Riding a Lion

Shortlisted for the North Somerset Teachers' Book Award 2021

Some people like to think that a collection of poems for children has to be either funny or serious, as if there were two types of children who would only like one or the other!

But life isn’t like that… some days we think hard, some days we cry and some days we laugh loudly and boldly - and so do children.

Many of the poems in this collection are about real life. Others are about life as it's found in the quirky imagination of the poet. Between the covers of this book, you will find poems that puzzle you, tell you stories and make you ask questions. There are dangerous poems, delicate poems and daft poems. One minute you’ll be hiding in a dusty PE cupboard with a friend who’s sad, the next you’ll be buying ice-cream from a polar bear. This is a roller coaster of poems that mirrors the ups and downs of daily life. Whether you’re in a thinking mood, a laughing mood or a crazy mood, there are poems here that will keep you company.

This is Coral Rumble’s fourth collection of poems.

REVIEWS

"A rich collection of writing, Riding a Lion is a wonderful addition to any classroom. It’s a fabulous collection for inspiring a joy of word play, imagination and reflection. Themed into six sections, the poems offer something for every mood and emotion - and plenty for teachers to work with." - North Somerset Teachers' Book Award

"A fabulous collection for inspiring a joy of word play, imagination and reflection. Themed into six sections, the poems offer something for every mood and emotion - and plenty for teachers to work with. A a wonderful addition to any classroom." - Through the Bookshelf

"This is the third poetry publication this year from what is becoming an exciting children's poetry list. Like its predecessors, it is beautifully produced with illustrations by Emily Ford. Coral's poems are rich with dreams and possibilities. [They] are in turn playful and thoughtful… packed full of lines that make the reader pause and think, hey, that's exactly how it is." - Brian Moses

"Coral Rumble’s reputation was greatly enhanced when she won the 2018 Caterpillar Poetry Prize with the poignant ‘Mustafa’s Jumper’. In her latest collection her talent shines again." - The Poetry Zone

"Slip between the pages of this book and relax into Coral’s warm, vibrant, exciting, world of poems – it seems a poem about practically everything, in every poetic style, lies within. There is much to entertain, fascinate and make you laugh in this book. Coral’s exacting word choices explode little bombs of enjoyable recognition. Lovely illustrations by Emily Ford. FIVE fizzing stars and a big bang of recommendation!" - Liz Brownlee, RoetryRoundabout.com

“I adore this book, Coral Rumble's poems are delicate and beautifully crafted, yet accessible. Some are poignant, many are fun. They deal with deep emotions on many levels. And the illustrations are gorgeous. Everyone needs this book in their lives.” - Sue Hardy-Dawson

RESOURCES & EXTRAS

Check out the book’s trailer which includes Coral reading the title poem 'Riding a Lion'