One Kitten for Kim, written by Adelaide Holl and illustrated by Don Madden, was published in 1969. It was one of my favorite books as a kid.
Cover of One Kitten for Kim
Like many of my favorite childhood things, my copy was stolen from my big brother.
Proof that the book was originally a gift for my brother on his sixth birthday.
Evidence of my shameless thievery a few years later.
The book is about a little boy named Kim whose cat has seven kittens. He wants to keep them all, but his parents say no. They tell him he can keep the mama cat and one kitten, but he has to find homes for the rest of them.
I love the way the kittens are drawn. Their big eyes are so cute.
Kim chooses a kitten for himself, puts the other six in a wagon, and starts asking friends and neighbors if they want one. Each person he talks to takes a kitten for a different reason (to cure their loneliness, to chase mice, as a birthday gift for their daughter…) but in return, they ask Kim to take an animal they need to give away (a noisy parrot, a goldfish, a lizard…) and he does.
Mr. Wiggins, the grocer, takes two kittens to chase mice, but gives Kim a puppy.
The book ends with Kim returning home, proud of himself for finding owners for all six kittens… and pulling a wagon full of other animals behind him.
Kim is bringing home a parrot, a puppy, a rooster, a lizard, and two goldfish, but no kittens!
When I read One Kitten for Kim to my husband this week, he was not at all surprised that this story resonated with me so much as a kid and is still a favorite today. He sympathizes with the parents in the book.
This picture book is out of print, but reasonably-priced used copies can be found at abebooks.com.
I haven’t written as much poetry this month as I’d hoped to. Luckily, the month isn’t over yet, and even more lucky for me (and for all poets out there) you’re allowed to write poetry any month of the year, not just during April. But I did get a few drafts down that I hope might turn into something submission-worthy after a little revision. And, as promised, I made some new book title found poems.
About once a year, I get the urge to pull a bunch of books off my shelves, make a big mess, and see what poetic messages I can shape with my stacks. Sometimes a random combination of titles on my nightstand sparks an idea. Other times, the burst of creative energy is fueled by a cold front or some late-night caffeine or both. Regardless of what puts the bug in my brain, I always enjoy discovering what materializes.
My book collection changes with time. There are many old standbys that I’ll always keep and which reappear often in my found poems, but I accumulate new books and, yes, get rid of some too, so each time I craft new creations, I have different material to work with. This time, rather than spontaneously spreading books all over my office floor, I actually planned ahead and had the forethought to grab some extras to use. I gave myself thirty minutes to walk the aisles of my local library, choosing titles that would add some flair to my found poems. I think they helped.
Here’s what I came up with this year. Which one is your favorite?
The devil makes an appearance in three of my poems…
Before the devil knows you're here, unwind the thief knot. Set me free. Together, we burn the house where death lives.
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SPEAK OF THE DEVIL
The uninvited black sheep unsettled the loving spirit
and now you're back somewhere in the dark.
I have some questions for you.
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This one is not the best poem, but I enjoyed crafting something witchy…
A WAGGLE OF WITCHES
Call us what we carry:
Pumpkin heads, a rattle of bones, toil & trouble, big magic, a broom of one's own, red suitcase, my own true name, my wicked wicked ways, CACKLE.
Which witch? The woman in black walking the black cat.
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These next two are nature-inspired…
Out of my dreams, an object of beauty-- accidental joy. This wild and precious life in blossom.
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This one might be my favorite…
Bird by bird, wingbeats flutter & hum. Every soul a star, every bone a prayer. The comfort of crows a dark and secret magic in a kingdom of birds.
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My beautiful murder of crows
These last two are for all the writers out there…
The woman in white collected ghost stories. The hollow boy selected poems. The outsiders fuel dark tales. The boy, the bird, and the coffin maker transfer three messages and a warning. And... The madwoman upstairs still writing the handbook of heartbreak, a lantern in her hand, the unfinished words under the words horoscopes for the dead.
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The storyteller's secret crossings rattle the writer's journey. 1000 words-- the devil's arithmetic.
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I hope you enjoyed this round of book title poems, and I hope you make some of your own!
I lost at Wordle yesterday. I was mad at myself because on the fourth line, I accidentally used a yellow letter in the same place I’d used it in the previous line, which is what happens when you attempt word games before you’ve had coffee. On the sixth line, I convinced myself I’d figured out the answer and felt brief relief until I realized my mistake. The word was wheat, not cheat, but I felt cheated anyway.
I like Wordle. It’s a fun, quick game, and my family plays too, so we enjoy the friendly competition. But I recently realized that Wordle is more than just a daily brain exercise and a way to pass the time while brushing your teeth. It has practical and creative uses as well. If you’re a writer or an artist or a person who seeks guidance from the stars, and you haven’t been playing Wordle, maybe you should start.
Wordle Use #1: Found Poems
I love found poetry. I’ve been itching to make some new book title poems, and there’s no better time than National Poetry Month, so look for a post with some new creations soon. But you don’t need a large library or a stack of magazines and a pair of scissors to make found poetry if you have Wordle. Check out some of these poetic gems that have showed up on my screen.
Ok, maybe they’re not Pushcart Prize-worthy yet, but there are some strong images here.
Wordle Use #2: Writing/Art Prompts
Sometimes my Wordle guesses don’t form anything that could be called a poem, but they still conjure intriguing settings, characters, or scenarios that are great fodder for short stories, illustrations, or even novel ideas. Consider these for instance.
I would absolutely read a story about these characters. Bonus points if they solve mysteries.
I really want someone to illustrate this prompt. I’m equally excited to see ghost hoarders and ghost moustaches.
This synopsis practically writes itself!
Wordle Use #3: Fortune-Telling
I love found fortunes even more than found poetry. Horoscopes and Tarot cards are good, of course, and I consult my Magic 8 Ball on occasion, but nothing beats the bits of advice and little peeks into the cosmos you get from the more random forms of divination, such as the following methods:
Turn on the radio. Push the third preset button. The second song you hear holds a message about your day.
Think of a question. Open the nearest book to the year you were born. The third paragraph contains the answer.
Pay attention to the next person you see wearing a blue shirt. Their mood/demeanor is a preview of what your day will be like tomorrow.
Wordle results, too, can offer helpful tips and warnings. I have personally received the following messages.
This Wordle told me to go for a walk and look for cats. I gladly rose to the challenge.
This message suggested I take a nap, but not in my hammock because if I did, squirrels would throw acorns at me. Obviously.
This was clearly a dire warning of some sort. Since I couldn’t figure out what the first two lines meant, I just went back to bed. Best to avoid the day altogether rather than risk raising a curse.
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I’m not trying to claim that every Wordle game is a treasure trove of inspiration and prophecy. It’s definitely not.
For instance, this one sounds like I was trying to name all the dwarves while drunk.
I’m only suggesting that you open your mind to the possibilities. Before you switch off your phone after celebrating your success (I got Wordle in four lines today, which is decent) or mourn your loss (don’t worry, it happens to the best of us), take a look at the unique creation you’ve crafted. There may be a poem, a prompt, or a prophecy hidden there.
Carie Juettner 