I Saw a Starburst to Flames by J. R. Lamar

This is my review of one of the best books of poetry for children I’ve had the honour to read.

I Saw a Starburst to Flames by J. R. Lamar comprises about a hundred poems formed as quatrains. This has the effect of giving them a rhythm that draws the reader inexorably onwards. Each is colourfully illustrated, very often with a wry sense of humour compatible with the subject of the poem. My favourites include A New Pet Mouse, which took me in completely until I reached the last line and realised it was an electronic mouse intended to be attached to a computer. The picture deliberately misleads, showing a chunk of tempting cheese! I liked An Unlikely Duo, and Proud Pet Owner made me laugh aloud. According to my niece, leprechauns are delightful creatures, but this one ends wearing a muzzle. And yes, I did get trapped in A Reading Cage.

The ideas behind the poems in J. R. Lamar’s I Saw a Starburst to Flames are incredibly diverse and likely to hold the attention of children around eight to eleven or twelve, and this is necessary; the language used is demanding. There is a delightful irreverence in poems like My Pet May Be Smarter Than Me, which will certainly appeal to young readers. The “pet” in that one is Mother! Shrinking Real Estate shows growth and you will never guess how cleverly; it involves words, drawings, and the changing size of font. I suggest you buy this book for the children in your life, but not so it arrives just in time to gift-wrap; time to read it yourself is essential.

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Author: authorsarahstuart

Sarah Stuart is an award-winning author whose books are based on her show business experience, her concern for animals, the challenges of her Christian faith, and her passions for history and travel. Sarah's hope is that readers will enjoy her novels as an escape from reality, but be left understanding that fame and fortune often comes at a high personal cost. Also, an increased perception of the threat to animals: those shot in the name of sport for trophy heads, endangered species, many poached for their fur and ivory, and tragically discarded pets. View all posts by authorsarahstuart