually a fan of creepy crawly critters (except maybe those dragons that fly the sky), but this bug plug for the book might convince me to change my mind!
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I’d rather read poetry about them than have them crawling on my arm! 🙂
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I do like your bug plug, I do, I do!
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Yay! Thanks, Linda.
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Thanks for spotlighting this book! Somehow I missed it and I do love creepy crawlies and Melissa Sweet’s art!
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It’s adorable.
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Due to removal of reblog button by WordPress l have added your post feed to my publishing panel and here’s this first great post Brenda https://acefriendsnews.wordpress.com/2018/02/17/a-book-by-the-brook-cricket-in-the-thicket-friendly-fairy-tales/
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Lovely Dragonfly ode Brenda, and thanks for the review of Cricket in the Thicket,” will have to check it out, I’m a big fan of Melissa Sweet’s too! Heavy week, sending you a hug and hope to find you back at Laura’s February Poetry site soon!
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Thanks, Michelle. Hug gratefully received. Thanks for reading my dragonfly ode. 🙂
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you have a amazing and such effective suggestion…wow
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Not sure I follow you, but thanks.
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Oh, this looks great, Brenda. My youngest granddaughter’s class is studying insects this year, a must for them! Thanks!
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Perfect then. It has lots of good educational material in addition to the adorable rhymes. 🙂 Thanks for reading.
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i love this suggestion and a great way to kick off your review series. here’s to the poetry of those who creep, crawl and fly.
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Thanks, Beth! Yay for poetry of all sorts. 🙂
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I do! I do love poetry about creepy crawlies! This one is going on my list for sure. Thanks for sharing… and for your new review series, which I can’t wait to read!
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Thanks, Sarah! I’m so glad you like my new series. It’s fun to dip a toe in the brook, so to speak.
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Yay for this series! And I adore that Shakespeare quote. Adding it to my email signature… thank you. Reading/writing definitely helps me deal with the tough stuff… some days acceptance is closer than others. xo
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Glad you’re a supporter of my new series. Thank you! I also find strength through my reading and writing. We are lucky to have these supports, aren’t we? Have a wonderful weekend!
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Thanks for your Cricket in the Thicket: Poems about Bugs suggestion. I love books like that! I hope my library has a copy.
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It was great fun to read. And I love Melissa Sweet books. I hope you find it. Thanks for reading.
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Looks like a cool series, Brenda. Haven’t seen the cricket book yet, and enjoyed your thoughts and excerpts.
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Thanks, Jama. Not everyone is into bugs, but I marvel at their diversity.
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Yes, it’s hard to be calm when there’s action to be taken (and it’s not being taken). “A Book by the Brook” sounds like a cool series 🙂
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Thanks, Tabatha! 🙂 I’m watching TED talks and feeling my zen returning.
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