We are so excited to reveal the cover for the poetry anthology THANKU: POEMS OF GRATITUDE, illustrated by Marlena Myles and edited by WNDB Mentorship Program Co-Chair Miranda Paul. The book will be released on September 3, 2019, by Millbrook Press, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group.
Book description:
How do you give thanks?
For some people, Thanksgiving is a time to talk about feeling thankful. But gratitude isn’t something we need to save up for a special holiday. What are you grateful for right now, today?
This anthology brings together a diverse group of poets who express gratitude for everything from a puppy to hot cocoa to the sky itself. Each writer uses a different poetic form, and readers will encounter a concrete poem, a sonnet, a pantoum, a sijo, and much more. Stunning illustrations from Marlena Myles invite close examination, making this a collection to return to and savor again and again.
A portion of the proceeds from this anthology will be donated to We Need Diverse Books.
Marlena Myles on the cover illustration:
One of my primary inspirations is observing nature and paying attention to the small details. I’m always amazed seeing plants growing in the strangest places, overcoming any disadvantages to thrive and bloom. When I see children, I see in them the same power to flourish. The seeds on the cover represent both the young readers on their different journeys in life and the poems in the book–passing along, nurturing thoughts and stories for young minds.
Miranda Paul on the cover and the collection:
I’d like to add that Marlena’s artwork is remarkable for many reasons, one of them being the way she brought cohesion to 32 poems from poets who had no idea what anyone else was working about. She seamlessly ties in the whimsical with the serious tones to make a book that truly appeals to the very young and even the middle grade or adult readers. The whole book feels like one work of art and yet a diverse and ranging collection all at the same time. It is both a highly useful book and a beautiful gift item.
I’m also proud that proceeds will be benefiting other writers and readers through WNDB. This project has been steeped in goodness on so many levels. It is my honor and privilege to have been able to facilitate its creation.
