A conversation this afternoon at the Shakti Women”s Writing Pact reminded me for the second time this week of one of my favorite collections of poetry ever – Hailstones and Halibut Bones, a book of poems by Mary LeDuc O”Neill. Originally published in 1961, Hailstones and Halibut Bones quickly became a classic of children”s poetry, inspiring teachers across the country and across time to create lesson plans based on her accessible, delightful poems about color. The title, for the record, is a direct reference to the color white, which is both hailstones and halibut bones, as well as bridal veils. O”Neill”s book includes thirteen poems about color, written in simple, evocative language that makes them fun and easy for children to recite and remember. Forty years after the book”s publication, a teacher writing on Amazon.com noted,

“As a teacher I have struggled to find new and innovative ways to instill a love of poetry in my students. This wonderful book of poems was such a big hit with my students that I bought extra copies for our classroom library. Mary O”Neill”s style of writing introduced the concept of poetry without overwhelming the children. They were eager to write and share their own color poems after listening to this collection of easy to follow poems. They also couldn”t wait to take the book home to share with their families. This is a great choice to use as a read aloud or as part of a poetry unit for grades 3 and 4.”

It”s a delightful book to share with your child, your nieces and nephews, a gift for a family with children or as a special gift to leave behind with a favorite teacher. The poems never lose their magic and power to bring color AND poetry to life.