Heart to Heart

Heart to Heart compiles contemporary poems inspired by works of art, creating paired experiences of visual and written expression. Each poem appears alongside a reproduction of its corresponding artwork. The collection features 43 poets responding to art pieces through various poetic forms and styles. The artworks span different periods and movements, from ancient sculptures to modern paintings. The poets approach their subjects through multiple lenses - some describe the art directly, while others imagine stories behind the scenes or explore personal connections. The book includes biographical information about both the poets and artists. This anthology demonstrates how art can spark new creative works and interpretations across different mediums. The pairings invite readers to consider the relationship between visual and written art forms, and how meaning transfers between these modes of expression.

Readers appreciate this art-poetry collection for making complex artwork accessible to children. Teachers report using it successfully in classrooms to connect visual art with creative writing exercises. Likes: - Clear layout pairing each artwork with a related poem - Encourages students to analyze art deeply - Works well for teaching metaphor and imagery - High-quality art reproductions - Appeals to both art and poetry enthusiasts Dislikes: - Some find the poetry quality uneven - A few readers note the art selections feel random - Price point considered high for a children's poetry book Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (21 ratings) Notable Review: "My students were initially intimidated by abstract art but the poems helped them find personal connections to each piece. Now they write their own ekphrastic poetry with confidence." - Middle school teacher on Amazon

Poetry Speaks to Children by Elise Paschen This anthology pairs classic and contemporary poems with audio recordings of poets reading their own work.

Heart of a Child by Rita Gray Poems and artwork from young people around the world express their perspectives on life, nature, and human connection.

Paint Me a Poem by Justine Rowden Each spread pairs a painting from the Metropolitan Museum of Art with an original poem inspired by the artwork.

Side by Side: New Poems Inspired by Art from Around the World by Jan Greenberg A collection of ekphrastic poems by contemporary poets responds to artworks from different cultures and time periods.

The Space Between Our Footsteps by Naomi Shihab Nye Middle Eastern artwork and poetry combine to create a cultural dialogue between visual and written expressions.

🎨 The book combines poetry with works of modern art, allowing readers to experience visual art through both imagery and verse 📚 Jan Greenberg has written over 20 books about art and artists for young readers, making complex artistic concepts accessible to children 🖼️ The poems in the book were written by both established poets and children, offering diverse perspectives on famous artworks 🏆 Heart to Heart received the Michael L. Printz Honor Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature in 2002 🎭 The book features artwork from renowned artists like Pablo Picasso, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Henri Matisse, paired with poems that respond to their work