A stunning collection, full of magical fantasy and dreamlike inventions, which showcases Sue's very unique style and voice. Often poems are interwoven - 'Blackout' leads to 'Fear of the Unknown', 'Why Trees Whisper' segues into 'Zephyr and 'Dog Reads the Wind'. The child is a frequent motif, perhaps even the voice of the haunting title poem 'If I were Other than Myself' with its final question 'and should I wish would I be missed?'
Here's proof that children s poetry can be sophisticated, clever, enigmatic, mysterious and graceful without being inaccessible. Over the top praise? Not at all! This elegantly written book, beautifully illustrated by the author, is full of interwoven stories guaranteed to inspire the reader s imagination. Hardy-Dawson has the knack of capturing complex emotions in a few words true poetry. It's witty, wise and wonderful. I wish it had been published when I was young. I would have loved to grow up with it.
* Poetry Zone *Sue Hardy-Dawson is a Yorkshire born poet and artist who has been published in many poetry anthologies. She worked with children for twenty years and took a degree in creative writing and literature from the Open University. She is dyslexic and takes a special interest in encouraging reluctant readers and writers. Her first solo collection of poems Where Zebras Go was shortlisted for the CLiPPA 2018 and long listed for the North Somerset Teachers' book award.