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Happy to be highlighted in Laura Gibbs’ bibliography of children’s haiku books!

The Northland Beckons: An Illustrated Haiku Journey

What a wonderful book! This is a true journey set in northern Minnesota and Canada, with haiku written along the way. The pairing of prose and verse is perfect, very much in the *haibun *tradition, plus gorgeous illustrations also (by the author’s daughter!) Yes, it’s 5-7-5 poetry, but it works as true haiku, evoking a sense of place and life in that place with every poem. And I love the way the author includes her favorite Basho poem in the back of the book when she discusses haiku. (Are you curious which one is her favorite? The one about the crickets and the rocks!

shizukasa ya iwa ni shimi-iru semi no koe

… one of my favorites too!) Highly HIGHLY recommended

And check out the author’s website for lesson plans** **and more information!

(As it happens, my used copy of this book is signed by the author; how nice to have a book in my hands that passed through her hands also! One of the joys of buying used books: sometimes they are signed and/or have the name of a previous owner inside. Connections!)

I am thrilled to be one of the Anoka County Library’s 2025 Featured Authors.

Here is the link to the video interview with QCTV, read local and support your local library!

June 2024 - 20th Anniversary Edition
“This beautifully written short book is both awe-inspiring and captivating, and is a great read for all ages.” - Breana Johnson

We had the pleasure of being on the Paddle & Portage podcast, hosted by Joe Friedrichs. We had a wonderful time speaking with Joe about the book and our shared love of the boundary waters. You can find the link to the podcast here, and the YouTube video here.