Blackberry Ink

by Eve Merriam, Hans Wilhelm (Illustrator)

A collection of humorous and nonsense verses on various themes.

Genres: Poetry, Childrens, Picture Books, Humor, Nonfiction

100 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Born as Eve Moskovitz, American poet and writer

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Especially wonderful for 4 year olds. Rhythm and rhyme are very strong, making these easy to memorize. But even listening to them will help with pre-reading skills. They're untitled, but consider the one that starts out "I'm sweet, says the beet. / I'm boss, says the sauce...." Or "Latch, catch, come in free. Catch a ball but can't catch me... catch a cold but you can't catch me...."

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly it's been years since I've read this book as a child but I still feel as if I know the poems in this book so well even now. At first read they don't seem like much but they do somehow grow on you. There are a few that even may stand out from the rest as a favorite. I know I had some although their titles have escaped me over the years. But I can say I do plan to pass the enjoyment of this book on to my daughters as soon as I get another copy since my first one seems to have been misplaced in the many years. :)

[Emily Rosbottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very fun to read because the poems are cute and silly. I especially loved Five Little Monsters!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my “finds” lately is this poetry anthology from the 1980’s, illustrated by Hans Wilhelm. In it I found such sweet and creative poems for young children, like a ‘time’ poem that begins “Is it robin o’clock”, plaintively using clock terms to share the wish for spring. Another is one about Halloween: “Up in the attic there’s a great big trunk/Full of jangling jellified Halloween junk:” It goes on to describe all the marvelous things found in that trunk.

[Lauren Stoolfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cute collection of humorous poems is on a wide variety of topics but the one that sets the tone is the title work. All of these poems have an excellent cadence that is great for reading aloud and some would work for a little participation from the audience due to the repetition in certain pieces. For children, I think a fun activity would be to have them draw their own interpretation of one of the poems in the collection.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are fun poems, they kind of remind me of Shel Silverstein. The artwork is pretty fun, too, though I was disappointed that the children were all white, since there was nothing in the poems to indicate that. (And it was ironic considering we got this recommendation from the Reading Rainbow...)

[Whitney Inlow · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved that this book had a new story on every page. I think it could be a little long but because of each new story, it makes the book more fun to read. The poems are silly for children. It is easy to paint a picture in your head of each poem because the words are descriptive. The poems are also informational and have great vocabulary for children.

[Julia Buffington]

This book of poems is an easy read for kids with cute pictures inside. Every poem was different and had different themes. It can be a great book for older ages as well but mainly for the younger ones. Great to use for fluency and fun for the kids as well.

[Vanessa Holzknecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Poems are so fun and silly to read. Kids love them and I enjoyed reading them myself. These are a fun way to introduce poetry to kids.

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just found this at a book sale, remembering how I used to have this book when I was little! How I ever forgot, I don't know, but re-reading the poems takes me back.

[Alexandria Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book with many different stories. It would be a good book to use while teaching poetry.

[Cassandra Yarnall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable children's poetry recommended to me by a friend because of how impactful it was on her as a child.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read. I enjoyed the silliness and simplicity of each poem. I’ll definitely read it again when I need a little cheering up.

[Jessica Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids loved the poems. So fun and full of whimsy!

[Brian Jobe · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book from childhood!

[Robert]

I purchased this to use with my light and colors unit. Frankly, the poems here are not very good, imo. I believe someone had recommended this to me. Fortunately, I have forgotten who that was. :)

There are a couple decent poems included: the title poem, the snow poem, something in my pocket. I can see using the snow poem and the something in my pocket one as writing prompts for the NJASK.

The rest of the poems are nonsensical and forgettable.

[Larysa · Rating 3 out of 5]

"How Do Make A Pizza Grow?"

[Cws]

JENF-Mer

[Cheryl Kays · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a poetry book, good for second and third graders. Gives students insight on nontraditional poems. Shows students that not all poems have to rhyme to "flow" well.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poems for children.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable book of fun, seasonal poems. Great idea for a spring or fruity program!

[Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a creative book with so many different and interesting poems! 110% Recommended!