Tomorrow Land’s Poems for Children

Marg Gibbs                                                                                                                            Tomorrow Land’s Poems for Children is my first book collaboration with my sister Kim. I believed that the two of us could channel our strengths and skills as teachers to come up with this book. Kim’s background is as a primary teacher/ librarian and mine is as a secondary teacher.

The wonder of poetry is the playful combination of words and feelings. Tomorrow Land is based on time chapters or themes, six altogether: Before, First, Next, Now, Always and Last. Kim and I wrote poems to suit these sequences based on what if? time, space, imaginative places, journeys, and a sprinkle of magic.

Kim  Roberts                                                                                                                          Everyday life inspires me, so for many years my poems were about my four boys. They included their dad, friends, and events like holidays and birthday parties. The experience of this poetry collection was given to me by my sister after I had a stroke eight months ago. It gave me the purpose I needed to navigate a difficult time in my life.

Marg                                                                                                                                                                                                I have always loved reading poetry from Australian ballads, Dylan Thomas, John Keats, and Poems to Save the World With, chosen and illustrated by Chris Riddell. Apart from the luscious words, there’s music and dance about the form. I read rhyming and free verse poems and take pride in my extensive collection of modern and traditional ones at home. My grandchildren love to recite Roald Dahl, too.

Kim                                                                                                                                                                                              Marg and I were fortunate enough to self-publish. As a librarian, I love reading aloud to children, using my voice and expression to tell the story.

Marg                                                                                                                                                                                           For our book launch, I hope the children enjoy listening to me read Island of Cheeses, The Hairies and Tomorrow’s Toys. They have possibilities for engaging children with rhyme and discussion. There are poems to suit kids from 5-to 11 years and grown-ups.

Kim                                                                                                                                                                                                  The Midnight Librarian is something I’ve always dreamed about, not going home to school and sleeping there. My youngest son takes care of a small farm in Marburg. I am very hands-on and enjoy mucking about with them. Compost, worms, and farm-related things are the subject of Two for the Price of One and Wormy Wedding.

Marg                                                                                                                                                                                             In black ink, Kim’s son Peter Roberts illustrated Dragon’s Claw and Museum of Mummies. He has captured them so well. Daisy van Ghert, in the extended family, contributed to digital art in I Never Saw Her Again and The Land at the Bottom of the Sea. Both styles enhance the text. My collages are bright, bold, and layered with painted papers and cut-outs.

Kim                                                                                                                                                                                            When I’m not writing, I enjoy visiting op shops, photography and learning new technologies. Both Marg and I are curious about life, and we believe that connection to children and the community is essential.

Tomorrow Land’s Poems for Children is $26. It was published by M J Gibbs and KD Roberts. You can purchase a copy on Marg’s website, www.mjgibbs.com.au