POEMS IN THE ATTIC

Sisi Aisha Johnson is marvelous as a nameless 7-year-old girl who discovers a cedar box brimming with her mother's poetry. Her mom was a "military brat" who traveled around the world with her parents. Johnson zestfully recites the poems, which record magical places and exciting events. Standout recitations are gorgeous descriptions of cherry blossoms in Japan and luminarias in New Mexico. She particularly shines when the child decides to write her own free verse poems to accompany her mother's tanka (Japanese five-line poetry). The audiobook closes with helpful descriptions of how to write poetry and encourages young listeners to "have fun and hear the words sing." S.G.B. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2016]