Poetry for children ... from a child's point of view. Barking Spiders Poetry for Children  is a sparkling collection of poetry written from a child's point of view.  Each poem explores life from a different topic in a manner which is as delightfully innocent and honest as the questions children ask. The unique appeal of this poetry collection is that each poem offers children an opportunity to identify personal experiences they may have had and share them with a teacher, parents, or with other relatives and friends. CJ handles each issue with the grace and assurance of one who cares and understands that children, like adults, wish to make sense of the world they live in.  She helps them see that sometimes the world just doesn't make sense and ... well, that's okay too. With a gentle, often subtle sense of humor, Barking Spiders Poetry for Children  softly transcends time and all age barriers, making it a book sure to be enjoyed by adults as well as children.     Excerpt Barking Spiders The barking spiders all march in just past dinnertime. Some big, some small, they come to call, floating on the wind behind. Each is clearly noticed, although they can’t be seen. You’re positive they’re there, though, ‘cause your nose is very keen. You know you can’t outrun ‘em, and, a net won’t get ‘em caught. Your friends laugh ‘cause they’re funny, but your mom yells ‘cause they’re not. So open all the windows! Crack the vents real fast! ‘Cause these aren’t normal spiders ... BARKING spiders are just gas.

Professional Reviews
OHIOana Quarterly
Review by Barbara Maslekoff
BARKING SPIDERS AND OTHER SUCH STUFF: CHILDREN'S POETRY by
C.J. Heck, illustrated by Michelle Lenkner, SterlingHouse Publisher, (Pittsburgh, PA),
2000. 60 pp, pb, Illus., $9.95.
If children could write poetry about the things in their lives, it might not sound like these
poems ... but the feelings they experience are sure to be familiar as they listen to this
collection.
Insights and thoughts about belly buttons, toe jam, Band-Aids, and passing gas will cause
chuckles from young readers and their parents.

Poetry Today Online
Well, it's time for a little fun, folks. Put away all those boring grownup books and let's sit
down and read Barking Spiders and Other Such Stuff. This is C.J. Heck's first book of
children's poetry and it is a delight!
CJ's poems give us all a glimpse into the wonder and honesty of being a child and surprises
us with their thought-provoking insight. Children perceive the world just as they see it and
all of us can learn lessons from these innocent perceptions.
The book covers many topics, from the question of what a barking spiders is, (the answer
is a real stinker), to whether people in heaven look at the rest of us still here through
windows.
I very much enjoyed this book and plan to read it to the little one in my life over and over.
Hope you do the same.
-- Jo Ann Miller, Poetry Book Review Writer.


Grassroots Poetry
Dear CJ,
I recently acquired your book, "Barking Spiders", from a nearby Walden's Bookstore. Just
wanted to send you a brief thanks for writing such a delightful work. The children enjoyed
it and we loved reading it to them. My 7-year old read some more tonight after school.
It's often difficult to find quality children's writing that doesn't bore the poor parent stuck
with trying to get their kids interested in reading. Not since Shel Silverstein's Light in the
Attic and Where the Sidewalk Ends have I enjoyed a children's book so much. You
certainly hold well with Silverstein and Mercer Mayer as among the best of children's
writers with the ability of holding the kids' ... and parents' attention, and holding up on
repeated readings.
Sincerely,
Tom Perry

Reader Reviews for "Barking Spiders Poetry for Children"

Reviewed by Bonita Quesinberry, R.C.	1/21/2009
I simply had to leave a note about the title of your book. My grandmother, who lived to age 96, was a very prim and proper lady; so, when on the rare occasion she passed gas in the presence of others, she would say with alarm,"Oh! There's that barking spider again." I'm 64, so that tells you how far back that cliche goes. Of course, it might go further back in time. LOL! Best wishes, BonnieQ :)
Reviewed by Julie Donner Andersen	10/24/2007
Oh, this sounds like such a delightful way to introduce children to poetry! Good luck with it, CJ! Sounds like a winner! :) Julie
Reviewed by Debra Harmes-Kurth	5/19/2007
This is a charming book of poetry written for children and the child in all of us. The characters in “Barking Spiders” are loveable, fun and filled with the natural curiosity and honesty of a child. Being a fan of Heck’s adult poetry I was more than a bit impressed with this book, and how readers and listeners of all ages enjoy the simple truths and understanding Heck offers throughout the book. My three year old granddaughter wanted to hear it over and over again. The illustrator of this book is Michelle Lenkner; her sketches are personable and add another dimension to an already wonderful book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who desires to introduce a child to the magic of books and poetry.
Reviewed by Suzie Palmer	4/17/2007
Dear CJ Your works are wonderful! Such a unique way of interesting the children! Congratulations on such a precious mission. I've written ten children stories too: the Come Fly With Me series. Two are on my den. Australian publishers are hesitant to risk new authors... one day, the one will come I trust and pray. I look forward to purchasing your books in the future. So glad to have visited your den. Love, Suzie :-D
Reviewed by d. krusky	3/29/2007
Hello CJ, I recently received your book "Barking Spiders" and absolutely loved it!!! I was so excited to read it that I scooted on down to the local coffee shop and immersed myself into a world of childhood memories. You have vividly captured the true essense of a child's mind. This is definitely a keeper! I will cherish it forever!! The illustrations were just enough to cature in one's mind the beauty of your work. Well done my friend! I will be sure to share with others this wonderful book! Also, my Mom loved your book and thanks you so much for the personal autograph to her church. She was most delighted with the book, enjoying EVERY poem! She goes on to tell me you have a beautiful talent, very gifted and asset to the lives of children and adults alike. So, on behalf of Mom and myself thank you for opening our minds to our childhood memories. A great book I believe everyone should add to their child's library!!! By the way, my favorite poem is "Mommy's Hands (A Child's Prayer)I could almost feel my daughter's hand in mine when she was little. Thanks again CJ for your autographed book! Smiles, Dorothy
Reviewed by Amy Sellers	3/18/2007
Dear CJ... I just received my signed copy of Barking Spiders and I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!! My husband and I laughed hysterically reading rhyme after rhyme, story after story... I can't wait to share it with my kids! The Letter from Heaven story was so beautiful it made me cry. I was also delighted to see all the fun extras that came with my beautiful book. I am a true CJ Heck fan!!! Please keep me in your email list for when you come out with another book... congratulations and FABULOUS job! For all those of you out there that read this review... BUY THIS BOOK... you'll be very happy you did! Amy Sellers amycsellers.yahoo.com
Reviewed by OnepoetGem *	1/5/2007
sounds very good Cj, I've been working on a childrens book, finished it but haven't tried to get it published, it's mostly pictures
Reviewed by Brett Moore	12/26/2006
Hey CJ, Great book you've written here. You touch on some things I never remember reading in children's poems or stories. I like how, from a child's perspective, you articulate their thought processes which are not that much different from adults with the exception of different conclusions drawn. I found the book entertaining, funny, and sweet. One of my favorites is "Just Like Me", with a great humorous last line. "Waiting" is another one of my favorites and is such a universal feeling whether you are a child or an adult. I thought "Monkey Me" was very funny and true. Overall, I'm glad I have the book and will read it to my own kids someday and any other kids I come into contact with. It would be fun to get their reaction. Thanks very much, Brett
Reviewed by CJ Heck	3/27/2006
Hi, I'm CJ, the author of "Barking Spiders". I just want to thank you for clicking here and checking out my book! Each book is personally autographed and I include a bookmark, special stickers, a silly doorknob sign for your child's bedroom door, and a Spider Treasure Box for your child to put together. Be sure to tell me who to autograph the book to! Love, CJ

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