I Did It Because...: How a Poem Happens

Favorite poems and how they happened, by a celebrated wordsmith.

Got a passion for poetry? Are you primed to rhyme? Word whiz Loris Lesynski shows you how it's done in this unique collection that blends "best of" with "how to." Inside you'll find over 30 Lesynski favorites alongside advice for kids on creating poems.

In nine snappy sections, Lesynski features different ways in which a poem can take shape. "Dirty Dog Boogie" came from a catchy beat. Other ideas emerged from playing with words, as in "Mozza Mozza." Further sections include:

• Preparing for Poems -- warm-ups for the mouth and the brain
• Me Me Me Me -- rhymes that start with you
• What I'd Like to Know -- poems that pose questions
• How Illustrations Happen -- providing pictures for poems
• Writning Bolts -- further activities for aspiring rhymers.

Bursting with Michael Martchenko's vivid illustrations and packed with over 20 pages of all new material by Lesynski, I Did It Because... is a playground of poetry where readers are invited to play along.

A child's book on writing poetry featuring 30 of Loris Lesynki's best poems, her kid-based advice on how to it, and illustrations by Michael Martchenko. Organized into 9 sections each feature a different way a poem can take shape.

Loris Lesynski has been wowing readers with her wacky wordplay for 10 years. She is a popular visitor to schools, libraries and educational conferences across North America. Among her books are: Zigzag: Zoems for Zindergarten, Cabbagehead, Nothing Beats a Pizza, and Dirty Dog Boogie.

Michael Martchenko is a multiple award-winning illustrator best known for his work with Robert Munsch. His books are beloved by readers all over North America.