A Pocketful of Poems

Tiana has a pocketful of words: green words like spring, night words like moon, and words with wings, like angel. Each word is the inspiration for a pair of poems--one, lyrical free verse and the other, haiku. The paired poems reflect Tiana's lively spirit and urban outlook and are showcased in Javaka Steptoe's inventive collages, which include a wide range of materials, from faucet handles to pumpkin seeds to a hand-sculpted, gilded alphabet. A fusion of two remarkable creative talents, A Pocketful of Poems is an engaging portrait of a down-to-earth girl who has a way with words, as well as a tantalizing introduction to poetry. Author's note on haiku.

Best-selling author Nikki Grimes's many awards include the Coretta Scott King Award and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal. She lives in the Los Angeles area. nikkigrimes.com

Best-selling author-illustrator Javaka Steptoe's many awards include the Caldecott Medal and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award. He lives in Brooklyn. javaka.com