The Goof Who Invented Homework | Mrs. Cole on an Onion Roll | Don’t Read This Book...
Put Your Eyes Up Here... | If You're Not Here... | Get out of the Alphabet Number 2 | The Greatest Magic...
I Heard You Twice the First Time: Poems for Tired and Bewildered Teachers
Book Details
| Author: | Kalli Dakos with contributions by five Teacher/Librarian poets |
| Illustrator: | Denis Proulx and Gina Marin |
| Format: | Paperback, 48 pp. |
| ISBN: | 1-4392-6148-2 |
| Published: | Edstar, Inc., March 2010 |
| Purchase: | Order Forms |
 |
Time to Play |
| There are 86,400 seconds | |
| In a day, | |
| Use some of them | |
| For poetry, | |
| And some of them to | |
| PLAY! |
Synopsis
Meet the teachers who struggle with stress, failure, difficult students and a lack of time to “enjoy the joy” in their classrooms. Laugh with the teacher who is bewildered by the endless changes in his profession, and finally, meet the teacher who arrives at the Pearly Gates and asks the most important question of all:
Were my years in school
Worth all that work and time?
Join author Kalli Dakos on a poetic journey that will rest your teaching soul and inspire your career!
Get out of the Alphabet Number 2: Wacky Alphabet and Number Poems
Book Details
NOTE: This book is being reprinted in a paperback version and is presently not available.
| Author: | Kalli Dakos |
| Reading Level: | Preschool to 2nd Grade |
| Illustrator: | Jenny Graham |
| Format: | Hardcover, 32pp. (Limited availability - Schools only) |
| ISBN: | 0-689-81118-7 |
| Published: | Simon & Schuster, 1997 |
| Lesson Plan: |  |
| Purchase: | Order Forms |
Synopsis
It's Wacky Wednesday! And that means kids can wear their underwear outside their pants...their teacher can put on a hula skirt with cowboy boots...and letters and numbers can go wild! What's that number 2 doing in the alphabet? Is that an upside down P or a right-side-up d! The l wants a perm so it can look like the S, and number 9 won't stay in line! Welcome to the classroom - and a book - where poems become puzzles and pictures offer clues and young readers just learning about letters and numbers are invited to join the action! In full color.
Reviews and Commentary
A triangle yearns to be in the alphabet. After all, it does resemble the letter A. Letters take the place of numbers on the clock. Why not? It's Wacky Wednesday when anything goes, even wearing a purple hat with jingle bells or underwear over pants. Poems and puzzles of letters and numbers to tickle and teach kids fill this colorfully illustrated book.
...From Carolyn Mott Ford - Children's Literature
The book is really about the alphabet. Each of the poems in Get Out of the Alphabet Number 2: Wacky Wednesday Puzzle Poems by Kalli Dakos, illus. by Jenny Graham, has a "wacky" part for readers to figure out, for example: "First in the alphabet,/ Best mark in school,/ Sometimes the rest of us,/ Wish we were you." Animated, cheerfully naive illustrations, in bright gouache heavily outlined in black, add to the merriment with jumbles and cascades of figures.
...Publishers Weekly
Our Principal Promised to Kiss a Pig
Book Details
| Author: | Kalli Dakos, Alicia DesMarteau |
| Reading Level: | Kindergarten through High School |
| Illustrator: | Carl DiRocco |
| Format: | Hardback, 32pp. (includes an Inflatable Pig) |
| ISBN: | 0-807-56629-2 |
| Published: | Albert Whitman and Company, 2004 |
| Purchase: | Order Forms |
| To kiss, or not to kiss |
 |
| To kiss, or not to kiss, |
| The Principal in school, |
| Why choose a pig |
| To be their fool? |
Synopsis
This one-of-a-kind picture book has the characteristics of a Shakespearean drama - fiery poetic verse, tragic love and a plot with enough twists and turns to keep children on the edge of their seats.
The hero is a pig (Hamlet) who does NOT want to kiss the principal (Ms. Juliet). Nineteen references to Shakespeare’s plays introduce students to the majestic language of one of our greatest writers, all within the context of a hilarious tale that takes place in a typical school.
There is no other book like this for reading, reciting, and dramatizing poetic verse, while inspiring the best in children’s writing. A MUST for every classroom from kindergarten through high school.
Reviews and Commentary
How far will a principal go to encourage students to read? In Dakos' latest book Our Principal Promised to Kiss a Pig (2004), Ms. Juliet makes just this vow on the condition that the children at her school read 10,000 books. The dramatic question in this story is whether Ms. Juliet will actually kiss the pig (who happens to be called Hamlet) and if Hamlet, with his fine sensibilities, will submit to this ignominy. Hamlet has attitude and is depicted with thought bubbles that contain slightly altered excerpts from Shakespeare, such as the following:
To kiss or not to kiss
The principal in school?
Why choose a pig
To be their fool?
Children and their dedicated principals will be able to relate to this sweet school story. Moreover, it will provide the opportunity for teachers to use the thought bubbles and references to introduce Shakespeare.
...The Reading Teacher, September 2005
Read 10,00 books this year, challenges Principal Ms. Juliet, and she will kiss a pig. Dakos and DesMarteau’s principal, who will go to great lengths to get her charges to read, has already pulled some odd students, though kissing a pig is an invitation to make a child’s heart sing. The narrator has volunteered her pig Hamlet–a Shakespeare spouter of his own design. He cribs and tweaks some famous lines to register his disapproval, but when Hamlet’s eyes fall on the fair Juliet, however, he suddenly becomes much more interested. She gasps, then delivers on her promise. DiRocco’s artwork is fittingly busy and possesses good Elizabethan costumery and lots of funny details.
...Kirkus Reviews
Attempting to introduce children to Shakespeare in the guise of a verse-quoting pig is a novel idea. Displayed in thought balloons over Hamlet’s head are Shakespeare-inspired verses that express his initial dismay and eventual change of heart. These quotes, along with the lines that inspired them and a brief biography of the Bard are listed at the end of the book. DiRocco’s colorful watercolor illustrations highlight the most important moments and help bring the tale to life. His depiction of Hamlet dressed in 17th-century adds to the mood. Hamlet isn’t looking forward to smooching a stranger.
...School Library Journal
The school principal, Ms. Juliet, promises to kiss a pig if the students read lots of books. Hamlet, a little girl’s pet pig, isn’t happy when his owner volunteers him for the kiss: “O, heavy heart, do not weep./This kiss has murdered sleep.” Then he sees Ms. Juliet and falls in love: “I never saw true beauty/Till this day.” Preschoolers will enjoy the slapstick. Older children will be disarmed by the humor, which may make this useful for helping students feel more relaxed about the Bard and his Elizabethan English. A guide at the back provides references to the plays and to the quotes.
...Booklist
Teachers and principals do many strange things to entice students to read. In Our Principal Promised to Kiss a Pig, she did just that. However, the pet pig chosen for the honor has other ideas. That is, until he sees the principal. Hamlet, the pig, goes home with a broken heart. The surprise ending keeps everybody happy. This funny picture book stars a Shakespeare-quoting pig with references to the sources of the quotations. Good reading.
...Hickory Ridge Reader: A Weekly Column Reviewing Books for Children
The world of children has been waiting for Hamlet, the pig, to introduce them to Shakespeare in this humorous, intelligent and endearing book.
...Tricia Gibbons, Teacher and Award Winning Poet
Ms. Juliet, the narrator just happens to have a pig she received from her aunt, an English teacher. The pig is named Hamlet. And now the fun begins. Poor Hamlet’s balloon speeches are adaptations of words from Shakespeare – with no apologies to Will – "To kiss, or not to kiss, The principal in school? Why choose a pig to be their fool?" Get your laugh machine ready. It is wonderful.
...Frank Hodge , Children’s Literature Specialist, Hodge-Podge Books, Albany, New York
The pig of the book is Hamlet, a porcine pet partially raised by a Shakespeare buff. He thinks in verse and his new owner, an elementary student, promised to have him kiss the principal of her school, Ms Juliet, as the reward for a reading contest "I never saw true beauty/Till this day. Ms. Juliet is the sun/that lights my way."
Our Principal Promised to Kiss a Pig contains 19 references to Shakespeare’s plays, all easy recognizable, albeit a bit bowdlerized and a little less grandiloquent. Ms. Dakos wrote the book with her daughter, Alicia DesMarteau, and included an appendix with each reference alongside the verse that inspired it.
...Watertown Daily Times, October 26, 2004
It has all the elements of a Shakespearean drama – unrequited passion, doomed love and a hero who speaks in poetic verse. But here’s the thing – this love story is for kids and it stars a pig named Hamlet.
Hamlet, the pig, quotes such plays as Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Romeo and Juliet. Since its release the book has delighted children and parents with its intriguing plot and Shakespearean twist.
...The Ottawa Citizen, Kelly Roesler
In Our Principal Promised to Kiss a Pig we meet the torment hog Hamlet who frets over the cruel destiny that would have him kiss the principal. Interspliced throughout Hamlet’s dialogue are modified snippets from the Bard’s most famous soliloquies. As well as the usually story book narrative, Dakos employs modified Shakespearean verse using modern day English.
"A pig to himself must be true,/In spite of plans that humans brew./Those we love we kiss for free./She shall not steal this kiss from me." Hamlet bellows when faced with a smooch-ready principal.
By taking something not only children but also many adult view as complicated and bringing it down to a level a grade school child can understand, this book will help children with both reading and writing!
...Nepean This Week, Natalie Hanson
Ah, Hamlet. A tragic lover with unrequited ardor, and a hero who uses passionate poetic verse to express himself. Shakespeare’s Hamlet? No. Kalli Dakos’ Hamlet. He’s a pig (literally) and the lead character in a new children’s book called Our Principal Promised to Kiss a Pig.
In this new book, the principal (Ms. Juliet) wants her students to read 10,000 books. Quite a feat. If they do, she’ll kiss a pig. But Hamlet is not a willing subject in this game. "To kiss, or not to kiss, the principal in school? Why choose a pig to be their fool?"
Paraphrasing the English playwright/poet/actor is an excellent balance to the narrator’s easy tone and simple words.
If the child asks, "Is that poetry?" and the parent replies that it comes from Shakespeare – what better way to get both parents and children interested in learning more?
I highly recommend this book to children of all ages (that includes parents).
...J. David Derosier, Special to Nepean this Week
Shakespeare would have enjoyed reading this book to his own children.
...Eowana Jordan, Retired Media Specialist, Prince William County Schools, Virginia
Each year millions of high school and college students are introduced to the works of William Shakespeare and a lot of them say works such as Julius Caesar, Macbeth, or Romeo or Juliet are boring, but thanks to Kalli Dakos, their younger brothers and sisters may find themselves coming home from school saying Shakespeare is a "boar".
Our Principal Promised to Kiss a Pig features a pig named Hamlet and a principal named Ms. Juliet, and if these two names sound familiar to you, it’s not a coincidence. The book features 19 references to seven of Shakespeare’s plays and even a sonnet. These 19 references come in the form of dialogue, every time Hamlet speaks.
An early introduction to Shakespeare in such an outrageous guise may inspire youngsters to pursue the rich rewards of further Shakespearean study.
...The Ogdensburg Journal, Ogdensburg, NY
Put Your Eyes Up Here and Other School Poems
Book Details
| Author: | Kalli Dakos |
| Age Range: | Ages 9-12 |
| Illustrator: | Kalli Dakos, G. Brian Karas |
| Format: | Hardcover, 64 pp. |
| ISBN: | Hardback: 0-689-81117-9 Paperback: 0-689-81117-9 |
| Published: | Simon & Schuster, 2003 |
| Purchase: | Order Forms |
| Introducing a New Me |
| There’s a new ME this year, An on-time ME, A clean-desk ME, |
| A first-to-hand-in-assignments ME, A listens-in-class-to-the-teacher ME, A teacher’s-pet-for-the-first-time-in-my life ME, An-always-willing-to-be-good-and help- out ME, A dead-serious-get-the-work-done-and-hand-it-in before-it’s-due ME. |
| The problem is The new ME Is not like ME At all. |
Synopsis
Ms. Roys wants her students to pay attention to her-and it’s hard not to. After all, who could ignore a teacher who wears silly hats and colorful skirts and has a graveyard for used-up pencils? She even believes in magic and ghosts!
In this collection of lively, funny, poignant poems and mini plays, I explore the challenges and triumphs that arise in the classroom. G. Brian Karas’ funny and whimsical illustrations brings the poetry to life!
Reviews and Commentary
Grade 3-5: Like The Goof Who Invented Homework (Dial, 1996) and If You're Not Here, Please Raise Your Hand (Four Winds, 1990), Dakos's newest collection highlights incidents taken from her teaching days-here, mostly written in the poetic voice of a girl named Penny, who, from the first day of school, realizes that her teacher is unusual. Ms. Roys has a collection of plastic hands, and she takes the class on an overnight to the museum, where they sleep beside dinosaur skeletons. She wears unusual earrings, and has a pencil cemetery. On the 100th day of school, she fills the classroom with 100 helium-filled balloons, each tied to a pencil, marker, crayon, or pen, and she has a magic wand that her students may borrow when they need to think of fresh ideas. The verses vary in length from a few lines to a few pages, and in style from rhyming couplets and quatrains to unrhymed collective poems written in the form of playlets, in a sort of verbatim conversation. Some are funny, some clever, some poignant. Small pencil cartoons decorate almost every page. Students will relate to Dakos's descriptive recollections of incidents throughout a year in one elementary classroom, and they will appreciate her understanding of children.
...Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH, School Library Journal, Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
The Goof Who Invented Homework: and Other School Poems
Book Details
NOTE: This book is being reprinted in a paperback version and is presently not available.
| Author: | Kalli Dakos |
| Reading Level: | Grades 2-6 |
| Illustrator: | Kalli Dakos, Denise Brunkus |
| Format: | Hardcover, 74pp. Limited availability - Schools only. |
| ISBN: | 0-8037-1927-2 |
| Published: | Dial Books, 1996 |
| Lesson Plan: | |
| Purchase: | Order Forms |
Teacher's Head | |
| Teacher: | Tom, where's your head this morning? |
| Tom: | I think that I forgot my head. I must have left it home in bed There is a quiz I have to take, I need a head that's wide-awake. |
| Ben: | I cannot spell; I cannot write, My cursive is a ghastly sight. But if you'd like to use my head, I'll try to borrow Sue’s instead. |
| Sue: | A boy with the head of a girl? It's enough to make my head whirl! But on one condition, it's okay -- I need a head for math today. |
| Jennie: | My brain does math lickety-split, So help yourself; I'm tired of it. Use my head, that will be best, And while you do, I'll take a rest. |
| Teacher: | To loan your head, you are so kind, But if you want to change your mind, I could have that rest instead, And lend you my teacher's head. |
| Jennie: | I do declare! I do declare! The teacher's head, I'd love to wear, For with it on, I guarantee, All the kids will listen to me! |
Awards
Children's Choice Selection, 1997
Synopsis
Nobody knows classroom life the way best-selling author Kalli Dakos does. In this collection of thirty-six poems, the author moves through the school year to portray the ups and downs of typical school days with humor and empathy. From the lively fun of "My Lunch is Buzzing" and "Our Custodian's a Poet" to the poignancy of "Murder in the Fourth Grade" (an elegy to a departed class goldfish), these poems capture the spirit of elementary schools across the United States and Canada.
Reviews and Commentary
The majority of the selections are humorous. They paint a funny, affectionate, and sometimes poignant portrait of the school year. This is an effective and welcome collection of verse, ably supported by Brunkus's fine and funny black-and-white drawings.
...School Library Journal
Dakos takes readers through a "typical" school year with three dozen poems. Kids will quickly relate to these mostly amusing glimpses of teachers, custodians, the principal, and the death of a class pet. Throughout, Brunkus provides humorous black and white illustrations. A collection that is bound to delight and one that is just the right size for young readers.
...Marilyn Courtot - Children's Literature
Dakos has a lighthearted style and shows much warmth and understanding of her audience. As in previous books, she doesn't poke fun at children or at teachers. Students will choose these poems for recitations and have fun reading them.
...Kirkus Review
If You're Not Here, Please Raise Your Hand
Book Details
| Author: | Kalli Dakos |
| Reading Level: | Grades 2-6 & Grades K-2 Read Aloud |
| Illustrator: | Kalli Dakos, G. Brian Karas |
| Format: | Hardcover, 2nd ed., 60pp. |
| ISBN: | Hardback: 0-02-725581-6 Paperback: 0-689-80116-5 Audiotape: 0-7887-1789-8 |
| Published: | Simon & Schuster, 1990 |
| Lesson Plan: | |
| Purchase: | Order Forms |
| Budging Line-ups |
| Brenda pushed in front of Ted, Then Gregg budged in ahead of Fred. |
| Jackie yelled, "You're in my way! Why do you do this every day? |
| Then Jennifer cried that Joe budged in, To stand near his friend, Benjamin. |
| Sally shoved with all her might, to get to walk near Darlene Brite. |
| Susie let out one big cry, As she hit Patrick in the eye. |
| "He budged in again today, I warned him about this yesterday!" |
| Rosa stepped on Arnold's feet; He let out a piercing shriek: |
| "My toe is broken in two, What a rotten thing to do!" |
| Ms. Fein sadly shook her head, Wishing she had stayed in bed. |
 |
Awards
Children's Choice Selection, 1991
Synopsis
Poet and teacher Kalli Dakos finds stories in every corner of our schools, and readers will delight in the surprises that await us there. If You're Not Here, Raise Your Hand celebrates the world of elementary school in thirty-eight poems that capture the excitement, heartbreak and wonder of classroom life. The students and teachers who populate this lively collection will spark the imagination of every reader.
Reviews and Commentary
"I was especially moved by the poem, "J.T. Never Will Be Ten"."
...Connie Patsa!os, The Today Show
"The poems demonstrate a keen eye for classroom realism. One poem that children enjoy concerns Annie, who, after jumping rope 482 time, comes in to drink "three glasses of grape juice, four of orange juice, and one hundred and two slurps from the water fountain." Children will also relate to Andrew who starts the whole class coughing, and Caleb who had "one-half of an old ham sandwich that was turning green inside his messy desk."..."Humorous and poignant."
...School Library Journal
Meet the child who has not done her homework, the shy little girl who feels insecure because she's fat, the student who outdoes all the others at "show and tell" by eating a worm, the child who mourns the death of a friend, and the classmates who giggle together over teachers, substitutes, hiccup attacks and pranks.
...The Ottawa Citizen
There is repetition, predictability, and humour throughout the entire book. All students, teachers, and parents could enjoy this book. It was delightful!
...Jaye Burger - Purdue University
I predict that once discovered, this book will rarely be on the shelves.
...Librarian - West Alleheny School District
The Bug in Teacher's Coffee and Other School Poems
Book Details
| Author: | Kalli Dakos |
| Reading Level: | Ages 4-8 Grades K-3 |
| Illustrator: | Mike Reed |
| Format: | Paperback. An I Can Read Book |
| ISBN: | 0-201-40824-4 |
| Published: | Harper Collins, 1999 |
| Lesson Plan: | |
| Purchase: | Order Forms |
 |
Jack's Pencil |
| I've been taken hostage By that creepy kid, Clark. He stuck me in his desk, Where it's smelly and dark. | |
| He won't let me out, And he won't give me back. I'm sitting here yelling, | |
| "I'm in the desk, Jaaaaaaaaaaaaack!" |
Awards
Children's Choice Selection, 2000
Synopsis
Jack's pencil has been taken hostage, the school gym has a headache, and the school goldfish wants to visit Mexico. In this first collection for beginning readers, I reveal what really goes on at school!
Reviews and Commentary
Dakos' collection of 23 poems from the perspective of items found at school satisfies the I Can Read requirements of simplicity and word repetition....appearing are a couple of clever items - one on a kidnapped pencil and another on a comb pulling hazardous duty along with some typographic elements that amiably convey the idea that words are malleable; Reed's illustrations possess geniality and character, making some inanimate objects very personable.
...Kirkus Review
Mrs. Cole on an Onion Roll and Other School Poems
Book Details
| Author: | Kalli Dakos |
| Reading Level: | Grades K-4 |
| Illustrator: | Joann Adinolfi |
| Format: | Paperback, 40pp. |
| ISBN: | 0-689-826877 |
| Published: | Simon & Schuster, 1995 |
| Lesson Plan: | |
| Purchase: | Order Forms |
| Hip Hip Hooray! |
| Sally brought a flower For the teacher today, And the teacher yelled, "Hip hip hooray!" |
| Byron brought an apple For the teacher today, And the teacher yelled, "Hip hip hooray!" |
| Jennifer brought a poem For the teacher today, And the teacher yelled, "Hip hip hooray!" |
| Jarrod brought a candy For the teacher today, And the teacher yelled, "Hip hip hooray!" |
| Ben brought a radish For the teacher today, And the teacher said, "A radish? Why a radish?" |
| And Ben said, "Because I love radishes!" |
| Ben brought a radish For the teacher today, And the teacher yelled, "Hip hip hooray!" |
Synopsis
Kalli Dakos displays the mastery of her renowned classroom wit and insight in this full-color collection of school-inspired poems that truly celebrate a child's wacky sense of fun - and that nuture the love of reading and writing. Frogs leap, snakes curl, rocket ships blast off, worms wiggle, slime ooooooooozes...all in short, accessible poems complemented by outrageous full-color illustrations that will leave legions of Dakos fans cheering for more.
Reviews and Commentary
The poems are energetic, upbeat, and have a humorous slant on the trials and triumphs of the younger grades. With artwork as kinetic and multicolored as the graphics on "Nickelodeon", this volume will appeal to those who appreciate the anything-can-happen environment of Miss Nelson's classroom or the Magic School Bus.
...Kirkus Review
This hilarious collection will bring down the elementary school house.
...USA Today
This collection of poems highlights the crazy days of school life. Bold, bright illustrations capture the light-hearted mood of the writings and the wacky celebrations and misadventures every child experiences. An excellent choice for reading aloud, this volume of poems is a great way to start the school year.
...Children's Literature
Don't Read This Book, Whatever You Do!: More Poems about School
Book Details
| Author: | Kalli Dakos |
| Reading Level: | Grades K-4 |
| Illustrator: | G. Brian Karas |
| Format: | Hardcover, 64pp. |
| ISBN: | 0-689-826877 |
| Published: | Simon & Schuster, 1995 |
| Lesson Plan: | |
| Purchase: | Order Forms |
| I Gotcha |
| I gotcha, I caughtcha, I putcha In my poem. |
| I lockedcha, Forever, In my poetry Zone. |
Awards
Children's Choice Selection, 1994
Synopsis
Spider legs, spelling tests, fourth grade secrets, squirt gun battles, and a teacher who marks with sunshine. Through the voices of bright pencils and toilet shaped erasers and with humor, sensitivity, and enviable energy, Kalli Dakos continues to celebrate school life and the wondrous, hilarious, poignant and telling moments that can happen only in a classroom.
Reviews and Commentary
What this collection does is show kids that their world is something to write about, in their own words, and in their own way.
...Booklist
Dakos captures the lighter moments as well as the sensitivities of children, whether it be dread of failing tests, or the embarrassment of wearing glasses. This collection will have wide appeal.
...School Library Journal
The Greatest Magic, Poems for Teachers
Book Details
| Author: | Kalli Dakos |
| Reading Level: | Teachers |
| Format: | Paperback, 28pp. This edition is only available for distribution through the school market. |
| ISBN: | 0-439-20181-0 |
| Published: | Scholastic Inc., 2000 |
| Purchase: | Order Forms |
| A Prayer |
| I pray your elders Teach you To value yourself, So that you will value them, Even though their bones are frail, And their memories, Are lost in fogs Over the rivers Of yesterday. |
| I pray Your elders teach Patience, Compassion, And joy, Along with Reading, Writing, And arithmetic, So you will Have patience, For their struggles, Compassion for their tears, And joyful places For them to rest, In their final years. |
| I pray The politicians, The superintendents, And the principals, Who plan Your programs, Take time to listen To the stories in your hearts, So that you will take Time to listen, To the stories In their hearts, When stories Are all they have left. |
| I pray Your elders Look at you With awe and wonder and respect, For all that you can become, So that you will look at them With awe and wonder and respect, For all that they became. |
| I pray your elders Have time To share With you The golden sunlight, The darkening shadows, And the truths That are important For all time, So that you will see The glowing candle Of eternity, In them, Even though their bodies, Crumble Like the last leaves In the moment Before winter's breath. |
| I pray your elders Teach courage, Because when they're old, They will lean On your strength, And the fate Of our precious planet, Of civilization itself, Will lie in your hands. |
| I pray Your elders Remember to nourish, Your spirits And souls, So you will remember They have Spirits and souls, When they are In your care. |
| Above all, I pray your elders, Teach Wisdom, grace, and love, For in the brief moment It takes, A leaf to fall, From a tree, They, Will pass the Glowing torch Of life To you, |
| The children of today, |
| Their leaders, Their caretakers, Their hope, And their promise, For tomorrow. |
Kalli Dakos - "I Hope"
Poems for Teachers, p24.
A source of inspiration
Kalli Dakos,
a teacher and popular school poet,
lends her verse to celebrate teachers
and the work they do in their
classrooms. Within this
collection of poems,
teachers will find inspiration
and humor that reflect the
greatest magic of all,
teaching.