Normally, I start these posts with a little bit of background on the author, but I can’t seem to find anything online about Velda Blumhagen, except for the poem itself and grave memorials from someone with the same name. So I can’t really tell you anything definitive about Velda. I’m guessing she was a woman, and I’m 100% sure that she loved to read. The poem speaks clearly to this. Given the kind of books and adventures she describes, I also dare to say that she is a fan of the fantasy genre. I would also guess that she has children, at least one boy, as she speaks of pirates, trains, cowboys, … all subjects generally favoured by boys. But anyway, that’s just me guessing. I love this poem because it is exactly why I love to read: the adventures we get to live through a book. And I totally agree with her last statement, reading is fun! Read for yourselves:
Adventures with Books
By Velda Blumhagen
Books are ships that sail the seas
To lands of snow or jungle trees.
And I’m the captain bold and free
Who will decide which place we’ll see.
Come, let us sail the magic ship.
Books are trains in many lands,
Crossing hills or desert sands.
And I’m the engineer who guides
The train on its exciting rides.
Come, let us ride the magic train.
Books are zoos that make a home
For birds and beasts not free to roam.
And I’m the keeper of the zoo,
I choose the things to show to you.
Come, let us visit in a zoo.
Books are gardens, fairies, elves,
Cowboys, and people like ourselves.
And I can find with one good look
Just what I want inside a book.
Come, let us read! For reading’s fun!
Happy reading,
Loes M.
Thank u for the poem adventures with books it really helped me in school
You’re welcome! I’m glad it helped 🙂
Hi….the poem by Velda is part of the curriculum in India. As you mentioned, it beautifully describes the joys of reading. So naturally I was lured into knowing more about the poet. Sad that I was not successful. Hope to know more in the future. Happy reading!!
Hi Preeti,
Really? That’s interesting to know! I myself found it online while browsing through book-realted poetry :).
I also loved it, that’s why I was trying to look up more, but couldn’t find out much, which is why I hazarded some guesses.
If you find out more, let me know too! I’m interested 🙂
Thank you, I hope you continue to enjoy reading as well!