National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry

J. PATRICK LEWIS earned a BA at Saint Joseph's College, an MA at Indiana University, and a PhD in economics at the Ohio State University. Lewis taught in the department of Business, Accounting and Economics at Otterbein College until 1998 when he became a full-time writer. He is the author of more than 50 books of poetry for children including Spot the Plot: A Riddle Book of Book Riddles (2009, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger); New York Times Best Illustrated Book The Last Resort (2002); The Shoe Tree of Chagrin (2001) which won the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators' Golden Kite Award; and A Hippopotamusn't: And Other Animal Poems (1990); and he has collaborated with other poets on several collections. His children's poetry has been widely anthologized, and his contributions to children's literature have been recognized with the 2011 Poetry Award from the National Council of Teachers of English and the Ohioana Awards' 2004 Alice Louise Wood Memorial Prize. His poetry for adults, which includes the collection Gulls Hold Up the Sky: Poems 1983-2010.

"Few books make it clearer why nature inspires so many poets to reach for the pen." -- Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

“An inherently fascinating and fun read from first page to last, and colorfully illustrated throughout, the 'National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry...' is certain to be an enduringly popular addition to family, school, and community library collections.” — Midwest Book Review 

"Nature in all of its colorful, vivid, stunning glory is presented here in full-page, beautifully reproduced color photographs (National Geographic’s specialty, naturally) and spot-on accompanying poems…. This is a full package; a duet of wonder. A beautifully produced collection that will easily snag the attention of young readers.” — Booklist




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