Date: June 5th, 2014

The Woodpecker

by Deborah Ruddell

Today at the Bluebird Cafe by Deborah RuddellIf you think that his life is a picnic,
a seesawing day at the park,
I ask you just once to consider
the aftertaste
of bark.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright © 2007 Deborah Ruddell. From the book Today at the Bluebird Cafe. Margaret K. McElderry Books. Reprinted by permission of the author.

About this Poem

When I’m writing a poem about an animal, I try to imagine exactly what it’s like to live that animal’s life. So for this poem, I pictured myself as a woodpecker, doing a woodpecker’s work: flying around the woods and pecking away at trees. It was fun imagining all the things a woodpecker might see and hear … and taste.

About The Author

Children's Author Deborah RuddellDeborah Ruddell is a poet and picture book author who always loved words, but didn’t dream of writing books until she had children of her own. Her books include Today at the Bluebird Cafe (Chicago Public Library Best of the Best); A Whiff of Pine, a Hint of Skunk (ALA Notable Book); and Who Said Coo?, illustrated by her twin sister Robin Luebs, (Texas Library Association 2×2 Reading List). Up next in 2015 is The Picky Ogre, a poetic tribute to Ruddell’s favorite topic: food.

For teacher’s guides and fun activities, please visit www.deborahruddell.com.

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