Sunsets and Haiku

Sunsets and Haiku published by Doodle and Peck Publishing Co. (doodleandpeck.com)

doodleandpeck.com/product-page/sunsets-and-haiku 

Back of the Book

Here are some of my photos of sunsets. They aren't in the book, Sunsets and Haiku, but I do like them, too.

 Reviews

The gorgeous photographs taken by the author are paired well with the inspiring, sometimes, playful poetry. A lovely treat for the soul.

Valerie Lawson    Amazon review

   

  

Una Belle Townsend's book, Sunsets and Haiku, is a feast for the eyes, heart, and soul, a beautifully blended pastry--delicate, pretty to look at, and deliciously written. Breathtaking photos and inspiring haiku will take you on a journey that is peaceful and inspiring. Here is one of my favorites:                

"Brilliant, bold sapphire

Splashes of pink diamond dust

Heavenly jewels"

This book makes me want to sit back and grab a cup of coffee. It's a good read for all nature and poetry lovers. I plan to keep Sunsets and Haiku out as a "coffee table" book for others to enjoy.

Darleen Bailey Beard

Author of

Annie Glover is NOT a Tree Lover

Will Rogers, Oklahoma's Favorite Son

The Flimflan Man

Twister

darleenbaileybeard.com

"Stark windblown reeds against a vivid crimson sky and bold black Japanese calligraphy announce Una Belle Townsend's book--Sunsets and Haiku.

Fluid descriptive verse and watercolor like imagery move the reader from page to page much like leaves on a flowing stream.

Sun whispers good-night

Apricot clouds invite dreams

Day bids adieu

Youth and adult can appreciate this beautiful tribute to nature.

Maia Lea Ray, Teacher  College Art Appreciation

Una Belle Townsend, author of Grady's in the Silo and other children's books, has created a gift for adults just in time for long winter nights. Her photographs of Oklahoma's sunsets are lovely, and the haiku that accompany them are spot on. My favorite?

Shivering branches

                         Swirling deep plum clouds whisper

  "Winter approaches" 

Sharon Martin

A lovely book, full of thought provoking words, as well as pictures.

Patricia Bennett

Houston, Texas

I like Kay Ray Putty's beginning of her review. She wrote the first 3 lines in haiku.

Una Belle Townsend's
Haiku warms my cold, old soul
When will Spring return?

She says,      "Your haiku and lessons warmed the sunless Kentucky Christmas week.
                     
                                   Made me want to head Midwest for a spell,

                                                  Thanks for the warmth!

                                                                          Kay Ray Putty
                                                               Retired Elementary School teacher

SUNSETS AND HAIKU—Photographs and haiku poetry by Una Belle Townsend

       Published by Doodle and Peck Pub. Co.  ISBN 978-0-9966205-1-2

    Haiku Activities 

Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry. It consists of 17 syllables divided into 3 lines of 5, 7, and 5. It usually evokes allusions or comparisons about nature or the seasons.

Ezra Pound wrote the first English haiku and it was published in 1973. Although English haiku can follow the traditional Japanese form, it often is less strict concerning the 5/7/5 syllable count and subject matter.

Write your own haiku by filling in the blanks.

Look up in the ________

I watch a _________  flying by

Good-bye Mr. __________

Ideas for teachers

 

 1. Have magazines available, let students choose a favorite page, and write a haiku about their page.

 2. Use the pictures in my book. Let students choose a favorite photo and write their own haiku.

 3. Using available magazines which may be cut up. Have students write a haiku to go with a picture they’ve cut out and then mounted on construction paper. Make a haiku bulletin board.

 4. Have students write a haiku for a Mother’s Day or Father’s Day card.

 5. Have students design a birthday card (a holiday, etc.) and write a haiku to go with it.

 6. As a class, choose twenty-five words and ask students to use some of those words in a haiku. Or, use their spelling words for the week and write a haiku with some of the words.

 7. Have students draw a picture to go with their haiku.

 8. Have students share their haiku with students in other classes.

 9. Have a haiku contest. Choose judges from adults in the community. Publish the winners in the school newspaper or local newspaper.

10. Publish your own classroom haiku booklet and give to parents at an open house, spring concert, end of school, etc.

11. As a class, write a haiku once or twice a week. At the end of the year, give a copy of the class’s haiku to each student.

12. Using empty cans, boxes, etc. that food products come in, write a haiku about a favorite snack, soup, cereal, cookie, candy, etc. Glue their haiku to their box, can, or bag.

13. Have students write a haiku on construction paper. Let them go to the gym, cafeteria, library, etc. where they can spread out about 6-10 feet apart. Invite students from other classes to visit the “haiku museum”. Each student will stand still until a class is in front of them, then they will recite their haiku.

14. Write a haiku to someone who is sick—a student, teacher, or other staff member.

15. Invite the principal to a haiku reading in your classroom.

16. Who is your favorite superhero? Write a haiku about him or her.

17. Write a haiku about your favorite animal.

    

In Hugo for a haiku presentation. Toni Love, representing the local library, is with me.