Pam Ayres On Animals

by Pam Ayres

Ever since her first encounter with a friendly golden Labrador at just three years old, Pam Ayres has been enchanted by animals.
Now, for the first time, alongside beautiful illustrations, she has gathered together her life's work of poems, both old and new, dedicated to her love for them.
This definitive collection brings to life the charming characters and voices of all creatures great and small through Pam's poetry over the last five decades. From delightful tales of our British wildlife to hilarious observations of our pets and poignant reflections on the ends of their lives, Pam Ayres on Animals is a celebration of animals everywhere.

Genres: Poetry, Animals, Humor

224 pages, Hardcover

Published December 15, 2021

About the author

Pam Ayres is a poet and published author of children's books. Some of her published credits include Guess Who, Guess What, Piggo and the Fork Lift Truck.

Reviews

[Judith Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I belong to two poetry groups which meet regularly to read our new poems to each other and get feedback, and I know from these that much of the pleasure in hearing a new work is the way it’s read out aloud, each person adding something of their own personality in the presentation. It’s even more so the case with Pam Ayres, whose warm, humorous qualities so enhance her delivery. Reading her poems on the page, I try and imagine her voice. David Sedaris is similar - there’s not quite as much coming across on the page for me than when I hear him speaking.

Having said all that, this collection is hugely enjoyable, and it’s been great bedtime reading at the end of yet another pandemic day. Not only funny and giving plenty of opportunity for reader identification but also poignant and moving at times. Thank you Pam!

I loved her well-crafted anecdotes as much as the poetry. Among my many favourite pieces were The Insects’ Anthem, To Make A Whale, Keeping Chickens (I laughed out loud!), With These Hands, Wingit, Paper Ears, Fair Shares and A Song of the Shires.
This book would make a great present for any relative or friend who loves animals, gardening, the countryside or, let’s face it, living and laughing!

[ghostly_bookish · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel awful leaving this review but this reading experience has reaffirmed to me that poetry just isn't for me.
I know who Pam Ayres is and I thought a collection on animals would be a safe subject that I'd read and enjoy.
I loved the illustrations in this edition, the little stories that Pam weaves in to explain certain poems were all very sweet and readable but poetry...just isn't for me.
I'm pleased to tick off the poetry square on the local library book bingo square and move onto the next book but I will donate this to someone/somewhere where it will be appreciated properly.

CAWPILE 4.00
2.5 STARS

[Craig Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pam Ayres is a genius. Not only are her poems charming and funny, her anecdotes are observationally astute and a fantastic giggle. There are poems in this collection too, that left me pausing for thought and on a couple of occasions, fighting back a tear (unsuccessfully on the occasion of reading one to my wife). This is a lovely read and if you don't know her voice, find a clip or two on YouTube so you can imagine her accent and cadence as you read them. Loved it.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The poems were as good as I knew they would be. I believe I purchased the first book of of poems that Pam Ayers wrote, and loved every page.
I probably would never have known about this one if I hadn't seen Pam on breakfast television, advertising it, and reading a snippet from it. As it was all about animals, I had to have it, and have laughed, smiled and had tears at the antics of animals she so cleverly portrays in prose.

[Vivien Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Expecting to dip in and read a poem or two here and there, I soon found myself reading it from cover to cover. Lovely little notes explain what inspired the poems, and we learn a lot about Pam and the pets and wildlife that mean so much to her. The poems are sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but all so easy to read and bouncing with clever rhymes and rhythm. A book I will be returning to often

[Rany Handayani · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother in-law recommended me this book when I told her I want to start reading poetry. She said I will love it. And she is right!

The poems about various animals and the stories Pam wrote that inspired the poems are just beautiful and funny! So easy to read and to understand.

Highly recommended for children or even if you just want to start reading poems.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of charming, and often amusing poems about domestic and wild animals, and the need to protect and conserve the later. Many of the verses are accompanied by drawings, and short commentaries providing background information about when and/or why the author wrote them.

[Darren Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warm and witty- Pam Ayres is truly a national treasure.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pam Ayres never fails to amuse and has kept us chuckling over the years. A very gifted lady.

[Kerrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these poems and love the style of Pam.

[Greg Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always liked her books. Her poems bring a smile to my face.

[Katie Friel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Favourite extracts from this book include Tippy Tappy Feet, Dog Pearly Gates and The Racehorse Fred 💕

[Sophie]

3.5 stars Decent, quite humorous. Nice illustrations, too.