16 Words

Written by Lisa Rogers · Illustrated by Chuck Groenink

Discover how a simple wheelbarrow inspired a timeless poem through mindful observation.

5.5/7 Bookroo expert·4.2/5 Goodreads · 395 ratings

40 pages· 666 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud· AD850L

$17.99Save 7%

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Bookroo's summary

In a world of bustling streets and simple scenes, Dr. William Carlos Williams finds profound inspiration. As a street vendor's wheelbarrow catches his eye, the poet within him awakens. This picture book invites young readers to explore how everyday moments can spark extraordinary creativity. What will you see when you look out your window?

From the publisher

This simple nonfiction picture book about the beloved American poet William Carlos Williams is also about how being mindful can result in the creation of a great poem like “The Red Wheelbarrow”–which is only sixteen words long.

“Look out the window. What do you see? If you are Dr. William Carlos Williams, you see a wheelbarrow. A drizzle of rain. Chickens scratching in the damp earth.” The wheelbarrow belongs to Thaddeus Marshall, a street vendor, who every day goes to work selling vegetables on the streets of Rutherford, New Jersey. That simple action inspires poet and doctor Williams to pick up some of his own tools–a pen and paper–and write his most famous poem.

In this lovely picture book, young listeners will see how paying attention to the simplest everyday things can inspire the greatest art, as they learn about a great American poet.

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