I have been writing poems and stories since I was in primary school. One of my earliest memories is of the teacher asking us to write a poem and illustrate it. Lucky for me my friend could draw more than a stick figure and lucky for her I could string a few rhyming words together. We made a great team until our ruse was up and we were separated. From then on it was secret sign language across the room but we’re still close friends today. And creativity has been a constant in both our lives (I am still passionate about collaborating with other artists!).Though my published books to date have been for adults, I spend more time these days developing my writing for children. I have been around children all my life in one way or another. I was the eldest of six, have two of my own and lots of nieces and nephews. Years working with pre-school children in early education settings rekindled my love of children’s picture books and poems and my desire to write and share them. When I’m not travelling with my partner, home is Tasmania. Samples of my writing for children and contact details can be found at http://janewilliamsforkids.wordpress.com/
Some of my poems:
A boy not a man
I’m big for my age,
bigger than most.
Taller than Harry.
Wider than Paul.
I bet I weigh more
than Johnny and Jim.
But try to remember …
I’m still only ten.
I’m big for my age,
bigger than most.
I can reach the top shelf
and carry a load.
Wash the car, mow the lawn –
but it’s not what I planned.
Please try to remember
I’m a boy not a man …
I’m big for my age,
bigger than most.
I’ll hold the ladder
until job’s done.
Watch the little kids
(don’t mind now and then).
But try to remember …
I’m still only ten
I’m big for my age,
bigger than most.
I’m good with a football,
but that’s not all …
And I don’t want to fight
just because I can.
Please try to remember …
I’m a boy not a man.
© Jane Williams
No such thing
No such thing as monsters
I’m absolutely sure
As is Mrs Werewolf
Who rents the house next door
No such thing as monsters
A scientific fact
I have it writ in blood
Sincerely signed Count Drac
No such thing as monsters
My sources can’t be wrong
I heard it from a friend
Of a friend of King Kong
No such thing as monsters
The neighbours all agree
Dr Jeckle, Mr Hyde,
The Frankensteins and me
No such thing as monsters
And really I should know
Mummy unwrapped herself
Just now to tell me so
© Jane Williams
Pearl
Pearl was a girl
A pearly girl
But not a girly girl
Not a softly softly
Sssssshhhhhh girl
Not a tiptoe
Through the tulips girl
Pearl was a girl
A Pearly girl
But not a girly girl
Not a frills and frippery
Flowery girl
Not a powder puff
Perfume pom pom girl
Pearl was a girl
A pearly girl
But not a girly girl
Not a dainty delicate
Dew drop girl
Not a lavender lacy
Look at me me me girl
But a pearl. A pearl of a girl.
© Jane Williams
Love your children’s poems and would like to read more. also like to buy a book of your children’s poems so I hope you are thinking of publishing one.
Thank you Judy, how kind of you to comment. I’m working my way towards a collection 🙂