Preschool is that period of childhood when everything is either black, or white, a time of Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, and the grey area hasn't yet begun. It's that last true age of innocence when mom and dad are the good guys, pretending is a profession, and bugs are only tiny friends.
Wouldn't it be fun to have a grownup friend who understands, someone to say it's okay if the world doesn't always make sense?
CJ Heck is that grownup friend. She's been entertaining children and grownups with her poetry since 1999 through her website, and then with the release of her first book "Barking Spiders (and Other Such Stuff)" in 2000.
Sit back, get comfy, and read "Me Too!" with a toddler -—get back in touch with your own inner child again and remember, remember, remember ...
“CJ has really captured the essence of childhood in her children’s poetry. The poems range from funny, sad, silly, sweet, touching, and gross (according to my daughter which, of course, is a HUGE compliment, haha). The book is, also, beautifully illustrated. While the pictures are merely black and white drawings, they evoke just as much emotion as the poems themselves. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a children's poetry book. My kids and I love it, and I know you will, too.” —veganishmom
“CJ Heck has really touched on the important issues that perplex and interest children from three to ninety-nine. Her concise but child-like style embodies much wisdom in her seemingly effortless story telling in the form of poetry. Her poems are geared to be understood by a child, yet the content reveals subjects that a child will wonder about, but not be able to be fully addressed by a child. The poem, Grandmother's Apron is especially pertinent. The poem is about death and explains the pain of losing someone close to you, but in such a reassuring way. Many of the other poems are whimsical and care-free like Barking Spiders, but addressing only the lighthearted things won't carry a child into adulthood. CJ Heck knew that, so she mixed all aspects of growing up into a wonderful blend of poems.
You cannot afford to pass this book by. It is well worth the cost and a must have in your child's library.” —R. Moore
This enjoyable children's poetry book made me laugh and hold a smile the entire time I read this comical book to my three giggling children--until the very end.
The New Hampshire author, CJ Heck, originally from Ohio, has put together a spectacular collection of children's poetry into one skillfully written and charmingly illustrated book. Michelle Lenkner has drawn delightful characters in pencil drawings, which enhance and perfectly fits the adorable poetry on each and every page.
Do you know what a barking spider is? My children laughed hysterically as I read the poem titled: Barking Spiders and by the fourth time...they were holding their stomachs!
This honest, innocent, and appealing book transcends all age barriers and explores topics such as belly buttons, smelly feet, birthmarks, and chicken pox! Every child and parent a like is sure to fall in love with this funny, and unique book by a talented author who definitely knows and keeps in touch with the child within her.
My children and I enjoyed this book thoroughly and I plan to read a poem to them every day in the hopes of keeping their wonderful imaginations a live.
Get in touch with the child who is trapped inside you, make your little ones giggle and watch as their eyes light up as you read such poems as: Dancing Fairies, Playin' Cowboy, Toe Jam, My Brother's Feet, and many more delightful poems.
Visit the imaginative world of a child by getting your hands on CJ Heck's book BARKING SPIDERS and other such stuff as soon as possible.
Highly recommended! --Reviewed by Jennifer L. B. Leese
CJ Heck has published an incredibly creative and FUN book! My husband and I sat for hours sharing and laughing out loud... and then we shared it will our sons. All three, ages 5, 8 & 10, absolutely loved the great rhyming stories and silly illustrations. We can't wait for another book by CJ Heck! —Amy Sellers
"CJ's understanding of, and ability to enter into, the mind of a child is apparent in every page of her children's poetry. Her devotion to and expertise in writing poetry is in my opinion, second to none."
~Russell Daily (Co-founder and co-owner of FX Signalmaster LLC)
"CJ Heck is a marvelous writer with the ability to capture the imagination of children of all ages. Her work is a delightful blend of realism and whimsey that is always a pleasure to read and share with others."
~Felix Perry (Author)
"CJ provides great entertainment to our clients and their families through her books. We share them with our real estate clients who have young children."
~Chip & Sue Parrish (Owners, Keller Williams Classic Properties, Columbus OH)
"When I was a child I thought as a child and I spoke as a child. CJ Heck has never forgotten what it is like to be a child. She writes for children so they can understand, learn and enjoy the imagination given to them and grow."
~John A. Roof (Artist, Author)
"CJ, I love your childrens poetry. It's like you revert to the child you're writing about and to. Sometimes I wish I could go back and make it all different. Your poems help me see what I missed. Great stuff!"
~K. Mulroney