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Cornstalks: A Bushel of Poems
From Back Cover:
Four of James Stevenson's beloved "corn books" combined in one refreshing heap!
Reap quiet amusement and fresh perspectives in this collection of over 100 visual poems. Simple illustrations and quirky takes on the everyday world will make you stop, think and smile.
Includes the ALA Notable Book, Sweet Corn: Poems.
Four of James Stevenson's beloved "corn books" combined in one refreshing heap!
Reap quiet amusement and fresh perspectives in this collection of over 100 visual poems. Simple illustrations and quirky takes on the everyday world will make you stop, think and smile.
Includes the ALA Notable Book, Sweet Corn: Poems.
206 pages
First published January 1, 2010
4 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
James Stevenson
296 books45 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads databse.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 5, 2017
This book is delightful. It's classified as poetry. For me personally, a poem is a piece of writing that, firstly has, a structure that sets it apart from ordinary prose, it has a rhyme and rhythm to it. Secondly, it takes words and uses them in a unique way to make a person see something in a way they wouldn't have seen it in prose. If you compare the pieces in this books with the my first requirement they aren't poems. If you compare them with my second they absolutely are.
I don't read much poetry. The "Great Poets" bore me terribly, so I'm obviously no expert on the matter. I can't sit around and read poetry for hours on end. I can't. I don't like it well enough. However, the poems in this book are short, and thought provoking. Combined with the whimsical illustrations they make you see something in a completely new light. Ordinary, everyday things are made beautiful and fanciful. It's always a pleasure to open this book. It makes me look at the world and see nice things instead of drab ones. It brings my imagination back to life.
This book made me nostalgic. It reminded me of the bright, safe, comfortable days when I was a very small child. I used to think like this, and this book brings back the memories of a much more peaceful time. Sunlight turned green as it filtered through the branches of trees. Visiting the farmer's markets with my cousins. The library I used to go to when if was five. It's so nice to remember these things when the world seems so grey and dull. I can forget about politics and whatnot and just be peaceful for a moment.
I don't read much poetry. The "Great Poets" bore me terribly, so I'm obviously no expert on the matter. I can't sit around and read poetry for hours on end. I can't. I don't like it well enough. However, the poems in this book are short, and thought provoking. Combined with the whimsical illustrations they make you see something in a completely new light. Ordinary, everyday things are made beautiful and fanciful. It's always a pleasure to open this book. It makes me look at the world and see nice things instead of drab ones. It brings my imagination back to life.
This book made me nostalgic. It reminded me of the bright, safe, comfortable days when I was a very small child. I used to think like this, and this book brings back the memories of a much more peaceful time. Sunlight turned green as it filtered through the branches of trees. Visiting the farmer's markets with my cousins. The library I used to go to when if was five. It's so nice to remember these things when the world seems so grey and dull. I can forget about politics and whatnot and just be peaceful for a moment.
January 19, 2021
This book is such a treasure. I read poetry often with my kids, and this is one that I find they all actually beg to read. Each poem is so simple, so visual. They are quirky and funny as well as meaningful and touching. Most really are best read with the fantastic illustrations, but could also stand alone. I'm truly in debt to James Stevenson for continuing to build love of poetry for my sons.
January 13, 2022
A beautiful book full of quirky, poetic observations on everything from furniture stores to the adventures of a snack cart.
November 30, 2023
Stevenson, James. Cornstalks: A Bushel of Poems (2010). Accessed from Palatine Public Library.
This is a delightful collection of poetry that captures the essence of rural life with humor, warmth, and a keen observational eye. Stevenson's charming verses celebrate the seasons, farm life, and the simple joys found in the everyday. The poems are accessible and engaging, making them perfect for young readers while also resonating with adults. Stevenson's whimsical illustrations complement the poetry beautifully, adding an extra layer of visual appeal. Each poem is a gem, inviting readers to explore the wonders of nature, the farm, and the interconnectedness of life. "Cornstalks" is not just a book of poems; it's a celebration of the beauty found in the ordinary and a reminder to appreciate the richness of the world around us.
I would recommend this book to preschool to early elementary aged students. The accessible language, engaging themes, and whimsical illustrations make it suitable for young readers who are beginning to explore poetry. The collection's themes, often centered around nature, rural life, and the seasons, resonate well with children in the early elementary school years. The playful and imaginative style of the poems, combined with Stevenson's illustrations, creates an enjoyable reading experience for children in this age group.
One engaging lesson idea for teachers is to explore the concept of imagery in poetry. Select a few poems from the collection that vividly describe scenes, characters, or emotions. Begin by discussing what imagery is and how it enhances the reader's experience. Encourage students to identify sensory details within the poems and ask them to visualize the scenes described. Have students create their own visual representations of the imagery through drawings, collages, or even short performances. This activity not only deepens students' understanding of poetic devices but also encourages creativity and interpretation. It allows them to connect with the poems on a personal level and fosters an appreciation for the beauty of language in creating mental images.
This is a delightful collection of poetry that captures the essence of rural life with humor, warmth, and a keen observational eye. Stevenson's charming verses celebrate the seasons, farm life, and the simple joys found in the everyday. The poems are accessible and engaging, making them perfect for young readers while also resonating with adults. Stevenson's whimsical illustrations complement the poetry beautifully, adding an extra layer of visual appeal. Each poem is a gem, inviting readers to explore the wonders of nature, the farm, and the interconnectedness of life. "Cornstalks" is not just a book of poems; it's a celebration of the beauty found in the ordinary and a reminder to appreciate the richness of the world around us.
I would recommend this book to preschool to early elementary aged students. The accessible language, engaging themes, and whimsical illustrations make it suitable for young readers who are beginning to explore poetry. The collection's themes, often centered around nature, rural life, and the seasons, resonate well with children in the early elementary school years. The playful and imaginative style of the poems, combined with Stevenson's illustrations, creates an enjoyable reading experience for children in this age group.
One engaging lesson idea for teachers is to explore the concept of imagery in poetry. Select a few poems from the collection that vividly describe scenes, characters, or emotions. Begin by discussing what imagery is and how it enhances the reader's experience. Encourage students to identify sensory details within the poems and ask them to visualize the scenes described. Have students create their own visual representations of the imagery through drawings, collages, or even short performances. This activity not only deepens students' understanding of poetic devices but also encourages creativity and interpretation. It allows them to connect with the poems on a personal level and fosters an appreciation for the beauty of language in creating mental images.
December 12, 2020
Not only are poems unique in how they are put into text, but the illustrations along with the font and the physical shape of the poems lend themselves well to a lesson on poetry.
Different styles of poetry could be studied as a lesson in 4th through 6th grade. Classroom library 3rd through 6th graders.
Different styles of poetry could be studied as a lesson in 4th through 6th grade. Classroom library 3rd through 6th graders.
January 10, 2022
I liked for the photos 📷🖼
April 26, 2023
Most don't read like poems without the visual cues, but all definitely are. In the ALA notable book, the fourth in this omnibus, Sweet Corn: Poems, sometimes the cue is just the font... but it still is what makes the poem provocative, or suggestive, or symbolic, or witty.... And some of the poems will be enjoyed and appreciated more by some readers than others.
I particularly loved *The Bent Old Woman* which was the first in the book that, though illustrated, did not absolutely need the illustration. Just remember in your mind a woman with severe osteoporosis, a cane, a handbag:
Every day
The bent old woman
Shuffles down the sidewalk,
Inch by inch.
From in front,
She has no face.
From behind,
She has no head.
All you see is
Her coat, her cane, her courage.
I'll have to refer you to the book for *Idea* because it does need the visual cues of fonts and art. But it's worth looking at & reading if you've ever tried to problem-solve or be creative.
*The General* is a joy to read aloud,* and neither has nor needs any visual cues.
Read the full thing yourself because these first and last lines don't do it justice:
"Early in the rainy morning
My fat black dog
Rolls off the sofa,
...
...
And takes command of the day."
*Remember, most poems are much more interesting, and more accessible (easier to parse) if read aloud. Also remember to read only a very few at a time. Read each at least twice, then stop and think for a bit.
I highly recommend this omnibus, or the books that make it up.
I particularly loved *The Bent Old Woman* which was the first in the book that, though illustrated, did not absolutely need the illustration. Just remember in your mind a woman with severe osteoporosis, a cane, a handbag:
Every day
The bent old woman
Shuffles down the sidewalk,
Inch by inch.
From in front,
She has no face.
From behind,
She has no head.
All you see is
Her coat, her cane, her courage.
I'll have to refer you to the book for *Idea* because it does need the visual cues of fonts and art. But it's worth looking at & reading if you've ever tried to problem-solve or be creative.
*The General* is a joy to read aloud,* and neither has nor needs any visual cues.
Read the full thing yourself because these first and last lines don't do it justice:
"Early in the rainy morning
My fat black dog
Rolls off the sofa,
...
...
And takes command of the day."
*Remember, most poems are much more interesting, and more accessible (easier to parse) if read aloud. Also remember to read only a very few at a time. Read each at least twice, then stop and think for a bit.
I highly recommend this omnibus, or the books that make it up.
December 27, 2020
It is a book of poems of different forms, most short and kind of strange. I think the children enjoyed reading the poems in this book. Some of them were "designed" in their writing which made them visually appealing and a lot of the poems they laughed at simply because of their strangeness.
Personally, I did not care much for the book. If you enjoy poetry and figuring out what short pithy poems are trying to say, you would probably enjoy it. I had a hard time with most of the poems. Because of the ease of reading it was a good book to let the children practice reading out loud for everyone.
Personally, I did not care much for the book. If you enjoy poetry and figuring out what short pithy poems are trying to say, you would probably enjoy it. I had a hard time with most of the poems. Because of the ease of reading it was a good book to let the children practice reading out loud for everyone.
September 30, 2025
I'm loving the writing of James Stevenson. He finds dry humor in so many intricate details of everyday life. Almost every "poem" makes one think. Not deep, philosophical thoughts. Just think. And the poems I love bring a giggle to my face!
Read aloud with each other and embrace the life of the watercolor pictures! Fun for all!
Read aloud with each other and embrace the life of the watercolor pictures! Fun for all!
October 26, 2020
It was okay. A little out of date and I don’t know if I personally would count most of these as poems. Garret enjoyed it though. It was good for an intro into poetry since a lot of them were straightforward but still involved some discussion.
August 23, 2018
These poems were a bit different. Interesting.
October 21, 2020
They were good poems! I liked it!
October 6, 2025
Worst poetry book I have ever read.
February 8, 2021
Judging from the other reviews on here, this is clearly an unpopular book! (At least with other homeschooling parents using it as part of their curriculum.)
Once I had adjusted to James Stevenson's sense of whimsy and his style - where the text, style and pictures are inseparable in order to "get" his point - I quite enjoyed the collection.
For example: the poem "Larry's". The illustration is of Larry's Car Yard where all the cars are now covered with last night's snowfall and look like strange white creatures. The text reads:
Yesterday Larry sold used cars.
Last night it snowed and snowed.
Today he's selling hippos, buffalo, and sheep.
I guess you either like it or you don't ...
Once I had adjusted to James Stevenson's sense of whimsy and his style - where the text, style and pictures are inseparable in order to "get" his point - I quite enjoyed the collection.
For example: the poem "Larry's". The illustration is of Larry's Car Yard where all the cars are now covered with last night's snowfall and look like strange white creatures. The text reads:
Yesterday Larry sold used cars.
Last night it snowed and snowed.
Today he's selling hippos, buffalo, and sheep.
I guess you either like it or you don't ...
February 13, 2018
lol, so we read this book because we are reading all the Sonlight curriculum books. We love poems, but this book wasn't really poems at all. It was more a collection of the author's random thoughts as he went about his day. And a lot of them were extremely random and odd. This book isn't really a good choice for a poetry book, but we didn't hate it. We found it funny because of how random it was. If you want poetry pick something else, but if you want some guy's random commentary on everything he sees while walking down the street, then you might like this one.
June 22, 2011
We HATED this book! We love poems and we were excited to read the poetry that was included in our curriculum... but now we want our time back! Next time I go through this curriculum (with the younger kids) we are NOT using this book. There are so many better poetry books out there! Jack Prelutsky!!!
October 20, 2015
This is one of the oddest "poetry" books I've ever seen. (I put poetry in quotes because it only loosely classifies as such, imo). The poems are bizzare, do not contain any aesthetic and rhythmic qualities, and make little to no sense at all. We've tried to give it a shot, but it's not worth our time. We're switching to a different book of poetry.
April 2, 2011
This is my favourite poetry book. Ever.
April 27, 2016
We liked these random different poems. They're about funny things you wouldn't think to write a poem about.
June 30, 2016
Not my idea of a poem book. We have only stuck with it because it has turned into a running joke how weird the "poems" are.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews