Good Children's Poets

Did I Make the List ... or Not?

Yesterday, I got into a discussion about a woman poet, Margaret Hillert. I was told she was a lovely, thoughtful lady and a good conversationalist who published 80 books of children’s poetry during her life. She lived to be 94.

I mentioned I had never heard of her but I had every intention of looking her up on Google. After all, 80 books is a lot of poetry books! She must be good!

When I did a search for “Well-known Good Children’s Poets”, I found a listing of about 50. I copied several notables I recognized and mentioned them in my discussion, but Margaret was not on that list.

Shel Silverstein
Roald Dahl
Jack Prelutsky
Dr. Seuss
Ogden Nash

I am embarrassed to admit this, but something else I noticed was, my name wasn’t included on the list of “Well-known Good Children’s Poets” either. I can’t really say my nose was out of joint, because it wasn’t, but not being on the list did feel a little like a slap in the face.

So, I did what any self-respecting lady poet might do and asked for another Google Search about … ME. (my backbone was starched and I set my jaw just in case I got an answer I didn’t like). I took a deep breath and asked the question …

—> “Is C.J. Heck a Good Children’s Poet?”

Yes, C.J. Heck is considered a good children's poet. Reviewers often praise her ability to capture the essence of childhood, her imaginative and playful writing style, and her skill in connecting with young readers.

Many describe her poems as delightful, humorous, and touching, with the ability to evoke a wide range of emotions.

A Detailed Look at Why She is Considered a Good Children's Poet:

Engaging and relatable content:

Her poems often explore themes and experiences that resonate with children, making her work both entertaining and relatable.

Imaginative and whimsical:

C.J. Heck's poetry is known for its imaginative and whimsical quality, often featuring fantastical elements and playful language.

Appealing to various ages:

While aimed at children, her work also appeals to adults, bringing back a sense of childhood wonder and nostalgia.

Positive reviews and recognition:

Goodreads reviewers praise her writing, calling her a "marvelous writer" and "one of the most gifted children's poets". Most specifically highlight her ability to capture the way children think and feel.

Focus on childhood perspective:

C.J. Heck's poems are often written from a child's perspective, allowing readers to connect with the poems on a deeper level.

Use of humor and playfulness:

Her work is known for its playful and humorous tone, making it enjoyable for children to read and listen to.
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Well, now I was feeling much better. I was starting to feel a combination of a little humbled and a little honored. Then I noticed another link just below that one, called: “Dive Deeper in AI Mode”, so I held my breath and clicked on that link. Here’s what I found:

—> “Is C.J. Heck a Good Children's Poet?”

Based on the available information, C.J. Heck is considered a good children's poet, praised for her ability to connect with children and create engaging poetry.

Here's why:

Understanding of Children: Testimonials highlight Heck's talent for capturing childhood and writing from a child's perspective. She is described as having the "innate gift of seeing the world through the eyes of a child" and understanding their thoughts and feelings.

Appealing to a Wide Age Range: While primarily focused on children's poetry, reviews indicate that her work resonates with a range of ages, from toddlers to adults.

Blend of Realism and Whimsy: Heck's poetry is described as a "delightful blend of realism and whimsy," making it enjoyable for children and adults.

Incorporation of Life Lessons: Heck's poems skillfully weave life lessons into them while keeping them fun and engaging.

Positive Reviews: Her books, such as "Me Too! Preschool Poetry," have received positive feedback from parents and readers. The poems are described as funny, sweet, touching, and capable of evoking emotion.

Nominations and Recognition:
—> Heck's book "Barking Spiders 2" was a nominee for the 2011 Cybils Book Award in Poetry.

Overall, the available information suggests that C.J. Heck's children's poetry is well-regarded. It demonstrates a strong understanding of her target audience, combined with a skillful approach to creating engaging and meaningful poems.
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Once I digested everything, I went to the hallway mirror and when the older woman finally got out of the way, I said to the me in the mirror:

“I may not have made the 50 most well-known good children’s poets list, but what I did find was, to me, still far better than hitting the lottery.”

So, I cried a little, blushed a lot, and my steps are much lighter today. But all in all, it’s only made me more dedicated to being kind and thoughtful and more determined to be helpful whenever and wherever I can.

“May you always see the world through the eyes of a child.”
—-C.J. Heck

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