Kate Williams

Today, 22nd April, is World Earth Day – a reminder that all is not well on the planet on which we all rely in every way for survival. I wrote the poems for Squeak! Squawk! Roar! with that in mind and, while great fun writing about animals, it was also sad and concerning to become sharply aware, in the process, that so many wonderful species, big and small, are disappearing around the world.

You’ll find a number of gentle hints of this in certain little verses through the book, such as Sing, Sang, Gone, Jungle Shrink, Sharp-Wrecked, and While Baby Sleeps (a baby polar bear, whose snow-bed is dripping and slipping). I included these, reluctantly, because – I’m dismayed to find myself having to say – the next generation will need to understand this, and to build on the continuous battle that the aware and concerned in society are forging, against the odds, against this devastating state of affairs.

You’ll also find video readings of these on my YouTube channel, @KatesPoems111.

Here’s a turtle poem from the book, with tips and ideas for teachers to use in class discussion and writing:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CGgQ9Ffsm-A

Kate