RUBY

Introduction

If he or she could talk, what would your pet say? Ruby, a dog narrates this Lee Bennett Hopkins poem. Engage children in imaginary thought. Share with them what you think a conversation with your pet would be like.

Welcoming poets poems

I-

With

My

Muscular power

Strong weight

NOBILITY-

Will not

Hesitate

To let

You

In.

But

Only

If you

Come

GENTLY,

QUIETLY

Through this

Slightly opened

Door

With

One longed-for

BISCUIT

To toss

Onto

My

ROYAL floor.

                                                                               Lee Bennett Hopkins

Extension

Have children draw pictures of their pets and create mini dialogues. Encourage children to be creative and have pets singing songs, making special requests like Ruby, or reciting poems.

Hopkins, Lee Bennett. 2002. Hoofbeats, claws, & rippled fins: creature poems. Harper Collins. New York: ISBN: 0688179436