Poetry in the making

"In a series of chapters built round poems by a number of writers including himself . . . [Ted Hughes] explores, colourfully and intensively, themes such as 'Capturing Animals', 'Wind and Weather' and 'Writing about People'. The purpose throughout is to lead on, via a discussion of the poems (which he does with riveting skill) to some direct encouragement to the children to think and write for themselves. He makes the whole venture seem enjoyable, and somehow urgent . . . ' Times Literary Supplement