Departments : A Poetry Workshop in Print :
Lilian Moore
By Lee Bennett Hopkins
This charming poet's treasury of poems is just as relevant today as when it was first published
Just a few of Lilian Moore's classic works of poetry for children.
Lilian Moore (1909-2004) was born on March 17 – St. Patrick's Day, a day she always loved. She once said to me jokingly, "Do you know that every year there is a parade held for me on this day? I have always enjoyed this green holiday because it trumpets the coming of all greenery of spring and summer."
Keeping it simple
A native New Yorker, Lilian began teaching elementary school after doing graduate work at Columbia University. Her skill in working with children who were non-readers lead to a position at New York's Bureau of Educational Research where she trained teachers to deal with reading difficulties.
During this period she began writing easy-to-read picture books. "I had been identified for a long time with what was termed easy-to-read material. I never understood why people thought easy-to-read works had to be clunky and dull. As an editor, I found out later what I sensed was true; writers often use too many words."
Poetic treasures
Lilian's first book of poetry, I Feel the Same Way (Atheneum), appeared in 1967. For nearly four decades, her sterling verse continues to be widely anthologized. Last year, Candlewick Press published Mural on Second Avenue and Other City Poems, a poetic treasure that paints 17 backdrops to urban life. Readers will find "Pigeons" who "seldom/try/the/sky;" and a "Snowy Morning" where a noisy city is "hushed/by snow." The verses, many written in the late 1960s, are as relevant today as when they were first penned.
Just go with it
In addition to Lilian's many contributions to the field of children's literature, she was most proud of her pioneering Scholastic's Arrow Book Club in 1957.
"This was one of the most satisfying things I ever did," she said. "Imagine making it possible for youngsters to choose and buy good books for the price of comic books!"
In 1985, Lilian became the sixth recipient of the National Council of Teachers of English prestigious Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children.
One of her favorite expressions – one she used with children and adults – was "Go with the poem."
Good advice, Ms. Moore!
Lee Bennett Hopkins is a distinguished poet and anthologist. Recent collections include Got Geography! (Greenwillow, 2006).
