105 Ways to Give a Book

Poetry Friday: Instructions

Hey, I have actually have a Poetry Friday selection! Today, for teacher’s appreciation week, tween gave her sixth grade teacher Neil Gaiman’s wonderful poem-to-picture book, Instructions. I love this title because it is one of the few of these picture-books-for-adults that totally works on more than one level and with great beauty. For those of us who grew up on fairy tales, this book is an echoing of all that we’ve learned and held close — even when we didn’t quite know it.
Remember that giants sleep too soundly,
that witches are often betrayed by their appetites,
dragons have one soft spot, somewhere, always,
hearts can be well hidden and you betray them with your tongue.
The book trailer generously shares the whole book, perhaps suspecting that upon viewing, a purchase for the listener or as a gift — can I mention the teacher thing again? — is nearly a given. Enjoy.


Poetry Friday is hosted today at Family Bookshelf.

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6 comments:

Katie said...

I absolutely love Instructions! You've made me want to check a copy out of the library and read it ten more times. I think my favorite line is the one about not trusting the youngest princess. It hits me in just the right way every single time.

Thanks for this post! My Poetry Friday is here.

The Flashlight Reader said...

I can't believe I've never heard of this book. It sounds great. I would have loved to received a copy of this during teacher appreciation week. Alas, the kiddos didn't even remember...

Found you on the blog hop. =) Stop by if you'd like @ www.aflashlightreader.blogspot.com

The Flashlight Reader said...

ok... I should clarify. I found you (somehow) through the blog hop. Must be one of your followers that I followed over. Who knows. All the same, glad I found you! You've got some great stuff on here.

Mary Lee said...

Great gift, Tween! Perfect book for a teacher!!!

Andromeda Jazmon said...

Wow I love this book!! And I love Neil for putting it all up there. There are so many people I want to share this with! Thanks for posting.

Andromeda Jazmon said...

"Remember your name
Do not loose hope
What you seek will be found.


Trust dreams
Trust your heart
Trust your story."