COME IN! COME IN!

A series of poems devoted to the concept of home.

Latham begins with an explanation of the “wordspinner” poem, a form inspired by one of Nikki Grimes’ exercises: a poem that “defines a word by spinning together” its sound and function, the sole rule being that word must end the first line. Dozens of examples follow. Latham writes poems about various kinds of homes, among them the treehouse (“a high-up word”), the loft (“a soft word, / it floats in your mouth”), and the townhouse (“an upright, friendly word”). Later, she pens verses on the attributes or interiors of these homes. In a section devoted to the “Townhouse,” we learn that “parlor” is a “proper word, / a-we-want-to-impress you word” and that “lamp” is a “shaded word, / it brightens with the flip of a switch.” Many characterizations are spot-on: “Seashell” is a “surfswept word,” “swing” is “a swaying word,” and “piano” is “a songbird word / that tickles your tongue.” Sometimes, though, the words don’t seem to fit their location: Why is “lighthouse” the place for “closet,” “hanger,” and “shoe”? Still, the concept is easily grasped, the vibes are cozy, and the wordplay enticing; children will eagerly pen their own wordspinner verses. Gentle edges, easy shapes, and sherbet colors enliven Hevron’s naive art, featuring a cheery all-animal cast.

Verse that will inspire imitation.