Guyku A Year of Haiku for Boys

Bibliography

Raczka, Bob. 2010. Guyku A Year of Haiku for Boys. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. New York: NY. ISBN: 978-0-547-24003-9.

About the Book

Haiku, a particularly mathematical poetic form, is naturally appealing to boys.  This collection, in particular, was written expressly to appeal to early elementary school boys.  Guiding readers through the seasons, each haiku presents a topic that is universally enjoyable by boys in this age group.  From catching grasshoppers, to skipping rocks and many other "boyish" activities, readers will enjoy this short, easy to read poetic form.  Additionally, the science tie-in of things in nature and outdoor events are also topics boys (and girls!) will love. Raczka maintains the requirements of haiku, with this focus on seasons and nature, and writes a series of six poems per season. This collection could by read by children or shared with children by an adult.  The presentation of one haiku and adorable drawings on each page make it extremely inviting. 

One Poem

If this puddle could

talk, I think it would tell me

to splash my sister. 

Activities

*Poetry Break - read the above Haiku and discuss what else might we hear if something in nature could talk.

* After reading this collection, invite students to choose a topic and write a collaborative class poem about something in nature.

* Share other books of haiku, such as Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku by Lee Wardlaw. Discuss how the presentation of this book is different from Guyku.

*Explore the website www.GuykuHaiku.com and then allow students to explore it as well.