WORDS PUBLISHING

TORONTO - CANADA
 A Sackful of Poems

Written and illustrated by Lora Rozler
Designed by Mauricio Bonifaz
Text and illustrations copyright © 2020 Lora Rozler
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part,
or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the
publisher.
Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication
Dedicated to all the children around the world
who test the limits of their imagination and to all the
grown-ups who cherish their spirit. The world would
be so dull without you.
A special thanks to my number one fans, Nicole
and Shawn - your contribution to the book has
certainly enriched the collection.

Title: A Sackful of Poems / written and illustrated by Lora Rozler.

And to you, Morris, thank you for the countless hours
Names: Rozler, Lora, 1977- author, illustrator. of work and dedication in bringing my book to life.
Identifiers: Canadiana 2020018119X | ISBN 9781999011413 (softcover) I am eternally grateful.
Classification: LCC PS8635.O966 S23 2020 | DDC jC811/.6—dc23
- Lora Rozler
Text is set in ITC Avant Garde Gothic Book font.

Published in Canada by
Words Publishing
www.wordspublishing.ca
 Author’s Note
Hello and welcome aboard my whimsical journey. A Sackful of
Poems is a compilation of my lyrical adventures, inspired by over
twenty years of teaching in the primary division.

Poetry has always been a source of creative self-expression for

me. Just as artists use colour and brush strokes to evoke emotion,
so too can writers with the careful arrangement of words. The right
combination can create mood, share ideas and transform thinking.
Poetry has the ability to link people in thought and emotion. It
allows us to bend the rules of language and create a world with no
limitations, a magical place of our own. The fusion of language and
art is where A Sackful of Poems emerges, where paint splatters onto
neatly written words, giving them a certain edge, if you will.

One of my favourite ways to make a unit more interesting to young

students is to demonstrate it through poetry. This allows children
to experience different subject areas in a fun and engaging way.
Aside from offering an exciting variation in the classroom, poetry has
many other benefits. It encourages a love of reading and analytical
thinking, activates prior knowledge, explores language conventions,
and studies perspective, character and voice. It also strengthens
speaking and listening skills, promotes creativity and poetic
expression, teaches imagery and effect, reviews facts and brings
otherwise dull topics to life. At the most fundamental level, poetry is
pure pleasure.

Thank you for making A Sackful of Poems a part of your library. I hope
you enjoy reading these poems as much as I enjoyed creating them.

LoraRozler.com
 A Sackful of Contents

Please Stay Awhile 1

My Name 2
My Birthday 3
Blue 4
The Thing About Letters 5
Words 6
Yes I Can 7
The Brush 8
Wiggly Tooth 9
My Senses 10
All the Colours in the Sky 11
What a Beautiful Fall 12
Through My Window 13
Thank You Lucky Star 14
There’s a Monster in My Bed 15
Black Cat 16
Pretend 17
If I Were a Lion 18
What is Peace? 22
Perspective 23
Connected We Are 24
Branches 25
A Sackful of Poems 26
A Place I Know 28
Holidays 30
A Brand New Year 31 Looking for Luna 69
Winter Wonderland 32 When I Was Your Age 70
My Snowman 33 The Giant and I 71
Let’s Go Out and Play 34 Sorting 72
Animals in Winter 36 Tick Tock 73
My Valentine 37 Lollipop 74
I Wrote a Letter 38 Shapely Family 76
Together 39 Patterns Everywhere 77
My Family 40 I Made a Robot 78
Just Right For You 44 Jellybeans 80
Funny Names 45 Big Mistake 81
Love 46 Three Witty Goats Gruff 82
Imagine That 54 Some Superheroes 84
Today I Am Sick 55 My Mother’s Hands 85
Try it All 56 Kisses For My Mother 86
More 57 With Open Arms 87
March Break 58 Under Your Wing 88
I’m Bored 59 My Hero 92
Freshly Baked Pie 60 Friends 93
Later 61 We Made a Pact 94
Not My Fault 62 When I Get Older 96
Spring 64 Summer 98
Bella 65 My Happy Place 99
Shadow 66 Farewell My Friends 100
Balloons 67 This is Not Goodbye 101
Lost and Found 68 The End 102
Please Stay Awhile

Take a peek,
A warm greeting smile.
Come in, explore -
Please stay awhile.

Books to read
And songs to sing,
Games and fun
In everything.

Friends to grow with,

Share and play,
Work and learn
Each bright new day.

Take a peek,
A warm greeting smile.
Come in, explore -
Please stay awhile.

1
 My Name My Birthday

My name is Jamie. Mom said I had to wait,

My name is cool. So I waited.
I use my name I waited
Every day at school. And waited
And waited.
My name has letters.
My name is hip. Four seasons went by,
I write the letters Twelve months in fact,
As I point the tip. And low and behold,
I made it.
My name is fine.
I love it so. It comes but once a year
But how I got it, And lasts a single day,
I’d like to know. But wouldn’t it be lovely

Review copy
If it lasted more I’d say.

2 3
 The Thing About Letters

The thing about letters,

They’re as cool as can be.
Each has a job which they do
W o n d e r f u l l y!
Blue A says a-a-a and B says b-b-b
C says c-c-c and D says d-d-d.
Blue is like the sky. They stand side by side,
Blue is like the ocean. Make a world full of sounds -
Blue’s like grandma’s eyes Apple and ball, cow and a doll.
And baby’s suntan lotion. When we string sounds together
We make words for us all.

Review copy
Blue is quite the nicest.
Wouldn’t you agree?
If you could be a colour
Which one would you be?

4 5
 Yes I Can

Can you sing?

Words Yes, I can!

Can you hop?

Let’s
Yes, I can!
Let’s build
Can you clap?
Let’s build with words
Yes, I can!
One kind word at a time
Caring words, loving words, healing words Can you snap?
Hmm, let me try.
Let’s build each other up
No, I can’t – not yet,
Let’s build with words But soon!
Let’s build

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Let’s

6 7
 The Brush
Illustration by Nicole Rozler

It was magic I tell you, real magic you see.

It began just like that as I picked up the brush.
I dipped it in paint, made a splash in a rush.

Then all of a sudden it got out of hand.

The brush started dancing with all of its might.
It swayed to the left, then leaned to the right.

It was just like a movie, so full of action.

Fanciful lines took over the page. Wiggly Tooth
An array of shapes exploded with rage.

I lay the brush down, took a step backwards. I have a wiggly tooth.
I gazed at the sight before me with awe. It will fall out any day now.

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Could it be? Is it possible? Can I really draw? I’m gonna miss it when it’s gone you know -
It’s my favourite one.

I had a wiggly tooth.

It came out yesterday.
I put it under my pillow and ta-dah,
It went away.

I wonder if the fairy took it

Or if it was my dad.
It doesn’t really matter though -
I’ve more money than I had.

8 9
 All the Colours in the Sky
Shawn Rozler

All the colours in the sky,

Yellow, red and blue.

All the colours in the sky,

My Senses Pink and purple too.
Tune: A Tisket A Tasket

My senses, my senses, All the colours in the sky,

I always use my senses, Violet, orange and grey.
To see the world All the colours in the sky -
And taste my lunch, What a beautiful array!
Clear skies, sweet corn,
Crunch, crunch, crunch!

My senses, my senses,

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I always use my senses,
To smell the roses,
Touch them too,
Hear the birds,
Chirp, chirp, koo!

10 11
 What a Beautiful Fall Through My Window

One leaf, two leaves, It came in when I wasn’t looking

Three leaves, four, And flew across my room.
No time to stop,
It swirled and twirled and did a dance
There are plenty more.
I hadn’t seen before.
Five leaves, six leaves,
Just then its friends joined us too -
Seven leaves, eight,
Deep shades of red and golden hues,
Let’s keep going,
Yellows, browns and violets.
They look great.
They stood so close they looked like figures,
Nine leaves, ten leaves,
Animals, aliens, monsters.
That’s not all,
So many colours - And all at once I felt a gush,
What a beautiful fall! I looked and they were gone.

Review copy
I got out of bed and
Checked my window.

Closed and locked,

What was I thinking?

I must have
Dreamed of autumn.

12 13
 There’s a Monster in My Bed
Nicole Rozler

There's a monster in my bed,

He made me bump my head.

He followed me to school,
Thank You Lucky Star
I told him it ain't cool.

I thank my lucky star I begged him to go home,

For the light that guides my way, To a cozy place in Rome.
For the beauty that surrounds me,
New beginnings every day.

I thank my lucky star

For the ocean’s calming lull,
For the stars that shine above me,

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The gentle sparrow’s call.

But most of all I’m thankful

For my family, near and far,
For their love surrounds me daily,
Thank you lucky star. He jumped up on my chair,
And then he pulled my hair.

I pushed him to the ground,

He landed with a frown.

There's no monster in my bed,

I shooed him from my head.

14 15
 Black Cat Pretend

Sometimes it’s fun just to pretend

That I am someone else,
Black cat, black cat,
Even if only for a day.
Please get off my mat.
A fairy, dragon, wizard too,
A rock star with a dancing crew,
A prince, a troll, a bumblebee,
Black cat, black cat, An owl perched up on a tree,
Please don’t chase the rat. A silly clown, a fearsome pirate,
Courageous hero, zombie pilot.

Sometimes it’s fun to make-believe

And hide behind a mask,
To growl, slither, hop and purr,

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To be a little mystery.

Black cat, black cat, Sometimes it’s fun just to pretend,

Please put down the bat. Wouldn’t you agree?

Black cat, black cat,

Give me back my hat.

16 17
 If I Were a Lion

If I were a lion If I were a lizard

I would be fierce and loud. I would change my true colours.
I’d scare all the children I’d shed off my tail
As they poked through the crowd. And escape from the others.

If I were a frog If I were a bird

I would bask in the sun. I would soar through the sky.
I’d eat lots of flies - I’d spread my wings wide
Now that would be fun. And fly high, high, high.

If I were a monkey If I were a snake

I would be cute you see. I would slither around.
I’d eat lots of bananas I’d molt as I grow
And live up on a tree. And hide underground.

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18 19
 If I were an otter But wait now,
My fur would be thick. Just wait,
I’d float on water and Hold on,
Together we’d stick. Let me see!

If I were a bear If I were a lion, a frog, or a monkey,

I would trot through the wood. If I were a lizard, a bird, or a snake,
I’d swim, hunt and climb - If I were an otter, a bear, or a fish,
Stay out of my hood. If I were those things,

If I were a fish Then who would be ME?

I would be graceful.
I’d nibble on plants,
Ever so tasteful.

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20 21
 What is Peace? Perspective

Peace,
The gentle breeze that caresses me
As I swing to and fro. t and f

is differen

ull of awe
Peace,
The handshake that follows a match
Despite victory or defeat.

Peace, where we
The kind hand that reaches out to me the take
view it all in
When I stumble and fall.
up and
Peace, up then
The warm smile that greets me up descend

Review copy
When I walk through the door.
we down
go down
Peace, up down
The tender words that heal
My wounded heart. in front never the
of the same
other again
Peace,
The love inside me one for now we’ve
That I share with others. foot seen the top

Peace.

22 23
 Connected We Are

I prefer things one way,

You like it another.
It’s great to be open,
Learn from each other.

I talk with words,

You use signs.
However we speak, Branches
As long as it’s kind.

My skin is dark, Swaying in the wind

Your skin is light. I watch from below,
We’re all just the same, Each one unique
In the middle of the night. I see them grow.

Review copy
I’m good at tag,
You, hide and seek.
We’re all unalike,
So truly unique.
Spread out wide
They wish to fly,
Plenty of room
In the wide open sky.

I live with six people,

You live with your dad.
Our families love us,
That makes me glad.

I was born here,

You came from far.
No matter how different,
Connected we are.
24 25
 A Sackful of Poems

A sackful of poems I carry with me, Or in case I am sad

In case I shall need them, And need to feel better.
It’s that simple you see. Or what if I’m sick
And under the weather?

What if there’s a storm

In the event of rain
Or hail or a blizzard?
When I have nothing to do.
What if I’m chased
In case all the animals
By a word-loving wizard?
Escape from the zoo.

In case there’s a flood

And I get carried away. So it’s really quite simple, you see.
In case I feel silly This sackful of poems
Is a treasure to me!

Review copy
And forget what to say.

And what if my brother

Makes me crazy maaad?
And I need to calm down
Before I act really baaad.

26 27
 A Place I Know

There’s a place I know And everything happens

Where rivers swoosh All the time, all at once
As three-eyed crocodiles Nothing’s impossible
Quarrel and push. Just wishes and wants.

Where knights in distress This place that I know

Sing at the top of their lungs Is not very far
And dragons breathe fire It travels with you
And stick out their tongues. Wherever you are.

In this place that I know

There are candies galore
You eat and you drink
Till you can’t anymore.

Review copy
In this magical kingdom
The children exclaim
No homework, no chores
It’s all fun and games.

28 29
 Holidays
A Brand New Year
I feel it drawing near
My favourite time of year. A brand new year is coming up,
Out with the old, in with the new.
When we all come together
A brand new year is coming up,
In cold and crispy weather.
I can’t believe it but it’s true.
With music, food and lights

Review copy
We enjoy cheerful festive nights.
But I love it mostly too
‘Cause I get to be with you.
A brand new year is coming up,
New goals, new dreams, new me.
A brand new year is coming up,
What’s in store, I can’t wait to see.

30 31
 My Snowman

Wibble, wobble,
Wibble, wobble,
My snowman is about to fall.

Wibble, wobble,
Winter Wonderland
Wibble, wobble,
Down comes the carrot nose,
Outside my window
Hats and mitts and all.
The snow is falling,
Falling slowly, slowly falling, Wibble, wobble,
Down, down, down. Wibble, wobble,
My snowman is a mess.
Outside my window
I think I’ll make a new one,
The ground is covered,
This time with a dress.

Review copy
Covered gently, gently covered,
White, white, white.

Outside my window
Is a winter wonderland.

32 33
 Let’s Go Out and Play
Tune: The Hokey Pokey

Let’s get ready to

go out and play in
the snow.
You put your cozy scarf on
And those furry mittens too.

You thought you’d never finish,

You put your snow pants on, Somehow you managed to.
You put your boots on too. Can’t wait to go and play now,
Before you know it you'll be ready So much to see and do.
But now there's more to do. Woohoo, we’re done - we’re through!

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You zip your coat right on
And you put your hat on too.

Woohoo, we’re almost through. Hmm ...

I think I have
to go pee.

34 35
 Animals in Winter

Peek-a-boo,
why don’t I My Valentine
see you?
I made you a card
With a poem in it too,
Bears rest up in cozy caves,
As my way of saying
Groundhogs burrow underground.
Our friendship is true!
Animals hibernate in winter time -
Saving energy, not making a sound.
I picked out a flower,
Birds fly high across the sky, I got it for you,
Fish dive deep into the sea. As my way of showing
Animals migrate in winter time - How much I love you!
Searching for food, a warm place to be.

Review copy
Hares camouflage within the snow,
Foxes’ fur grow nice and thick.
Animals adapt in winter time -
Collecting, hiding, each their own trick.

36 37
 Together
I Wrote a Letter
Just me
I wrote one for Nila All alone
And Cousin Drew. By myself
I wrote one for Billy Without you
And Janice too. And you
I wrote all these letters On your own
With a date marked on top. By yourself
I greeted them sweetly, Without me
Told ‘em about my new rock. So lonesome this way

Review copy
I closed each letter Come hold my hand
And wrote my name. Let’s play
I’ll mail them tomorrow,
Or hand them out
Just the same.

38 39
 My Family
Illustrations by Priyanka Bose
She tells me stories of long ago
And bakes the best of brownies.
Grandma Paula is a superstar.
She is my family.
Review copy
He piggy-backs me to my room
And makes monsters disappear.
My brother Tyler is a hero.
He is my family.
40
He plays with me even when he’s tired
And lets me win at checkers.
My step-dad Ishmael is one and only.
He is my family.
She brings the sky within my reach
And forgets about my bedtime.
Auntie Rosa is truly awesome.
She is my family.
41
 He cares for me and hugs me tight He calls me every night
And knows a cure for sadness. And visits on my birthday.
Cousin Noah is a gem. Grandpa Mordi is the greatest.

He is my family. He is my family.

She lets me borrow her books and toys,

He wags his tail and makes me laugh, Never once complains.
He doesn’t even know it. Baby Yaeli is a little star.
My pet Fluffy is the cutest. She is my family.
He is my family.

Review copy
She teaches me without my knowing
And helps me with my homework.
My sister Zara is a champion.

She is my family.
They take me places all the time,
Buy me clothes and toys.
My parents love me endlessly.

They are my family.

42 43
 Funny Names
Just Right For You
Sweetie,
Mom and Dad,
Honey,
One or two,
Cutie-pie,
Families can be many
Dumpling,
Or simply a few.
Sugar,
Brothers and sisters, My oh my!
Grannies or none,
Sunshine,

Review copy
Families are different
Bunny,
For everyone.
Princess – boo!
Cousin Derek Granny calls me
Aunt Zelda too, Funny names
Your family is special – But my name is Sue.
Just right for you.

44 45
 Love
Love starts in our fingers,
In all the curves and wrinkles,
In all the nooks and bumps.
Love begins inside our heart
And from inside it jumps.
Love is in the sunrise,
The excitement of a new day
And all the hope it brings.
It’s the beauty all around us,
A gentle breeze, the morning dew,
Warmth against our skin.
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46
Love is the rainbow that is us,
Each different but the same.
It’s the greeting of a friend,
A sweet embrace, a cheerful face,
All because you’re there.
Love is what we find
On the ther side of fear -
Courage, fulfillment, cheer.
Love is the handshake after a match.
It’s friendship over triumph.
47
 Love is doing the right thing,
Even if no one stands behind you.
Love is brave.

Love is in our actions, however big or small.

It’s when we give and seek nothing in return. Love is the view from
Daddy’s shoulders,
Love is like a puzzle, The perfect fit of Mommy’s arms.
Complete when we all fit in.
It’s compassionate and kind. It’s the time we spend together,
Building dreams,
Love is simply being there. Walking side by side.
It’s ending darkness with a flicker of light.
Love is patient.
It’s the time we take to listen,

Review copy
Not to judge but understand.

Love is skipping rocks

Up by the lake.
It’s our happy place.

48 49
 Love is the melody that moves us, Love is the smile that greets us at the door.
Getting lost inside the beat. It is unconditional and pure.

It’s the good we see in others, It’s a wagging tail, a sloppy kiss,
Even when it’s hidden. Laughing till it hurts.

Love is sharing your favourite toy. Love is uplifting.

It’s being a sparkle in someone else’s day. It’s what we say, to heal, to build, empower.

Love is giving in for the sake of harmony. Love is chatter around the dinner table -
It’s saying sorry and choosing to forgive. Whispers, giggles, laughter.

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50 51
 Love is candles on your cake. Love is in the moonlight,
It’s a wish you get to make. The promise of tomorrow
Love is grateful. And a chance to start all over.

Love is treasured memories, Love is what we’re made of,

Never lost to time. From our head down to our toes.

Love is sending hugs across the ocean. Love begins inside of us

It is binding and secure. And from within it grows.

Love is finding comfort in the mirror,

No judgement, guilt or shame.

Review copy
52 53
 Imagine That

Have you ever imagined Today I Am Sick

What it’d be like
To be all bottled up,
Today I don’t feel well,
Kept a secret,
I really am sick.
Tucked away, in fact?
My tummy is hurting,
Have you ever imagined This isn’t a trick.
How neat it would be
It’s true, I’m not lying,
To roam around,
I really am ill.
Explore and feel free?
My throat feels so dry,
Words and ideas, I must have a chill.
Rhythm and rhymes, I’m running a fever,
All out on a page

Review copy
I think rest is the key.
Together in chimes. I can’t write that test,
Have you ever imagined I’m sick, can’t you see?
How neat that would be?

54 55
 Try it All
Katelyn likes to build cars.
Elijah’s a nurse you see. More
Aiden play-fights dinosaurs.
I like serving tea. A twig is not a stick.
A dot is not a speck.
Ashley is a scientist.
A box is not a waste.
Dave’s a puppeteer.
Janet’s great at puzzles. They all want to be more.
Ethan paints with cheer.

There’s so much to explore,

Review copy
Plenty yet to do.
I want to simply try it all,
Instead of just a few.

56 57
 I’m Bored
Shawn Rozler

Today I am bored,
I have nothing to do.
March Break I watered the plants
And fed the cats too.
March Break was awesome!
I cleaned up my room
I had lots of fun.
And finished my math.
I read and I played,
I played with the baby
I painted the sun.
And took a long bath.
I sang and I wrote,
I watched some TV. I read all my books
March Break is the best - And painted a flower.
Don’t you agree? I used all my blocks
And built a tall tower.

Review copy
I cooked and I cleaned,
Did lots of mopping. I counted my fingers,
I ironed, I washed, I counted my toes.
Did endless shopping. I laid out my cars
I vacuumed, I baked, In columns and rows.
Even painted the wall.
I went to my parents,
March Break - what a joke,
They gave me a chore.
No break at all!
I should have known better -
I’m not bored anymore.

58 59
 Later
Freshly Baked Pie
I think I figured it out,
Freshly baked pie sitting Grown-ups favourite word.
Perfectly still on the window sill. They use it all day long
And my, it’s quite absurd.
“Don’t touch it!” Mom said.
“Only look,” Dad warned. “Later, later, later,”
They just love to say.
But how can I not?
“Later, later, later,”
It’s staring at me straight in the eye.
And waste away the day.
“Touch me,” it says.
Later for some play-time,
“Eat me,” it begs.
Later for some artwork,

Review copy
Later for the scooter,
I hide under the table, Never for the schoolwork.
Crumbs everywhere.
Dad’s footsteps are heard.
Mom’s shoes tap the floor.

I’m in trouble I think.

60 61
 Not My Fault
Illustrations by Priyanka Bose

I somehow sat on the remote control. I turned the music on for fun, that’s all.
They blamed me when it broke. They blamed me when the baby woke up.
I spent hours alone in my room I spent forever singing lullabies
Having to think about it. I don’t even know the words to.

I accidentally slipped on my sister’s doll.

They blamed me when her leg fell off.
I spent a whole day trying to
Glue it back together.

I generously shared my dinner with the cat.

They blamed me when it threw up on the floor.
I spent the entire night
Scrubbing the stinky mess it made.

Review copy It’s really not my fault you see.

Grown-ups like things their way.
I might change when I’m big like you
But for now, I’m just a kid.

62 63
 Spring Bella

Do you see it? Bella,

New life awakened all around you. Looks like a dot
Laying on the leaf like that.
Do you hear it?
Chirping birds and children’s laughter. Bella,
Long and fuzzy
Do you taste it?
Eating everything in sight.
Fresh maple syrup on your pancakes.
Bella,
Do you smell it?
Wrapped and cozy
Soothing scents of blooming gardens.
Waiting for the right time out.
Do you feel it?

Review copy
Bella,
Cool raindrops on your nose.
Flutter your wings
Wake up! It’s spring! And dance in the open sky.

64 65
 Balloons

Close your eyes and imagine with me.

What kinds of balloons can you see?
Shadow
Illustration by Shawn Rozler
Small balloons
This is Shadow. Big balloons
This is Shadow, my dog.
Light balloons
This is Shadow, my cute dog.
Dark balloons
This is Shadow, my cute, little dog.
This is Shadow, my cute, little, playful dog. Many balloons
This is Shadow, my cute, little, playful brown dog. Few balloons
This is Shadow, my cute, little, playful dog.
High balloons
This is Shadow, my cute, little dog.

Review copy
Low balloons
This is Shadow, my cute dog.
This is Shadow, my dog. Your balloons
This is Shadow. My balloons

Open your eyes and share with me.

What kinds of balloons did you see?

66 67
 Lost and Found Looking for Luna
Mauricio Bonifaz

Tevon told Estelle Where did you go my darling Luna?

That he found a bell. Come kitty, kitty, I’ll make you some tuna.

Linda told Meiling Are you in your playhouse? No.

That she found a ring. Are you under the bed? No.

Marco told Brook Are you in your tower?

That he found a book.
Maya told Drew
That she found a shoe.
William told June
That he found a spoon.
Are you in the shower?
Did you make a mess?
Are you in distress?
I look inside the closet,
I look inside my shoe,
I’m not sure you understand

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Nadira told Paul
That she found a ball.
Owen stopped to ask Matt,
“Where are they finding all that?”
How I worry about you.
Gimme a clue,
Maybe a meow,
Listen to me,
I’ll show you how.
Oh come Luna, play with your ball.
I know you, you must hear me call.
Just when I thought I lost my dear kitty,
She pounces on me, looking so pretty.

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 When I Was Your Age
Mommy says when she was my age
She always cleaned her room.
Daddy says when he was my age
He always brushed his teeth.
Granny says when she was my age
She always ate her vegetables.
Grandpa says when he was my age
He always went to bed on time.
The Giant and I
I once saw a scary giant
Who was as tall as can be.
He reached out his hand
And wanted to grab me.
Though I am quite small,
I’m also real clever.
All I needed was
A little feather.

But I bet if I asked their parents

They would say quite the opposite.

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 Sorting

I’ll give you the striped ones, Tick-Tock

You give me the plain.
Together we’ll play
A neat sorting game.
I’ll take the big ones,
You take the small.
Soon we will find
A place for them all.
I’ll grab the red ones,
You grab the blue.
Look at them closely,
That’s the best clue.
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock,
Twelve numbers on the clock.
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock,
Hands spinning around the block.
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock,
Long one tells the minutes,
Short one tells the hour.
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock,
Let’s race around the clock.

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I’ll gather the circles,
You gather the squares.
How fun to be sorting
Shapes, buttons and bears.

It’s easy to sort -

You just need to look.
Which go in a drawer?
Which go on a hook?

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 Lollipop Out of the shop
I march looking down,
Off to the shop When low and behold
To buy a lollipop. I find a dime on the ground.
With a coin in my pocket
I have just enough.

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I pick a red lolly
Into the shop
And reach for my coin.
I spring with a glee.
On no, empty pockets -
Out I march
No lolly for me.
As happy as can be.

With two lollies in my hand

I am quite elated.
For how lucky am I,
To have lost my nickel
But instead find a dime.

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 Shapely Family
Curvy is my name,
That’s the name for me.
I have no sides to lean on,
Look around and see.
Boxy is my name,
That’s the name for me.
I have four sides, all equal,
Measure and you’ll see.
Spiky is my name,
That’s the name for me.
I have three pointy corners,
Take a look and see.
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Stretchy is my name,
That’s the name for me.
I have two longer sides,
Look carefully and see.
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Patterns Everywhere
Patterns, patterns on the ground,
Look and see them all around.
Patterns, patterns on the ball,
Patterns, patterns on the doll.
Patterns, patterns on my shirt,
Patterns, patterns on my skirt.
Patterns, patterns on the hat,
Patterns, patterns on the mat.
Patterns, patterns, here and there,
Look and see – they’re everywhere!
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 I Made a Robot

Yesterday I made a robot,

With long and sturdy arms.

I used ovals for her legs, I placed her by my bed,

And nuts and bolts as charms. Gently on the ground.

The head was big and hearty, But when I woke this morning,
The nose was small and square. She was nowhere to be found.

The lips shined like a diamond,

The eyes a perfect pair.

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 Big Mistake

I invited him for tea,

Jellybeans
I ate a jellybean
And then I ate one more.
I couldn’t help myself -
What’s the harm in four?
Big mistake you see.
He sat on my favourite chair,
Broken pieces everywhere.
Next time I’ll think twice –
I’ll invite a friend like me.

I looked inside the box

And counted – there were six.
They looked so very lonesome

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I added ‘em to the mix.

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 Three Witty Goats Gruff

Fresh grass, green grass, Fresh grass, green grass,

Fill three hungry tummies. Fill one hungry tummy.
But we can’t, dare we not, But I can’t, dare I not,
Troll will eat us up. Troll will eat me up.

Baby, Baby, pass the bridge. Brother, Brother, pass the bridge.
Tell him you are small – not a meal at all. Tell him you are big - but not as big as Papa.

Fresh grass, green grass, Fresh grass, green grass,

Fill two hungry tummies. No more hungry tummies.
But we can’t, dare we not, Three Witty Goats Gruff
Troll will eat us up. Tricked the mean old Troll.

Sister, Sister, pass the bridge.

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Tell him you are medium – not a meal quite yet.

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 Some Superheroes

Some superheroes jump high,

Other are as strong as can be.

Some superheroes run fast, My Mother’s Hands

Others protect land and sea.
Gentle hands,
But there is one I know
Patient hands,
Who can do all those things
Feeding, washing,
And she loves me tremendously.
Helping hands.
Her cape is a hug,
Strong hands,
Her power is wisdom.
Teaching hands,
She’s brave Trusting, guiding,
And she’s sweet Willing hands.

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And she’s kind.
Soft hands,
She sits next to me Caring hands,
And I love her so much. Healing, guarding,
I’m proud to call her Loving hands.
My mom!
My Mother’s hands.

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 With Open Arms

With open arms

Kisses For My Mother You reach and give,
Illustration by Nicole Rozler
For that is what you do.
Kisses for my Mother,
With an open heart
The one who guides the way.
You care for me,
Kisses for my Mother,
Your love is strong and true.
Hard-working every day.
With open arms
Kisses for my Mother,
I run to you,
The one who guards my heart.
For there’s something I must say.
Kisses for my Mother,
Strong, beautiful and smart. Today and always

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Please be sure,
Kisses for my Mother,
I love you even more!
The one I love and cherish.
Kisses for my Mother,
A love that’ll never perish.

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 Under Your Wing

Under your wing I play and grow,

Explore the world around me.
Under your wing I find a haven,
A nook, a place of warmth.

Under your wing I learn of love,

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Bountiful, with no conditions.

Under your wing I leap and bound,

For I know that you will catch me.

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 And while I nuzzle next to you,
I know this to be true –

To love and laugh,

To seek and learn,
To be all that I can be.

One day, I too, will spread my wings,

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Pass on what you have taught me,
But while I can,
Under your wing
Is the only place
I want to be.

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 My Hero

A scratch on my arm,
A bruise on the knee,
You are always there
To comfort me. Friends
A question unanswered,
Things I don’t know, liFe gives you many gifts
You watch and without you eveR knowing
Teach me as I grow.
some make you thInk,
A push on the bike,
A hand to hold on to, somE make you laugh
You are always there some are Nice to be with
For me to run to.

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on Days that are tough
You are so many things
life gives you many giftS
Wrapped up in one package,
My friend,
My father,
My hero!

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 We Made a Pact
I ate my dinner
We made a pact, But I was mad.
He and I. I brushed my teeth
He’d come out But I was livid.
And I’d join too.
I lay in bed,
We made a pact, Covered in heaps.
Not long ago. I won’t forgive this -
He’d bring the warmth We made a pact!
And I’d rejoice.
I tossed and turned
We made a pact, And missed him so.
This much is true. Perhaps I should
He’d light the sky Forgive him.
And I’d lead the way.

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We made a pact,
But he bailed out.
Just like that, I closed my eyes
Got up and left. As sleep crept in.
Maybe, just maybe,
I searched for him I’ll give him
As night crept in - One last chance
Across the field, Tomorrow.
Between the clouds,
Over the hills.

No sign of him.

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 When I Get Older
Illustrations by Priyanka Bose

There are so many things I want to be, There are so many ways I want to help out,
Police officer, dentist, teacher maybe. Build things, heal people, no doubt.

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There are so many things I want to do, There are so many things I want to be
Bake fancy cakes, paint the sky blue. But for now I’m content just being me.

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 sunshine
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nd Everyone needs a place, a space they can embrace.

in

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ca
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Silence all the noise and be where their heart craves.

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 Farewell My Friends
This is Not Goodbye
Farewell my friends,
I’ll remember you always. As I send you on your way,
The things we learned, There’s something I want to say.
The memories created, Throughout the year I watched you grow,
The fun and discovery, Blossom into the gem we all know.
Excitement and friendship.
I’ll keep you close by, We learned, we played, we laughed a lot.
In a place that is sacred. We built a castle where once just stood a dot.
When I close my eyes, As you spread your wings and begin to fly,
I will see you again. Always remember it began with a try.

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‘I can’t’, ‘I won’t’, was not permitted.
Fear and doubt was to be omitted.

Be your best and try your hardest.

Read a lot to go the farthest.

Come and visit and say ‘Hi’.

See you later,

This is not goodbye!

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 The End

Sometimes the end is

Just another beginning,
A chance to start something new.

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 About the Author
Lora Rozler is a Canadian children’s author
and illustrator. Her passion for writing and art
began at a young age and followed her into
the classroom where she pursues her life-long
dream of teaching.
Her role as an educator inspires her writing and
offers the perfect backdrop for storytelling.
Among her works are Words, Freshly Baked
Pie, Lucky Me, The Three Witty Goats Gruff, A
Sackful of Poems and Bear.
When Lora is not teaching or fiddling with words, she can be found
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sketching, painting or running around the vibrant city of Toronto with
her two children.
To learn more and download parent and teacher resources,
visit lorarozler.com. Sign up on her mailing list to receive notice
of latest releases.
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Other books by Lora Rozler
As a lonely letter embarks on its greatest journey to find meaning, it
discovers it is not alone. It encounters various letter combinations and
soon learns the power it holds. Confronted by two distinct paths, it must
make an important choice - to build or destroy.
A simple, yet high concept tale that explores themes of discovery,
relationships and the need to belong.
Available in Special Edition, Hardcover and French.
Playful. Mischievous. Impatient.
What will five-year-old Emily do when she is asked to stay away from a
cooling pie? Will she do what’s right, or will she give in to temptation?
Come along Emily’s imaginary battle with an irresistible pie. Never has
examining rules and consequences been so much fun. With exciting
dialogue, suspenseful narrative and charming illustrations, be warned,
this book will leave you hungry for some pie!
Take a journey around the world to explore life’s simplest, yet often
overlooked treasures. Pages come alive with a series of evocative,
gratitude-filled messages, accompanied by ‘thank you’ translated
into various languages, emphasizing Canada’s diversity.
Spasiba • Toda • Gracias • Obrigado • Salamat • Danke • Shukran
Three hungry goats need to cross a bridge to get to a luscious field of
green grass. But a greedy old troll stands in their way and threatens to
devour anything that sets foot on its path. So how can the goats safely
cross the bridge? They must get clever, of course!
The Three Witty Goats Gruff preserves the charm of the original
Three Billy Goats Gruff, while adding a new spin to this cautionary tale.
Bear was the name of Grandpa’s favourite chair. It had buttons that
made the chair go up and down and even helped you stand. But what
made it really special was the memories that lingered after Grandpa was
no longer there. Bear is a tender and comforting tale that celebrates life
and the significance of the moments we hold dear when a loved one
passes away. It explores themes of love, loss and connection in a life-
affirming and uplifting story.
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