A Poem for every Question: Funny and Thought-Provoking Answers to Curious Questions

A recipe for a perfect way to spend a wintry afternoon: Take 1 book full of clever and witty poems. Add some facts to increase knowledge. Sprinkle liberally with wonderful illustrations…. I LOVED THIS BOOK!

The latest work of much loved poet Brian Bilston is ably supported by the work of Joe Berger, a Bristol-based illustrator who has previously been the official illustrator for World Book Day.

A Poem for Every Question is perfect for any teacher who has a few minutes to fill and equally ideal for the parent of a curious child. This is a book which you can read cover to cover or just dip in as fancy takes you.

The collection covers a wide range of topics and its poems answer many of life’s key questions from 'Why do onions have layers?' to 'Do cats always land on their feet?' Each page includes the facts and science behind each poem. A glossary of key terms at the end of the text completes this perfect blend of fact and fiction.

This book would be an excellent addition to any bookshelf and would make the perfect present for any curious child you may know.

144 pages / Reviewed by Tina Derry, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+

A Poem for Every Question is a thought-provoking collection of poems which answer a myriad of intriguing questions, accompanied by bright, energetic illustrations.

The poems are lively and engaging as well as informative, using word play and imagery as they answer questions such as 'Why do some animals have pouches?', 'Why do clouds float'?’, 'Why do people hug?' and 'What is the world's oldest instrument?'.

Additional information is given under each poem, offering further explanation and facts about the topic, adding a non-fiction element to the book. Speech bubbles in some illustrations suggest other pages, encouraging readers to make links between related poems.

Humour is used both in the poems and pictures to make the work appealing and accessible and children may well be inspired to pose their own questions and write a poem in response - or perhaps challenge someone else to do so!

For teachers, the collection is perfect for enriching the curriculum, asking children to consider and discuss the question, before sharing the poem and the explanation. Or the question could be a lesson starter with children working scientifically to answer it, the poem then being shared at the end of the session. 'What is a primary colour?' could be linked to an art lesson whereas 'Could a woman be a gladiator?' linked to a history lesson about ancient Rome or 'How did the ancient Egyptians make a Mummy?' one on Egypt, spreading the joy of poetry across the curriculum!

There are so many poems here which I could mention, but my advice is to get a copy and enjoy them all yourself!

144 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+