Right Way Down and other poems

Chosen by Rebecca M Newman & Sally Murphy

Illustrated by Briony Stewart

Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

This efferfescent collection of poems, aimed at upper primary school children aged 9 – 12 has been put together by Rebecca M. Newman,  an award-winning children’s poet and a short story writer for grownups, Sally Murphy,  an award-winning author and poet with over fifty books to her name, and Briony Stewart, also an award-winning author and illustrator.

This anthology contains works by Western Australian poets from a range of diverse backgrounds. and includes established writers such as Sally Morgan, Renae Hayward, Cass Lynch, Raewyn Caisley, Dianne Wolfer and Meg McKinlay, as well as new and emerging writers.

The poems use a variety of poetic forms and range over many different topics arranged loosely under broad headings: Come On In, Creative Thinkers, Creature Features,The View Frome Here and Heading Home. The poems are funny, touching, inspiring, engaging, witty, and more – a perfect grab bag for those looking to engage young readers. Here’s a favourite written by Amber Moffat:

Sunday, 3 pm

Curled with my cat

we are like chocolates

that have melted together

in the sun.

These poems offer many opportunities to familiarise children with all the fun and joy that this sometimes challenging literature can bring.

There is a contents page at the front, a glossary of Noongar words and brief biographical details about each contributor at the back of the book. The plentiful illustrations in black and white add an extra zing that children will enjoy.

Fremantle Press  & Alphabet Soup Books 2024