Dear Poet: Notes to a Young Writer

“Charles Ghigna is a master of the short form, the pithy poem. This collection showcases his wit and ability to offer both a real poem and real advice. . . . I can see these poems enjoyed in the classroom as well as in the secret heart of any would-be poet.”


—Jane Yolen, author, poet





“Out of his long career of writing poetry in several genres, Charles Ghigna is well qualified to offer advice. It comes not in the form of mechanical instructions for writing a poem, but as a series of concise and memorable poems that should inspire beginners to discover their own reasons to write.”


—X. J. Kennedy, author of Fits of Concision





“Charles Ghigna's poems are gentle hugs for the heart. Here, eloquent wisdom, grace, and whimsy lead us to the doorways of our dreams where the author himself holds the master key.”


—Raven Howell, children's author and poet, Glimmer, Sing of Sun!





“‘There is only need for the poem,’ is part of twenty-four succinct, crisp, concise, Ghigna word-gems, offering young readers and writers thoughts to ponder over and over again. His is indeed a poetic journey one will want to travel aboard often.”


—Lee Bennett Hopkins, Recipient of the NCTE Excellence in Poetry for Children Award