June Vibes

Summertime makes a grand entrance each year as children and parents move into a relaxed mode of living. There are family outings, mini-trips, vacations, and fresh air fun. Everyone feels summer vibes that bring smiles and uplifted spirits. Here is a feel-good song, "June is bustin' out all over," that holds the spirit of June in its lyrics.

Feeling the verve of summer busting out, I am joining Michelle H. Barnes' June Ditty Challenge created by Karen Boss, an editor from Charlesbridge Publishing who is Today's Little Ditty Spotlight guest for the month of June. Susan likes the idea of "putting good vibes for kids into the world" so her ditty challenge this month is to write a poem in second person, speaking directly to a kid or kids about something that you think is important for them to know.

For my ditty challenge offering, I chose to discuss the gift of reading. It is a joyful one that never stops surprising the reader with journeys to near and far-off lands, inspiration, amusement, and beautiful language to develop communication skills. My ditty poem captures my love of reading and the blossoming love for books that has developed in my granddaughter's life. Because she delights in choosing her own books to read, one of my gifts for her second birthday was a picture book that speaks to the blossoming artist that she is. Sky Color, written by my friend, the creative artist/children's author, Peter Reynolds, is a great read aloud to spark the creative spirit in any child. 

I dedicate my poem to my little love, Sierra, who is full of life and celebrated her second birthday this past weekend.

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Dear little grandchild of mine,

summer is for old-fashioned fun-

your time to notice, wonder, and combine

outdoor merriment under the sun

with picture books for everyone.

Find the story that sends you climbing

the one that's filled with rhyming.

There are many to make you smile,

others to spark your artistic style.

Perhaps, you'll come read with me

by my roaring Long Island sea

or under your old Virginia tree.

Wherever you go,

bring a treasured book

to fly you to an enchanted nook

where summer dreams wait for you 

as book love grows during year two.

©CV, 2019

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Now, I am off to visit my friend, librarian/poet, Linda Mitchell at her blog site, A Word Edgewise. Linda is the gracious host of Poetry Friday this week.