Tag: Frances Bildner

LET ME BE ME by Frances Bildner

December 3, 2024 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 4 Comments

A colorful collection of children’s poetry by Frances Bildner covers the topics of childhood told from a child’s point of view. LET ME BE ME is a plea to adults to let children develop and become at their own pace. It stresses the importance of play, friendships, imagination, and even advocates messy time! Filled with color and Kris Lillyman’s wonderful illustrations, it will enchant children and adults alike.

Frances Bildner is an artist and writer. She has exhibited internationally. Her other books are THE ADVENTURE OF FOUR CREATIVE WIZ KIDS and EXPRESSIONS OF AN ARTIST – a book of paintings and poetry. She is currently working on her book INTERRUPTED LIVES. Frances started her children’s arts groups in New York City in 1990. She believes children are the best artists, especially with minimum adult intervention! She has loved working with kids and now watches with amazement the wonderful art that her grandchildren produce.

Thanks to the author for this review copy!

LET ME BE ME is a delightful little children’s poetry book that celebrates childhood’s joy, wonder, and individuality. Through her whimsical verses and relatable subjects, the author invites young readers to explore the world around them and embrace their unique selves.

One of the strengths of this collection is its emphasis on self-expression and acceptance (“Let Me Be Me”). Bildner encourages children to follow their dreams and celebrate their differences. This message is particularly important in today’s world, where children can often feel pressure to conform to societal expectations.

The poems explore a wide range of themes, from the mundane to the extraordinary. There are lighthearted rhymes about animals, nature (“Jungle Rain”), and the simple joys of playtime, while other poems offer heartfelt reflections on friendship and family (“Funky Family”). Bildner’s writing is thought-provoking, resonating with both children and adults. Her ability to see the world through the eyes of a child is evident in every line, making each poem a precious glimpse into a world of imagination and possibility.

The accompanying illustrations by Kris Lillyman are equally enchanting and bring the poems to life. They complement the text beautifully, adding depth and visual interest to each piece. The bright colors and lively designs create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making the book a pleasure to read and admire.

I loved each poem’s emphasis on individuality and creativity. These are empowering messages and an excellent opportunity for parents and educators to engage with children in deeper conversations about the budding emotions that rise out of the beginnings of friendship and self-discovery. The poems can serve as a starting point for discussions about self-esteem, resilience, and the importance of being true to oneself. Parents may learn more about their child by asking them which poem is their favorite, and why.

The importance of eating healthy (“Fabulous Foods”), respecting our planet (“Our Earth”) and family dinners (“Millie’s Meal Times”) are discussed in a gentle, yet entertaining way. These poems may strike a chord in the parent’s mind as they read them to their child, opening yet another gateway to relevant conversations about how fruit can be a tasty snack, why littering is wrong, and dinner is best served with just food and no cellphones!

LET ME BE ME would be a wonderful addition to any children’s library, and is the perfect bedtime read. It is a book that will inspire, delight, and entertain readers of all ages.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

Expressions of an Artist by Frances Bildner

April 24, 2018 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 1 Comment

“I wonder the wonder, freedom of freedoms, play for you nightly and sing in the rain.I pray for your ghosts to let you off lightly, lessen and get rid of your terrible pain.”Expressions of An Artist: The Whole Shebang is a raw, in depth form of personal expression through the intricate use of English. Frances Bildner’s brave writing speaks from a place of pure honesty and beauty, using a masterful artistry with words to create this unforgettable collection.Using a potent mix of poetry, prose and a stream-of-consciousness style of writing, Bildner creates a completely unique piece that is haunting and moving at the deepest levels. Above all, Bildner emphasises the importance of love, of relationships, of seeing the world and of having an open mind. Her passion for living life away from the beaten track is clear, and her skill with words is nothing short of inspiring.

Many thanks to the author and to Publishing Push for this review copy!

This flowing, rambling work of art is most unusual. The author combines her poetry with her paintings in this grand outpouring of emotion called EXPRESSIONS OF AN ARTIST. She explores love, loss, politics, and hatred with her art – discussing uncomfortable subjects and thrusting them almost angrily at the reader.

The first section is autobiographical; read this and the poetry gains another layer of understanding. Ms Bildner is no stranger to sadness, and this is clear in her work. She also lets hope and expectation shine through as well, but not as often. Her words are visceral and filmy at once; the way she combines images and phrases will hit you in the head and the heart.

My favorite section is entitled “Political”. Bildner sneers at men and their havoc they wreak on the battlefield, weeps for those lost in the Holocaust, and paints a dystopian picture that Orwell would be proud of. Discrimination, oppression, and hypocrisy are all described, drawn out like sticky taffy being pulled; her words stick in your head and force you to see what she is seeing, what she has seen. Her paintings in this section are darker as well – rows of skull-like faces below a yellow star gape at the reader. I caught my breath as I stared at them, and felt the weight of a thousand souls inside me.

The mark of a good poet is one who can make you laugh, cry, and most of all, THINK with her words. Ms Bildner is one such poet. Her words are to be absorbed and considered, for they are very relevant in 2018, where hate and divisiveness still exist around the world.

I dare you to read this book and not be touched by her emotions. If you aren’t moved by her words, check your chest to see if you still hear a beating sound within. You can pick up your copy [easyazon_link identifier=”1785546481″ locale=”US” nw=”y” tag=”gimmethatbook-20″]here[/easyazon_link].

Champagne Crystals

Champagne crystals, camaraderie, flight, bubbles in the air, bubbles everywhere, aeration, colour, sanguine moments. Spirit alive entering the gates of nirvana. Chrystal, veuve, what’s in a name, the purity, the semblance of a glass of champagne. Jockeys fly, horses neigh, the culmination of another day. Psychics, mediums, bursting through, who’s to say what’s you and you.

Anticipation, bubbles and expectation. I put my hand around your waist and tasted friendship. Not formed in haste. Champagne you asked, is it free, Champagne you queried for you and me?

Bubbles of life, love and laughter floating above the heavier matter. Champagne cocktails, chitter chatter. Corks that pop, love a lot, fizz in the air. Champagne everywhere, in the bath a glass between friends making many amends.