Author’s Note: I’m asking for some help here. A few years ago, I created this group of poems for one of my son’s teachers. I had each child in the class illustrate one of the pages. The “book” turned out so beautifully, and I’m doing it again for my daughter’s preschool teachers. I’m wondering if there’s some way I could market this idea as a teacher’s gift for other teachers. Or, should I submit it to a publisher as a children’s book?
Oh, and if anyone sees anything glaringly wrong with the poems, please SHARE. I’ve read them so many times, I’ve ceased to be objective.
Seasonal Susan And the Search for the Most Special Month
Illustrated by Ms. Tammy & Ms. Kathy’s 2009-2010 Pre-Kindergarten Class
Prologue
A short time ago, in a town around the bend,
Lived Seasonal Susan, our very special friend.
Seasonal Susan had her odd name for a reason
‘Cause she absolutely loved each and every season.
She didn’t care if the month was hot or cold
Whether wintry gardens slept or filled with flowers bold.
She had no preference if swimsuits were on display
Or whether coats were needed to warm a chilly day.
In fact, Susan so loved every single season
That people would follow her and say, gently teasin’ …
“You can’t love everything no matter the time of year.
Tell us your favorite – say it loud, so we can hear!”
Susan agreed to spend a year on a special quest.
She would live each month and put it to the test.
Readers, follow along as Susan solves her mystery
Once she decides her favorite, our story is history.
January
January arrives with a chill wintry blast.
Children are sad that Christmas has passed.
January marks the beginning of the New Year.
We celebrate with parties and lots of good cheer.
We recognize Dr. King and his dream of peace.
He hoped hatred and violence would some day cease.
“Hmm,” said Susan, “I just can’t choose.
But if I do, then January won’t lose.”
On the 31st, Susan waited for one more day,
When January would end and February hold sway.
February
February is cold but not quite as snowy.
The air is still crisp and the winds kind of blowy.
We recognize love during this blissful time.
Unkind words and mean thoughts are the greatest crime.
Valentine’s Day is when romantics celebrate,
With cards and flowers to tell loved ones they’re great.
“Oh, no,” said Susan. “I don’t know what to do.”
“January is great, but February is, too.”
Susan turned the calendar to the very next page.
And watched as the month of March took center stage.
March
March has advantages we will surely keep.
Warmer weather wakes up trees and flowers still asleep.
On some days in March, we see hints of spring.
Rain mixed with wind blows every single thing.
St. Patrick’s Day spotlights green clothes and Irish luck.
People find four-leaf clovers that they can happily pluck.
“Goodness me,” said Susan. “I certainly can’t decide.”
“For now, I guess, I’ll just agree I have to let it ride.”
Susan waited happily to examine the rest.
The month of April soon arrived to take its test.
April
On occasion April is warm and mild and sweet.
But often, braving April’s storms seems like quite a feat.
April’s usually the month of our holiest event.
When we remember why God’s only Son was sent.
Easter is more than candy, eggs and fancy clothes.
Jesus sacrificed for us – the people who He chose.
“What a shame,” said Susan. “that I’m still not sure.”
“I’m afraid my indecision must still yet endure.”
With bated breath, Susan waited to see what was in store.
May came barreling in with flowers, sun and more.
May
When May arrives, it’s time for fun in the sun and pool.
We dive and swim and frolic … outside fun is the rule.
Flowers blossom, grass grows and birds begin to sing.
Reminding us of nature’s glory in every little thing.
Children may be sad as the school year finally ends.
It’s time for summer break but they’ll really miss their friends.
“Every month is great,” said Susan. “I’m afraid I just don’t know.”
“I’m hoping that the next month will truly steal the show.”
While listening to happy students making quite a din,
Susan waited serenely until June sashayed in.
June
When June gets here, we know that the year is halfway done.
But June is the month that also begins our summer fun.
Camps for sports and music are there for every child.
And luckily for camp athletes, the weather is fairly mild.
On Flag Day, the calendar says, “Everyone fly your flags.”
The red, white and blue prove patriotism never sags.
“With half a year behind,” said Susan, “the choice is still not clear.”
“I need some help in order to see the direction in which to steer.”
Susan didn’t wait too long to see what followed June.
Along with heat and sunshine, July came in very soon.
July
July is known as the month when heat hits for real.
Sometimes the roads get so hot, car tires even squeal.
Swimming lessons and vacations are the things to do.
As are lemonade stands and fireworks, to name a few.
The 4th of July is also known as Independence Day.
We celebrate our country’s start – the good ol’ USA.
“July is almost over,” said Susan, “and still I just don’t know.”
“I’m getting nervous ‘cause I can see there’s few months left to go.”
With no decision made and July days passing fast.
Susan hoped August would be the month to last.
August
August is hot, dry and dusty without a single doubt.
The temperature rises and maybe brings in drought.
The month is maybe known as the dog days of summer.
People know if the a/c breaks, it’s really quite a bummer.
The night sky flickers with stars and firefly light.
Ice cream socials and block parties are often quite a sight.
“Only four more months to go,” said Susan. “Still I’m nowhere near.”
“What can I do to make a choice? I just don’t know. Oh, dear!”
With that said, Susan knew there was one thing to do.
She’d wait for September to see if its promise might hold true.
September
In many places, September is when children start to school.
And it’s sad to say, it’s when they usually also close the pool.
Children’s voices echo gaily outside the classroom door
Saying hello to friends they made from the year before.
Labor Day always gives us summer’s last big fun.
For on that day, we all pretend our work is really done.
“Oh, my!” said Susan. “I can’t believe there’re only three months left.”
“Without this month, like all the rest, I’d really feel bereft.”
Susan paced the floor to watch as the month rolled out.
She couldn’t wait to see what October was about.
October
The weather’s odd in October – it could be either hot or cold.
But whatever the weather, everyone knows that candy’s always sold.
‘Cause Halloween colors – orange and black – decorate each home.
Kids in costumes “trick or treat” as each street they roam.
Columbus Day marks the discovery of our beloved land.
The Nina, the Pinta, the Santa Maria made a lively band.
“Two months to go,” said Susan. “Then the hunt I’m on is through.”
“October was no help because I love this month, too.”
Susan waved goodbye to October, happiness in her mood.
For November was next, a month that’s known mainly for its food.
November
November’s weather can rarely be easily reconciled.
Winter may be coming, but the temperature’s sometimes mild.
Long ago, the Pilgrims asked the Indians for a hand.
The Indians graciously showed them all the bounty of the land.
Thanksgiving is a special day; we break bread with family and friends.
We bow our heads and ask that our thankfulness never ends.
“One more month!” said Susan. “That’s just not enough time.”
“November is, as all the rest, absolutely sublime.”
Susan shook her head and wished for an easy decision.
If she didn’t choose she knew that she might face derision.
December
December marks a special month for both church and school.
The winter holidays are here, and they are really cool.
The reason for the season comes near month’s end.
With joyful hearts, we celebrate the present God did send.
Christmas is the day we recognize our Savior’s birth.
The sweet child born in Bethlehem who came to save the earth.
“I can’t believe it,” said Susan. “I made it all the way.”
“It’s time to choose, and I don’t know exactly what to say.”
January, February, March, April, May, June and July,
August, September, October, November and December had gone by.
Epilogue
The time had come. The year was done. The hunt was finally through.
And Susan, after diligent searching, knew what she should do.
You know what?” shouted Susan. “It’s silly to have to choose.”
“By loving every single month, no month has to lose.”
Her friends all laughed and nodded; they knew that she was right.
Seasonal Susan had won the day – heck, she’d even won the night!
The next time that you look at the calendar in it monthly glory,
Just remember Seasonal Susan and the moral of this story.
God created every month for us to appreciate.
So laugh, sing, dance and love – it’s time to celebrate.
Dedication
This book is dedicated to our teacher in appreciation for a wonderful school year. Each member of her class spent time choosing the right colors and right illustrations to complement his or her page. The creative artists are:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Poems by Julie Luton
“Seasonal Susan” © 2010 Julie Luton
Sunshine's Blog 
Wow. This was quite a feat, and I enjoyed reading it.
Some thoughts … the cadences are off in some lines, and that throws off the rhythm. When I read poetry that rhymes, I keep a “beat” in my head, and some of the phrasing, prepositional phrases (first line under September, for example) and the longer words like “advantages” and “bereft” make it off.
Also, if you want to market this as a gift for teachers from classes, you’ll need to change the month of May since there is no jumping in pools north of Dallas until well into June when summer officially begins.
There is also the issue of April when you talk about Easter. If this is to be secular, you need to rework the theme to April showers = May flowers or something like that. If you want to have 2 versions and market one to Sunday schools and/or private/Catholic schools, then the April Easter theme works fine. Ditto for December and the Epilogue.
All-in-all, though, this was a great piece of imagination and work! I can’t imagine how cute the illustrations are, and I love that you include the page for the amazing artists who contribute!
Thanks for reading, Heath. I’m quite sure the cadences are off in some lines. The problem for me is that I’ve read them so many times that I make the rhythm “fit” when I’m reading them out loud. Argh!
Thanks for the comments on religious/secular. I’ve read some things (like by Cynthia Rylant) that are popular that keep the religious aspect in there. I may submit it to a publisher and see how it goes. I could take them out, but they are easily my favorite sections of the poems. It’s very hard to delete things!
I know what you mean about the reading and it being so familiar it’s too hard to delete, and I appreciate it, but poetry is rhythm, even in an abstract form. Since this has such an obvious pace about it in the first stanza or two, the wording needs to match to keep that cadence.
If you’re going to submit to publishers, I would suggest you get permission from the kids’ parents who are creating art to use the pieces with credit OR get an artist friend to illustrate so you’re submitting a total package. I think you should try teacher/education publishers and more mainstream children’s publishers. I saw a list somewhere. I’ll try and find it.
Much obliged for the comments. I think I’ll let it sit for a little while and try to read it again after I’ve had a breather. Maybe then I can tell where it needs to be edited.
I love it! It’s so sweet and kid-oriented, and kids will love participating in putting it together. It’s perfect for schools and teachers, and I know teachers would love it! Well done!!
My knowledge of how to get this to teachers is pretty limited, but you could work with your local scrapbook store to make this into a project for kids to take home while their parents are scrapping or that parents can put together and take home to have their kids decorate. Or something kids could do at Sunday School or summer services.
Cynthia Rylant writes the Mr. Putter book series, a huge hit with my cousins. They’re very cute.
Thanks, Alex, for reading. I like your scrapbook idea. That’s so cute!
I love Cynthia Rylant!