Book titled "The Change of Seasons: A Young Poet's Activity Book" by Marjane Searl placed on a decorated Christmas tree with gold ribbon and ornaments.


What is a poem? According to this charming poetry collection by third-grader Marjane Searl, a poem is "a thing of beauty" and many other things besides. The Change of Seasons has everything, from crickets "speaking by music" to a resilient willow twig.

12 Peaceful Nature Poems
and
10 Fun Writing Exercises

Available in ebook and paperback with more than fifty 5-star reviews online.

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Sample “Willow Twig,” a poem from The Change of Seasons.

"Willow Twig," a poem from The Change of Seasons.

Marjane reads “Crickets” and ”Sunset,” published in Stone Soup (March/April 2024) and reprinted in The Change of Seasons poetry collection.

Intricate Islamic geometric patterns on a mosque dome ceiling.

Praise for The Change of Seasons

Delicate white baby’s breath flowers with a soft focus and pastel background.

Marjane Searl is a revelation to children’s poetry and to the Midwestern countryside. Her subtle sass (one can almost hear a taunt in the rhyme of “done” and “won” as Autumn defeats Summer) electrifies her pastoral sensibility. Some surprises include puns (e.g., “apart” versus “whole”) that deepen our meditations on the natural world.

The big-hearted generosity with language starts on the first page, where Searl declares, “Poems can be trees, cats, closets,” and yet, unlike closets (but like trees and cats), these poems never close.

— Prof. Jennifer Nelson, award-winning author of four books of poetry, including the award-winning On the Way to the Paintings of Forest Robberies

Gradient sky from blue to orange, resembling a sunrise or sunset.

Marjane Searl’s poems beckon us into a shimmering world of sensation and perception, an invitation to apprehend again the delicate interaction between nature’s determined presence and our wandering, searching souls.

— Dr. Jennifer A. Reimer, award-winning author of several books, including the poetry book, Keşke

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A lovely collection of verse by a budding, young poetess, it is sure to both entertain and educate. Including free verse, an ode, haikus, and more, it even has instructions and ideas for poetry of your own. It was a true delight to read.

— Feather Chelle, award-winning author of many children's books, including the poetry book, The Colors of Darkness