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Out Loud
Courage Out Loud: 25 Poems of Power
From Waterstones Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho come 25 more bold and brave poems for children. These waltzing verses for reading aloud were written to comfort and inspire!
With his third read-aloud poetry book, Coelho focuses on building kids’ courage ! It follows Poems Aloud and Smile Out Loud , books that have inspired thousands of little readers to harness the power of their own voice.
This new collection contains mantras to be true to yourself , to help you feel brave , project happiness , conjure a smile , make you laugh and cheer others up . Some are odes, some can be said as personal mantras and some are just poems that instill confidence and help children realize the power of their voices.
Reading these poems aloud will teach children the power of poetry , encouraging them to explore the magic of language and foster a love of verse. These rhymes perfectly complement school literature curriculums. Introduce your budding wordsmith to new verse and spark their imaginations with poems about boundaries, handling emotions and treasuring friendships.
This sparky anthology is peppered with witty and charming illustrations by Daniel Gray-Barnett to bring these powerful words to life in a way that’s appealing to children.
A sweet way to empower your little one and have them harness their inner power. From a few lines to a couple of pages, there’s a mix of long and short poems, making this book versatile and suitable for every situation.
With his third read-aloud poetry book, Coelho focuses on building kids’ courage ! It follows Poems Aloud and Smile Out Loud , books that have inspired thousands of little readers to harness the power of their own voice.
This new collection contains mantras to be true to yourself , to help you feel brave , project happiness , conjure a smile , make you laugh and cheer others up . Some are odes, some can be said as personal mantras and some are just poems that instill confidence and help children realize the power of their voices.
Reading these poems aloud will teach children the power of poetry , encouraging them to explore the magic of language and foster a love of verse. These rhymes perfectly complement school literature curriculums. Introduce your budding wordsmith to new verse and spark their imaginations with poems about boundaries, handling emotions and treasuring friendships.
This sparky anthology is peppered with witty and charming illustrations by Daniel Gray-Barnett to bring these powerful words to life in a way that’s appealing to children.
A sweet way to empower your little one and have them harness their inner power. From a few lines to a couple of pages, there’s a mix of long and short poems, making this book versatile and suitable for every situation.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published April 18, 2023
5 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Coelho
86 books74 followersJoseph Coelho is a British poet and children's book author who was elected Children's Laureate in 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 12, 2023
It hits different reading this book as an adult because I can’t imagine how much my life would have turned out to be quite different if someone read this book with me when I was a kid.
This book is a must and will be a keeper. It has everything I need to tell a child things we need not be afraid of, learning how to say no and it’s okay to say so, how poetry and reading matters.
This book is more important in every child’s life because it’s the adults who they know who are going to tell or teach them what to be afraid of even when they aren’t that important. They will never know how it scars them for life. It’s our responsibility to tell them now with books like this that it’s okay to be afraid of things but also why we should not be afraid of things that do not matter much.
The illustrations are simple yet eye catching!
Thank you, Quarto Publishing Group - Wide Eyed Editions, for the advance reading copy.
This book is a must and will be a keeper. It has everything I need to tell a child things we need not be afraid of, learning how to say no and it’s okay to say so, how poetry and reading matters.
This book is more important in every child’s life because it’s the adults who they know who are going to tell or teach them what to be afraid of even when they aren’t that important. They will never know how it scars them for life. It’s our responsibility to tell them now with books like this that it’s okay to be afraid of things but also why we should not be afraid of things that do not matter much.
The illustrations are simple yet eye catching!
Thank you, Quarto Publishing Group - Wide Eyed Editions, for the advance reading copy.
February 19, 2023
After thoroughly enjoying ‘Poems Aloud´ and ‘Smile Out Loud’ I was eagerly anticipating reading ‘Courage Out Loud: 25 Poems of Power’. It did not disappoint and is a wonderful addition to the current Children’s Laureate’s body of work.
Within this latest collection, Coelho has included poems that encourage readers to think about how they can tap into their own bravery and courage, to face their fears, whatever they might be.
Speaking directly to the reader, he prefaces each poem with a few lines introducing the type of poem and how it relates to an idea, emotion or feeling. I appreciated the variety of poetic forms throughout the collection; limericks, sestinas, rondels and pantoums, and how Coelho often shares his own personal experience e.g., in A Quiet Little Word he shares how whenever he feels worried or scare by something, it really helps to write about it, and this added another layer of connection for me with the text. Coelho speaks to the reader about writing their own poems in similar styles or structures and gives helpful tips on how to perform reading these poems out loud. This encouragement supports the reader in getting involved with developing their content, expression and performance. For some readers, this process itself, speaking out loud or writing out their worries, will see readers facing their fears and finding their courage.
As with the two previous books in this ‘Out Loud’ series, these are entertaining poems that give voice to feelings of both the heart and mind. This, alongside colourful inclusive illustrations that pitch perfectly with the text, will ensure that every reader can find a connection in this collection. For me, that connection came most strongly in reading ‘Saying No’, a poem that reassures how it is okay to say ‘no’ when something is not right for you; an important skill for practising self-care and promoting emotional wellbeing.
This book (and the other two in the series!) could be used in many different settings as a springboard for creativity and needs to be in every school library. As a school librarian, I will purchasing several copies and can see many opportunities to use this book in supporting children's emotional intelligence, empathy and wellbeing. It isn’t a collection that needs to be read in one sitting, but one that can be dipped into, depending on mood. As importantly, this is poetry that is relatable to younger (and older!) readers and will inspire many to want to seek out more like it.
Thank you to Quarto and #NetGalley for sending me this Wide Eyed eArc publication for review.
Within this latest collection, Coelho has included poems that encourage readers to think about how they can tap into their own bravery and courage, to face their fears, whatever they might be.
Speaking directly to the reader, he prefaces each poem with a few lines introducing the type of poem and how it relates to an idea, emotion or feeling. I appreciated the variety of poetic forms throughout the collection; limericks, sestinas, rondels and pantoums, and how Coelho often shares his own personal experience e.g., in A Quiet Little Word he shares how whenever he feels worried or scare by something, it really helps to write about it, and this added another layer of connection for me with the text. Coelho speaks to the reader about writing their own poems in similar styles or structures and gives helpful tips on how to perform reading these poems out loud. This encouragement supports the reader in getting involved with developing their content, expression and performance. For some readers, this process itself, speaking out loud or writing out their worries, will see readers facing their fears and finding their courage.
As with the two previous books in this ‘Out Loud’ series, these are entertaining poems that give voice to feelings of both the heart and mind. This, alongside colourful inclusive illustrations that pitch perfectly with the text, will ensure that every reader can find a connection in this collection. For me, that connection came most strongly in reading ‘Saying No’, a poem that reassures how it is okay to say ‘no’ when something is not right for you; an important skill for practising self-care and promoting emotional wellbeing.
This book (and the other two in the series!) could be used in many different settings as a springboard for creativity and needs to be in every school library. As a school librarian, I will purchasing several copies and can see many opportunities to use this book in supporting children's emotional intelligence, empathy and wellbeing. It isn’t a collection that needs to be read in one sitting, but one that can be dipped into, depending on mood. As importantly, this is poetry that is relatable to younger (and older!) readers and will inspire many to want to seek out more like it.
Thank you to Quarto and #NetGalley for sending me this Wide Eyed eArc publication for review.
January 7, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for access to an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
I read one of these poems every night with my sister and my niece and nephews, and honestly, I was so in love with it the whole time. The kids always want us to read more to them, which was to be expected, but some nights, I was the one who wanted to do more than one poem, to keep it going long past our expected bedtimes. These poems were sweet and emotional and evoked so many amazing memories in me and in the kids. I really adored the opening to each poem either being a sort of lesson on how to write the specific kind of poem or on ways to recite the poem or connect with the story its telling. Honestly, I would recommend this book for anyone with kids, hands down, and even for anyone who just has a love for poetry. Just because they're written for kids doesn't mean they aren't fun for anyone to read and enjoy!
I read one of these poems every night with my sister and my niece and nephews, and honestly, I was so in love with it the whole time. The kids always want us to read more to them, which was to be expected, but some nights, I was the one who wanted to do more than one poem, to keep it going long past our expected bedtimes. These poems were sweet and emotional and evoked so many amazing memories in me and in the kids. I really adored the opening to each poem either being a sort of lesson on how to write the specific kind of poem or on ways to recite the poem or connect with the story its telling. Honestly, I would recommend this book for anyone with kids, hands down, and even for anyone who just has a love for poetry. Just because they're written for kids doesn't mean they aren't fun for anyone to read and enjoy!
netgalley-tbr
June 6, 2023Thanks to Netgalley and Quarto for the ARC of this!
My kids and I enjoyed this book of poems together. I liked that each one had a little description of the type of poetry as well as ideas for the child to start their own poem in a similar style. The art was sparse but cute.
My kids and I enjoyed this book of poems together. I liked that each one had a little description of the type of poetry as well as ideas for the child to start their own poem in a similar style. The art was sparse but cute.
January 27, 2023
I read an ARC of COURAGE OUT LOUD, courtesy of Edelweiss, in exchange for my honest opinion.
Poetry is slightly difficult for me to read.
I picked up this book to see what it had to offer.
It is unlike other poetry books because the author includes a note before each poem either with the theme and question for the reader to explore or with tips on the type of structure in the poem. COURAGE OUT LOUD is interactive and delightful.
I think this book is great for several markets. Teachers will love to have it to share with students, especially when they have a poetry-writing assignment.
I also think parents who want a different way to talk about having courage and overcoming fear will love this book. It's a wonderful way to open dialogue about subjects that kids may not even understand. Like a key in a lock to give a child words or impressions to help them define their experiences.
Even as an adult, I think we can go back to the basics and read poetry written for children to better understand the form and what it can do. So, I'm basically saying this book is good for you if you're 5 or 105 years old.
The illustrations are whimsical and also invite children into the atmosphere of the poetry.
I recommend this book!
Happy reading!
Poetry is slightly difficult for me to read.
I picked up this book to see what it had to offer.
It is unlike other poetry books because the author includes a note before each poem either with the theme and question for the reader to explore or with tips on the type of structure in the poem. COURAGE OUT LOUD is interactive and delightful.
I think this book is great for several markets. Teachers will love to have it to share with students, especially when they have a poetry-writing assignment.
I also think parents who want a different way to talk about having courage and overcoming fear will love this book. It's a wonderful way to open dialogue about subjects that kids may not even understand. Like a key in a lock to give a child words or impressions to help them define their experiences.
Even as an adult, I think we can go back to the basics and read poetry written for children to better understand the form and what it can do. So, I'm basically saying this book is good for you if you're 5 or 105 years old.
The illustrations are whimsical and also invite children into the atmosphere of the poetry.
I recommend this book!
Happy reading!
February 6, 2023
From a publisher I don't think I've seen present poetry before (or very, very rarely, if that), comes this latest compilation by a man halfway through his stint being UK's Children's Laureate. And while still not perfect, it does contain some of the best pieces I've seen him produce up to now. Themed about bravery and courage, it covers such diverse topics as leaping off a high board into the pool, telling someone about wanting to be friends, even saying sorry. We're encouraged to try new things – and yet to say no to others, eat new things, and to learn from our mistakes. We're also encouraged, with the forewords before each poem, to think about how we're engaging with the works – are we noticing the repeated lines in the structured poems, are we able to learn this one, what will it sound like if we read it to someone for them? While a smaller compilation than the usual paperbacks, the larger format justifies the artwork accompaniment more, which serves the verse better for being in lively colour as opposed to the usual black and white, that was often known only for making the author's regular pocket books look quite messy at times.
February 25, 2023
Courage Out Loud: 25 Poems of Power
5 Fantastic Stars
Courage Out Loud is definitely a book of positivity. I think children will like the rhyming nature of the poems and the vibrant and engaging illustrations. I love how interactive each poem is. Courage Out Loud is a fun and interesting way to teach young children to use their brain and explore their creativity. They're poems and fun activities to join in on.
All in all, I enjoyed this book. It made my soul happy. I'd recommend this book; it promotes a growth mindset. This book will help build confidence and speaking skills that will help youngsters to find their own voice. Plus, this is a great introduction to poetry.
Courage Out Loud would be an excellent book for homeschooling parents, libraries, classrooms, & counselors.
Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group, for providing me with a digital ARC for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
5 Fantastic Stars
Courage Out Loud is definitely a book of positivity. I think children will like the rhyming nature of the poems and the vibrant and engaging illustrations. I love how interactive each poem is. Courage Out Loud is a fun and interesting way to teach young children to use their brain and explore their creativity. They're poems and fun activities to join in on.
All in all, I enjoyed this book. It made my soul happy. I'd recommend this book; it promotes a growth mindset. This book will help build confidence and speaking skills that will help youngsters to find their own voice. Plus, this is a great introduction to poetry.
Courage Out Loud would be an excellent book for homeschooling parents, libraries, classrooms, & counselors.
Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group, for providing me with a digital ARC for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 1, 2023
This poetry anthology is all about standing up for yourself, loving who you are and not being afraid to be your true self. Filled with many positive affirmations and great mental health strategies, this book is perfect for teachers or families looking to foster these kinds of beliefs in their children. There are some more challenging words at times (this is often the case when trying to make rhymes), but I think that these poems could easily be enjoyed with adults, so if there are complex words or phrases it would be something the child could clarify with an adult. The illustrations are interesting and will also help with comprehension. I would recommend this book for children in the age 5-11 range. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!
April 17, 2023
Courage of loud by Joseph Coelho and Daniel Gray-Barnett is an illustrated children's poetry collection about courage and facing your fears. The 25 poems have tidbits of wisdom that I feel can be very important to teach children, life the poem that teaches children that it is okay and even healthy to cry sometimes.
I liked that before many of the poems, there's a section talking about the type of poem and how to write your own. It encourages children to interact with the world and create something.
While i love the idea for the collection, I felt like some of the poems fell flat or had awkward lines at times. Despite that, I don't think children are as picky to me when it comes to poetry, so I definitely recommend this to those who want to teach kids to face their fears and be courageous.
I liked that before many of the poems, there's a section talking about the type of poem and how to write your own. It encourages children to interact with the world and create something.
While i love the idea for the collection, I felt like some of the poems fell flat or had awkward lines at times. Despite that, I don't think children are as picky to me when it comes to poetry, so I definitely recommend this to those who want to teach kids to face their fears and be courageous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2023
Thank you to both NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions, Wide Eyed Editions for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The role of this book it a well intentioned one. To teach children how to be themselves and how to adjust their changing lives and society.
For the most part I believe Coelho has done a wonderful job with this work. However there are a few fault in my opinion.
One of the bigger problems for me was the use of difficult words, which may enhance a child's vocabulary but might actually put a child off the book, It would also mean that the child, depending on their reading age, can not read the book themselves.
While I also like the authors notes I think they would have been better placed either before or after the poem rather than under the heading.
Regardless this was an enjoyable read and something I would gladly read to my, soon to be, five year old niece.
The role of this book it a well intentioned one. To teach children how to be themselves and how to adjust their changing lives and society.
For the most part I believe Coelho has done a wonderful job with this work. However there are a few fault in my opinion.
One of the bigger problems for me was the use of difficult words, which may enhance a child's vocabulary but might actually put a child off the book, It would also mean that the child, depending on their reading age, can not read the book themselves.
While I also like the authors notes I think they would have been better placed either before or after the poem rather than under the heading.
Regardless this was an enjoyable read and something I would gladly read to my, soon to be, five year old niece.
March 22, 2023
I want to thank Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions and NetGalley for a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have to applaud the mission of this book above the actual quality of the poetry. (a couple of the poems were pretty good, but most were just okay within the parameters of being for kids) I really think it was ingenious to add ways for children to interact with each of the pieces before each poem, I'm sure younger readers will find the exercises enhance their reading /writing of poetry.
The poetry is honestly tertiary to 1. teaching children about poetry 2. getting children to be excited about poetry and 3. getting children to try and write their own poems! All of these goals, I think this book would be fantastic at.
I have to applaud the mission of this book above the actual quality of the poetry. (a couple of the poems were pretty good, but most were just okay within the parameters of being for kids) I really think it was ingenious to add ways for children to interact with each of the pieces before each poem, I'm sure younger readers will find the exercises enhance their reading /writing of poetry.
The poetry is honestly tertiary to 1. teaching children about poetry 2. getting children to be excited about poetry and 3. getting children to try and write their own poems! All of these goals, I think this book would be fantastic at.
April 27, 2023
Fear is a hugely debilitating force in the world. In this book of twenty-five poems, written by the Waterstones Children's Laureate for 2022-2024, Joseph Coelho encourages children to take action against fear, to act with courage---to dare to jump from the diving board, to say no sometimes, to dare to be a friend, to stand up when you fall and try again, to apologize, to cry when you need to, and to write stories and poems of your own. Coelho writes a lot of different types of poems---pantoums and limericks and ballads and more---and he encourages his children readers to try these, too. This is a fabulous collection for all of us who would like to face and overcome our fears in the world.
April 14, 2024
Loved this book! The author uses a lot of metaphors and similes, but each poem still conveys feelings in a digestible way, and has a little explanation to introduce it. The illustrations are punchy and playful and support the text with wonderful color. Because this is written in UK English, a grown up speaking US English may need to play interpreter on the fly, but I could easily incorporate the simpler poems into a storytime as a flannel story, maybe even an action rhyme from a verse or two. Some of the vocabulary is ambitious for young ones, but ambition can be a good thing, and as a child understands more about their world, these encouraging pages will be words to grow on.
February 21, 2023
Courage Out Loud 25 Poems of Power is a unique and wonderful children's book. Filled with 25 poems meant to instill confidence in kids, and done in a fun and entertaining way. It's also beautifully illustrated in bright colors. I'm not sure if I've ever read poetry to my young boys and I was actually a little surprised that they enjoyed these so much. Their favorite was "Eddie's Panting."
This book would make the perfect gift for early readers and definitely belongs in the classroom.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions for allowing me to be an early reader. All opinions are my own.
This book would make the perfect gift for early readers and definitely belongs in the classroom.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions for allowing me to be an early reader. All opinions are my own.
April 6, 2023
It's very rare that I enjoy every poem in a collection but wow has Joseph Coelho knocked this one out of the park!
It speaks to the introvert in me, the nervous, fearfulness that I have. This book gently encourages you to be brave. It's a collection that's really empowering my daughter and a book that I very much want every child to read.
Daniel Gray-Barnett feels so wonderfully in-tune with Joseph's words and each spread feels unique whilst equally coherent as a whole.
As I say, I love them all, but 'The Toilet of Death' always has us giggling.
It speaks to the introvert in me, the nervous, fearfulness that I have. This book gently encourages you to be brave. It's a collection that's really empowering my daughter and a book that I very much want every child to read.
Daniel Gray-Barnett feels so wonderfully in-tune with Joseph's words and each spread feels unique whilst equally coherent as a whole.
As I say, I love them all, but 'The Toilet of Death' always has us giggling.
February 13, 2023
A truly wonderful poetry book from Joseph Coelho. All the poems are about being brave or having courage, some of them giving advice and some about Coelho's own experiences. At the start of each poem there is a paragraph with a bit about the poem, what type it is, giving advice or a task to write your own in the same style, or how to perform. Some of the poem forms I already knew like limericks and ballads and sone were new to me like rondels and pantoums. Definitely a poetry book to buy!
March 21, 2023
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Great book that includes and describes may different types of poetry. Each poem has it's own activity attached to it, which is rather fun . I liked the idea of drawing your own Furry Sorry after reading the poem. It seems very therapeutic.
Fall down Three Times get up Four is another favorite.
A great fun book.
Great book that includes and describes may different types of poetry. Each poem has it's own activity attached to it, which is rather fun . I liked the idea of drawing your own Furry Sorry after reading the poem. It seems very therapeutic.
Fall down Three Times get up Four is another favorite.
A great fun book.
February 8, 2023
Joseph Coelho is an inspirational poet and has captured the imaginations of so many young people ( and old too) This is a really wonderful book that combines different forms of poetry and the exploration of children’s emotions. Each poem is given an introduction whether it be a description of the type of poetic form or some form of questioning or thoughts about feelings we all encounter. There is also some great encouragement to perform poems for children.The poems are very engaging and tap into all sorts of situations and experiences . The vocabulary is familiar but also challenging which is good . This is a perfect book for using in primary schools in PSHE or helping children explore their own use of language or a great book to share at home for pleasure or especially when confronting different developmental emotions. The illustrations are fun and don’t detract from the poems . Highly recommended and a book I’ll be using with pupils and teachers
February 20, 2023
This book is 1000% PERFECT. Adorable children's book. my favorite thing is the paragraph of context that sets up each Poem - kids need to learn and hearing these little descriptors before each poem helps them understand what the poem is about, and how to digest it. I wish this was around when my kids were small. Wonderful book, wonderful poems and topics to tackle. Great job.
March 4, 2023
I love this book. It is more than just a list of poems. I love how Joseph Coelho put in little notes at the beginning of each poem to inspire children to write poems. This is a perfect book for teaching poetry.
February 20, 2023
Great compilation of wonderful poems for kids surrounded by bright illustrations that will capture children’s attention. I especially loved “The Power of a Poem”
March 12, 2023
3.5/5
This is perfect for teachers and parents! A great poetry book for kids! The limericks were my favorite.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher!
This is perfect for teachers and parents! A great poetry book for kids! The limericks were my favorite.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher!
August 5, 2023
The idea for the book is fantastic, but most of the poems fall flat.
October 17, 2023
Nice range of poems, like the prompts and context given before each poem.
March 18, 2025
The limericks were especially fun.
July 8, 2024
I love that this book has a prompt or challenge at the bringing of each poem. The poems are meaningful and fun, great for brave and creative children (and adults)
June 9, 2023
Joseph Coelho is a household name. As a performance poet, a children’s author and currently Children’s Laureate his output is phenomenal, enthusiasm contagious. Courage Out Loud is illustrated by Daniel Gray-Barnett with a matching exuberance, they make the perfect pair for bringing poetry to life for readers who will find it positively bouncing off the pages of this book, desperate to be spoken aloud, over and over again. This is an anthology of twenty-five poems on the theme of power, there is power in the words and there is power in the message that the words are sending. Even just reading one poem from the collection is guaranteed to ensure a building of confidence.
Power is what these poems want us to recognise and find. This collection is focused on the power of our speaking skills. The power of our voices. The poems are long and unless you have a REALLY good memory I wouldn’t suggest trying to learn them but rather using the book to read from (which means you can enjoy the wonderful illustrations too – though I did keep getting distracted!) The poems are great too. They are funny, clever, bubbling with an enthusiasm for life, a love of verse. They teach us about poetry techniques – I did not know about sestinas until I read In a Castle a poem and a story – they introduce different types of poem – the limericks are hilarious. This book is packed to the brim with power and wonder, it is an absolute joy.
Power is what these poems want us to recognise and find. This collection is focused on the power of our speaking skills. The power of our voices. The poems are long and unless you have a REALLY good memory I wouldn’t suggest trying to learn them but rather using the book to read from (which means you can enjoy the wonderful illustrations too – though I did keep getting distracted!) The poems are great too. They are funny, clever, bubbling with an enthusiasm for life, a love of verse. They teach us about poetry techniques – I did not know about sestinas until I read In a Castle a poem and a story – they introduce different types of poem – the limericks are hilarious. This book is packed to the brim with power and wonder, it is an absolute joy.
June 23, 2023
I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
This is a good book for kids who like poetry. It is also good for reading aloud as a group.
This is a good book for kids who like poetry. It is also good for reading aloud as a group.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews