Buy! "Barking Spiders (and Other Such Stuff)" by C.J. Heck
This is a delightful, funny, and honest collection that explores the sweet, naïve, and sometimes scary world of a child. CJ Heck captures the delicate humor and innocent insights that children have about such things as the etiquette of passing gas to talking to your shadow, to thinking that your parents are giants, to riding a “broom horse”.
The unique appeal of Barking Spiders is that each poem offers an assurance from someone who understands that children, like adults, wish to make sense of the world they live in … and when it doesn't make sense? Well, that's okay, too.
"You are one of the most gifted children's poets I have ever read!"
~ Todd-Michael St. Pierre
"CJ, you are every primary teacher’s dream come true. I love your poetry! You never cease to amaze me." ~Joyce Bowling
"How I would have loved to have been a child in your world. Excellent doesn't even come close ..." ~Georg Mateos
"CJ, your work is not only brilliant, it is a joy to the spirit and restores youth to our hearts. You have a gift for writing what kids think and feel. Thank you CJ."
~ E T Waldron
"CJ, you fly everyone away on daydreams and wishes, boo-boos and bats, frog legs and monkeys, and old circus clowns. I can't think of a single children's poet that has the ability to marry the children's poem with a life's lesson like you do and keep it fun. Yes, my dear, CJ, you fly." ~Rusty Daily
"My dear CJ, you have a heart of innocence in your adorable, creative writes!" ~Karla Dorman
"Your work reminds me of Dr. Seuss, sincerely." ~Andy Turner
Editorial Reviews
The Midwest Book Review: "CJ Heck's Barking Spiders and Other Such Stuff is a wonderfully entertaining collection of poems, told from a child's perspective. Often funny, sometimes introspective, always honest, these poems form a wonderful introduction for young readers to the magic of poetry and rhyme."
OHIOana Quarterly: "If kids could write poetry about things in their lives, it may not sound like these poems but the feelings they experience are sure to be familiar as they listen to this collection. Insights and thoughts about belly buttons, toe jam, Band-Aids and passing gas will cause chuckles from young readers and parents."
Poetry Today Online: "Well, it's time for a little fun, folks. Put away all those boring grownup books and let's sit down and read Barking Spiders and Other Such Stuff. This is CJ Heck's first book of children's poetry and it is a delight!"