Wild Poetry

Reading Wild Poetry is an enjoyable way for children to learn about the anatomy, behavior, ecology and biodiversity of animals.  It is a collection of 86 striking images and 36 engaging poems, each poem about a different animal species.  Together, the photos and verses illustrate some of the amazing adaptations that help these animals — ranging from mountain goats to humming birds to tiger beetles — solve the many challenges of living. They strengthen a child’s curiosity and observation skills and encourage further exploration and discovery.  Adults will also find this book entertaining and instructive. 


The common and scientific names and geographic range of each animal are given at the end of each poem. This facilitates further exploration and learning on the internet. If a child is not at the reading level required for a poem, and no one is available to read the poem aloud, the child may listen to the author read the poem.  Definitions of words that are not likely to be in the vocabulary of a child under 10 years of age may be accessed simply by touching the words.


The author is a retired biology professor and researcher with a lifelong interest in natural history and biodiversity and a passion for nature photography.  He believes that children who are fond of exploring the natural world are more likely to enjoy their own lives and become good stewards of life on Earth.