A Landscape of Letters - with haiku
A landscape of letters is an illustrated haiku book about the natural world.
The aim of this book is to inspire children to go outside, observe what is around them and write their own haiku.
These poems are moments of significance to me as I walk and observe the Australian landscape. I look closely at the bending alpine wild flowers and walk quietly in the hope to see the platypus in feathery reeds. I sit by the pond to catch a glimpse of the darting dragonfly and wonder at the dance of the Monarch butterfly as it flits from flower to flower.
Included in the book:
How to write haiku
What are the rules for writing haiku?
Teaching notes
Theme ideas
Themes covered:
Literacy – syllable counting for phonemic awareness
Specific word choice
Writing and editing
Reinforcing the alphabet through illustrated letters and associated words
Exploring nature
Conservation and endangered species awareness
Mindfulness
This is a splendid addition to the Australian haiku landscape, encouraging a new generation to actively observe the vibrant natural world around them and to capture those moments with the platypus, the rosella, and the wattle in thoughtfully selected words. Haiku is an accessible creative pursuit, requiring few tools but an inquisitive mind – ideal for children exploring outside with their parents and teachers. Fiona’s watercolours complement the delicate beauty of her haiku, ensuring this as a treasured childhood book.
Alison Rogers - haiku poet at Connected Words,
Secretary - Australian Haiku Society.