Steven Layne is a best selling children's and young adult author. He has written picture books, young adult novels, and alphabet books dealing with many subjects. One of his poetry books is called Verses for Mom's Heart.
Poem Themes
The nineteen poems in this book are written in the voice of children to celebrate all the amazing things mothers do for their children. The voices in the books start with the voices of very young children and go through adult children. The poems include poems from the young ("I'm Tellin' Mom") to poems from teenagers ("Teenage Drama Queen") and beyond.
Poems are also written for a variety of mothers. There are poems for step mothers ("Firewalker"), working moms, and stay at home moms. There are poems about the struggles and the joys of raising children. The poems celebrate mothers in a meaningful and poignant manner.
Illustrations
The illustrations were done by Gail Greaves Klinger. She has done an amazing job of capturing all kinds of mothers. The illustrations show families which are racially diverse. The illustrations are pastels on tan backgrounds and add to the tone of the poetry. The emotion of the poems is captured by the illustrations and add to the enjoyment of the book.
Background of Verses for Mom's Heart
Steven Layne wrote the book Verses for Dad's Heart to deal with the emotions of loosing his own father. The book was a big success. The idea for a companion book for mothers was born. Steven's mother asked that the book for moms be written before she died so she could enjoy it as well.
Verses for Mom's Heart, A Perfect Gift for Mothers
Verses for Mom's Heart is a beautiful book that celebrates mothers. It would be the perfect gift for mother's day, Christmas, mom's birthday, or any day to just say "I love you Mom!" It is a beautiful representation of the love everyone feels for their mother. The poems will have the reader alternately laughing and crying. There is at least one poem in the book that everyone will relate to.
The poems in this book could provide the reader with the inspiration to write his own poem for his mother. One of the poems in the book is titled "The Best Story of All" about the story of a family. This poem could provide the inspiration for readers to write down stories passed down verbally in their own families.
Verses for Mom's Heart by Steven Layne, Illustrated by Gail Greaves Klinger
Pelican Publishing, 2005
ISBN: 978-1589803206
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