This Place I Know: Poems of Comfort

by Georgia Heard (Editor), Various (Illustrator)

To comfort children and adults everywhere, eighteen top picture book artists have each illustrated a poem for this magnificent keepsake volume.


In September 2001, New York poetry anthologist Georgia Heard was asked to compile a collection of "poems of comfort" for schoolchildren in lower Manhattan. Soon afterward, Candlewick Press editors learned of the project and, believing that people everywhere could benefit from such a collection, approached a number of well-known artists to ask if they would be interested in participating. Within weeks, no fewer than eighteen artists had agreed to volunteer their talents to illustrate one poem each. The result is this unprecedented volume of life-affirming verse that is as richly diverse as it is powerful, as beautiful as it is full of heart.

From Emily Dickinson’s "Hope is the thing with feathers" to Langston Hughes’s "Hold on to dreams," from Walt Whitman to Georgia Heard herself, here is an outstanding selection of poets and poems, matched by a stellar array of artists whose collective work on these pages is truly spectacular.

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books, Childrens, Anthologies

48 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2002

About the author

Georgia Heard is the NCTE 2023 Excellence in Poetry for Children Award Winner which honors an American poet for their aggregate work for children. She is the author of many children’s books including her most recent Welcome to the Wonder House, (co-authored with Rebecca Kai Dotlich), My Thoughts Are Clouds: Poems for Mindfulness, and Boom! Bellow! Bleat!: Animal Poems for Two Or More Voices.
She received her M.F.A. in poetry writing from Columbia University. She is a founding member of the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project in New York City. Currently, she visits schools in the United States and around the world teaching writing and poetry. She is the author of Heart Maps: Helping Students Create and Craft Authentic Writing and a new edition of Awakening the Heart.
-from georgiaheard.com

Reviews

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful anthology of 18 poems selected by Georgia Heard, who was "asked to gather poems of comfort to read to the New York City children who witnessed the World Trade Center tragedy.....As I read through poems for inclusion in this anthology, I kept asking myself one question: What words can comfort? I tried to choose poems that touch upon our feelings of fear and loss, remind us that we are not alone in despair, and assure us that dreams can be born even from tragedy"

This, then, is a timeless anthology of comfort, good for people of all ages and circumstances. Unlike the poems, many of the 18 illustrations (by 18 different illustrators!) were created specifically for this project, and their variety is enlivening.

[Lindsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the premise behind this book was interesting: a collection of poems about comfort and sorrow to help children grieve after 9/11. But...it didn't hold up in my opinion. The illustrations are the best part of this book. The poems by Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, and Langston Hughes were great, but all the others were very mediocre. A disappointing collection.

[Paige Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you going through a tough time? Need encouraging words? Or maybe you have students in your class who might benefit during a troubling time? Then this is the perfect book for you. This anthology of poetry encompasses many different short poems about finding yourself through troubling times. The book cover shows a man wearing a hat, which doubles as a maze, with a heart in the center to symbolize finding yourself. Each page spread has a poem on one side and an illustration, done by a renowned picture book artist on the other. One spread I enjoyed reading was titled Commitment in a City. The poem talks about how different everybody in a city is, yet they are all able to come together as a collective for city causes. The illustration shows a whole bunch of bustling bodies. I also enjoyed the spread Hold Fast Your Dreams, which talks about having dreams; the illustration shows a little girl sailing on the moon. This book would be perfect for written response worksheets, about getting in touch with your feelings.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

A soothing collection of poems offering comfort, recognizing pain and sadness, and providing hope.

While the book was designed to offer comfort to children after the events of 9/11, it has stood the test of time and continues to bring comfort today.

Loved the variety of the poems. There are some classics like "Dreams" by Langston Hughes and "'Hope' is the thing with feathers" by Emily Dickinson. I also enjoyed Susan Marie Swanson's "Trouble, Fly", Lillian Morrison's "Holes", and A. L. Gordon's "Life is mostly froth and bubble".

Beautiful illustrations. I loved the various art styles included. I especially enjoyed the art by Hiroe Nakata, Jill McElmurry, Shane W. Evans, Laura McGee Kvasnosky, Matt Tavares, and G. Brian Karas.

A lovely collection offering comfort and hope.

[Ch13_julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of poems was created after 9/11. The creator of this book, Georgia Heard, wanted to find a collection of poems to comfort young children after the Twin Towers had been hit. Each poem offers warmth and ease to readers. The illustrations were created for this book by 18 renowned picture book artists. Although the poetry collection was created to comfort the young children, I found it to be a book that would comfort people of all ages. Also, even though the book was created to comfort after the 9/11 attack, I believe that it is an inspiring book to use whenever a person wants to feel comforted or find hope.

The theme of this poetry collection is love, comfort, and strength. Because Heard used 18 different artists to illustrate each poem, each page bring something new visually. Each poem has a powerful illustration that was perfectly matched for the particular meaning of the poem.

This book would be perfect to use for any age group. It is inspiring and powerful. I would recommend having it in the home and in the classroom. The great thing about poetry, is that people across all ages and backgrounds can relate to the words. We can all gather our own meaning from each poem.

[Tara Mortimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Place I Know: Poems of Comfort selected by Georgia Heard is an excellent poetry book for children (and adults!). The poems are easy to read and use simple language, so they are accessible to all. What I love about this book is how the poetry addresses difficult and complex emotions in a way that allows children to think about their feelings creatively. I feel that this book would be a great introduction into a poetry unit, and would provide great examples for students to mimic or inspire them. A few ideas....

Commitment in a City by Margaret Tsuda could be used during a unit on community. The poem would open up discussion for citizenship and recognizing the importance and value of all members of our community.

Dreams by Langston Hughes could be used to discuss metaphor, simile and imagery.

To You by Karla Kuskin could be used to introduce a creative writing about someone that is important to you.

The book pulls work from really great poets. At the end of the book there are short blurbs about the contributors that would be great to use in an author study.

[Meribeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book of poems is a reminder of what we cherish. Eighteen poems and their accompanying images are an oasis of calm reflection at a time of tragedy and loss. A brief paragraph about each illustrator, information about Save the Children Federation, Inc., where the publisher and the contributors will donate at least twenty percent of the retail price per book, and acknowledgements are at the end.
The book opens with a note from the author/editor. Georgia Heard explains that she gathered these treasures of hope specifically for the children of New York, as a response to the sad events of September 11, 2001. Her choices help readers in New York and beyond to think about places, especially but not exclusively, inner spaces. The poets’ words also make connections to the people and the created world surrounding us. However despairing one may feel, what endures is the strength of kindness.

[Tara Polston · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was very disappointed with this anthology. The introduction drew me in stating that the author was asked to compile a book of "poems of comfort" for children after the attacks of September 11th. However, I found most of the poetry abstract, not something I found comfort in and not something I would recommend to children.

[Cordelia Eddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I may not have been in the mood, but the selections in this anthology didn't get to me. I appreciated Langston Hughes, Wendell Berry, Emily Dickinson, and Walt Whitman. Many of the other selections seemed too sappy and too vague.

[Jeimy · Rating 5 out of 5]

These poems take on new meaning when you know they are meant to be a balm that soothes the souls of children who witnessed the attacks on the Twin Towers from the windows of their Manhattan classrooms.

[Marcia McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

18 poems of comfort, including 2 of my favorites. Peace of wild things by Wendell Berry & Hope is the thing with feathers by Emily Dickinson. Lovely illustrations. Poems illustrated in memory of the events of September 11, 2001.

[Lesley Burnap · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slender volume of poems collected by poet Georgia Heard to help heal the hearts of NYC children after 9/11. For everyone. ❤️

[Corrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved!! exactly what the title suggests, comfortable poems that make you have a little hope in the world. beautiful illustrations. “commitment in a city” is my fav 💞

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful poems that help the reader move from heartbreak to healing.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has poems selected by Georgia Heard one year after the September 11 attacks. The poems were selected to help those children who witnessed that terrible violence and for all who, in the book jacket's words, need a bit of comfort and hope. Each poem is illustrated by an accomplished artist as well. It's a beautiful book, and I just happened to see it at my library recently and it's been on my TBR pile. Of course I can't share the poems in their entire, but thought I might share lines from a few to persuade you to find the book to enjoy the words and beautiful art.

I was driving today, listening to an interview on NPR of the high school principal of Columbine High School who has just announced his retirement after this year. He has been a source of comfort himself all these years, for us here and sadly for those in need at other places. Columbine is often on our minds here in Denver. I was on a school trip with my students in California when it occurred and have found that experiencing it long distance was different than actually being in a Denver school on that day. Those colleagues who were here still talk about their fears that day, and they were miles from the actual event. It will be the 15th anniversary next April. No students in our school were even born yet, and just a few were born before September of 2001; my grandson is one of them. There is no greater sadness than for a child to see such horror, I think. My hope is that we can bring comfort through our actions as well as the words.
"This Place", the title poem by Eloise Greenfield - "There is this place I know/where children go to find/their deepest feelings." Holly Meade illustrates with watercolor. There are children playing by a stream, daydreaming, hand-in-hand, holding flowers.
"Stars" by Deborah Chandra - "I felt them watching over me, each one--/And let me cry and cry till I was done." Yumi Heo's illustration shows a child sitting on what seems like a blanket among the stars.
"Hold Fast Your Dreams" by Louise Driscoll - "Oh, keep a place apart/Within your heart, For little dreams to go." Hiroe Nakata shows a little girl who's rowing the moon among stars.
"Lullaby" by Georgia Heard - "Will you hold me in your lap?
Will you cuddle me so tight?

Vivienne Flesher draws a person holding someone, cats surrounding as well.
"Ring Around The World" by Annette Wynne - Ring around the world/Taking hands together" - find all of this here! This illustration by Melissa Sweet shows children holding hands, flying across the world.
I hope you often find your own personal kind of comfort when needed, in this anthology, in other poems, or other ways. Georgia Heard writes, "especially now, after September 11, I turn to poetry more than ever for solace and wisdom."

[Katherine Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book full of poems selected by Georgia Head to give hope, comfort and love to the people who are hurting or suffering from whatever circumstances. All the poems are touching and heart-warming. Readers will find a sense of comfort and belonging as they read these poems and look at the illustrations from various writers and artists. It was originally put together to be read to children in New York after the fall of the Twin Towers on September 11th, 2001. Children who have gone through hard situations and even adults will find enjoy reading these poems to themselves and to others. Teachers who have time at the end of their day or poetry lesson can share these uplifting, heart-felt poems in their classrooms!

[Whitney Church · Rating 4 out of 5]

The poetry in this collection was indeed comforting. Children can easily relate to the selections included in this book. During a poetry lesson I discussed the meaning of poetry and its purpose. The students all shared the view that it is a great way for the author to express themselves. This collection serves as an excellent example to students of how they can use poetry as a way to process and express their own experiences.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very sweet collection of poetry and illustrations designed to comfort children in times of difficulty and grief - specifically the children who experienced some type of loss after September 11th.

I guess my only criticism of the book is that I wanted it to be longer. Just when I felt like I was developing a rhythm and enjoyment to the poems and illustrations, it ends.

[Angelica Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Place I Know- is a book about poems. This book was originally put together for the children in New York after the tragedy of September 11th, 2001. The illustrations, of this book demand your attention, made from different textures.The poems give hope, comfort, and love to the people that are hurting from any circumstance.

[Taysia Egbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a collection of poems that are uplifting and soothing to children. The book was compiled right after September 11, 2001 to help bring comfort at an upsetting time in life. Every poem is easy to read with illistrates that corespond.

[Aska]

Poems selected by Georgia Heard.
Each poem is accompanies by one of the Eighteen Renowned Picture Book Artists.
Important to pay attention to the rhythm.
It's about feelings - crying, about dreaming, lullaby - will you hold me?
rights - social justice, problems.

[jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"a place where the heart can rest"

the book: 18 selected poems paired with illustrations by picture book artists, created to comfort children post-9/11

[Jp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this small collection of poems, I also love the art. I got it while I was in Dallas and I think it is one of my most loved books

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book. It definitly is a childrens book but it does have some good books that everyone can enjoy.

[Benita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Georgia Heard selected a variety of poems of encouragement, hope, and comfort. Illustrations inspired by the poetry are included by picture book artists such as William Steig and Chris Raschka.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for children who need comforting.

[Kymberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some Poems were really well. I do wish that they told how old the kids were that wrote the poems.

[Megen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of poems that are meant to comfort children depending on their feelings. There are poems for love, sadness and desire.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

These poems of comfort offer accompanying images that soothe an aching soul.