Review by Sophia Thomson
Tundra Books
PUB Date: March 18, 2025
128 pages
Age Range: 5-9 years
ISBN: 9781774880289
Children’s Books, Picture books, Poetry
Excerpt from “The Fairies”
Oh, how magical the world can be if we just pay attention to all the wonders we forget to notice.
In Words with Wings and Magic Things, Matthew Burgess returns with an enchanting poetry collection for children, once again earning his well-deserved spot on the Kids’ Indie Next List. With Burgess’ whimsical, heartfelt verses combined with stunning illustrations by award-winning author and illustrator Doug Salati, this collection reminds readers to pause, look up, and to see the best our world has to offer.
From the very first page, this book invites readers into a world brimming with imagination and joy. Whether it’s a poem filled with rhyme and rhythm, a song-like cadence, or free verse, each piece opens a new door to wonder.
Some poems dazzle with alliteration like “sparkling specks of stardust” while others sing with onomatopoeia and playful wordplay. The chapter titled “Wheee!” features seven standout poems packed with sizzling syllables that are especially fun to read aloud.
What sets this collection apart is its ability to both entertain and educate. It introduces young readers to different poetic forms and devices in an accessible, engaging way. It challenges the poetry newcomer while igniting their imagination, proving that poetry can be both meaningful and downright fun.
Each poem feels like a tiny world, full of magic and possibility. And yet, Burgess gently reminds us that this magic isn’t confined to the page, it’s part of our world too. We just need to remember to look for it. The collection also touches on deeper emotional themes including how to face anxiety (with a mighty tiger’s roar!), what to do when confronted with a flame-breathing beast, and the quiet power we hold when no one is watching.
While younger readers may not catch every layer of meaning, the vibrant illustrations and playful tone ensure they’ll be captivated nonetheless. For older readers, this book revives the wonder of limitless imagination and the sometimes-forgotten belief in everyday magic.
One of my favourite things about this collection is that with every re-read, I found new snippets of joy, magic, and meaning woven into the words. It’s the kind of book you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.
This book will thrill and delight anyone and everyone. Words with Wings and Magic Things is for the dreamers and the children who already marvel in the magic found in their everyday lives. For parents and guardian’s alike, let this novel be a portal into your young one’s minds – you might just unlock some of that magic for yourself.
Sure to make children giggle and smile, this playful and stunning novel is sure to show children how fun words and poetry can be.
Sophia Thomson graduated with a BFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia in 2023 and is currently pursuing her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. She has a soft spot for stories about love, friendship, and family, which is probably why most of her YA and screenwriting projects end up featuring a mixture of the three.
YOUNG ADULTING 