In this interactive STEM poetry reading and writing workshop, we’ll become junior scientists, practicing observation as a way into poetry. We’ll consider three short bug poems by child poets, noticing how each describes bugs in fresh ways. Then, we’ll study a photo of a familiar creature and collect words, looking with a poet’s eye to see how the extraordinary often hides within the familiar. First, we’ll draft a group poem, and then, participants will be encouraged to write their own.

Education Room 349 (Seats 48, Wheelchair accessible)  
Sun, Mar 5, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Children / Teens
Signing area: Signing Area - Children (following presentation)  

Panelist: Dianne White
Moderator: Juanita Havill

Two authors will describe how they use poetry in writing picture books about nature that engage readers. Melissa Marr is the author of "Wild Horses" about a herd of wild horses in the Salt River Valley in Arizona and Dianne White's most recent picture books focus on nature at night and listening to the sounds of nature.

Education Room 351 (Seats 46, Wheelchair accessible)  
Sun, Mar 5, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Children / Teens
Signing area: Signing Area - Children (following presentation)  

Panelists: Melissa Marr, Dianne White
Moderator: Juanita Havill