Dec 1, 2016

POETRY FRIDAY: Celebrating Haiku with Bob Raczka’s SANTA CLAUSES

Thanks to Bridget at Wee Words for Wee Ones for hosting Poetry Friday this week!

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A few years ago I read about Bob Raczka’s book SANTA CLAUSES on another writer’s Poetry Friday post and had to buy a copy for myself. I was definitely not disappointed—this delightful book gives young readers a peek into the hectic life of Santa and Mrs. Claus as they prepare for Christmas. Beginning on December 1, each day is chronicled with a haiku, and the separate poems combine to tell a bigger story that ends on Christmas day. It is a wonderful concept and I look forward to sharing the book with young poets this holiday season!


The idea of telling a bigger story through multiple haiku poems is intriguing to me. Haiku is one of my favorite types of poetry because it presents so many opportunities for the creative mind to play. Its simplicity can be deceiving—some of the most profound poetry I have come across has been written in haiku.

For Poetry Friday this week I have written my own December haiku, just for fun:



Have a wonderful weekend, and happy writing! 

27 comments:

  1. I am woefully inexperienced with haikus - I remember being required to write them in high school English classes and being so frustrated that I never attempted to create one again! Maybe, just maybe, I'll give the deceptively simple haiku another go this winter.

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    1. They are lots of fun once you get started! Good luck!

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  2. Nothing against your warm words, but I'm finding the cool Christmas greeting of your picture is what I'm welcoming on a hot December day! :) #othersideoftheworld #seasonsgreetings

    A story told in haiku sounds lovely. I've written familiar fairytales into haiku, and that's a fun challenge to do.

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  3. I love haiku. Its simplicity and playfulness gets down to the nitty gritty. Thanks for sharing this book.

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  4. Wonderful. I'll look for that book. Sounds like a fun thing to read with my kids.

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  5. Have heard of this book, but haven't seen it yet. Thanks for the reminder, and for your festive poem. Mmmmm, hot chocolate. :)

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  6. Thanks for reminding me of Bob Raczka's book.

    darksome ocean waves
    tumble into raging foam
    sand splattered rain drops

    I've wanted to use the word darksome in a poem since I read it in a Luis Urrea book. Writing haiku is so much fun.

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  7. So much goodness is packed into your small poem, Becky! Bob's book is a fabulous inspiration. =)

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  8. We have a few flurries happening right now! Perfect weather for your haiku, Becky.

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    1. I am envious of your snow, Linda. Here in South Carolina snowflakes are rare. Stay warm!

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  9. Will have to look for Santa Clauses--thanks for sharing your warm haiku.

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  10. Warm winter wishes back to you. I had heard of this book but didn't get it when it came out. I am on my way to make sure I get a copy soon! Thanks for the review and the inviting Haiku.

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  11. Cool images. Images lead to poetry. Poetry leads to images! Great combinations from a sweet lady's blog.

    Celebrate you and your fun loving ways.
    Joan

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  12. Someday I'll write a Christmas Memory haiku-a-day in December!

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  13. I want to try this one day! It has been so long since I have written a haiku. Your poem is a wonderful example to follow!

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  14. Not sure if you first discovered Santa Clauses on TLD or another blog, Becky, but I had a very similar response! It's such a comforting book to read leading up to Christmas. Thanks for the warm winter wish... here's one coming backatcha!

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  15. And I thought Bob's crowning achievement was *Lemonade*! I'll go check this one out...thanks for the wishes!

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  16. Love the contrast between that steaming mug of coffee (or tea) and the snow! Thanks for sharing that lovely book too, will be sure to find it in our library.

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