Module 5: Poetry Break: Refrain

Martin Jr., Bill and Michael Sampson. 2008. The Bill Martin Jr. Big Book of Poetry. New York: Simon & Schuster Inc. ISBN 978-1-4169-3971-9.








Bill Martin Jr. is best known for his timeless light-hearted and rhythmic picture books. Even since his death in 2004, he is still cherished by children and adults. One cannot help but think of Martin's ability to write/tell a story when reading his poem, Once Upon a Time, found in the Bill Martin Jr. Big Book of Poetry (p. 80).

Once Upon a Time
Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson

The Storyteller came to town
To share his gifts sublime,

Tell it again, Storyteller,
Tell it again,

Onceupona
Onceupona
Onceuponatime,

Tell it again, Storyteller,
Tell it again,

Doors flew open to him,
Kings begged him not depart,
And children tucked his stories In the pockets of their heart,

Tell it again, Storyteller,
Tell it again,

Onceupona
Onceupona
Onceuponatime,

Tell it again, Storyteller,
Tell it again,

He told of scary ghosts
And of witches who became toast,
Of knights of old And outlaws bold.
Oh

Onceupona
Onceupona
Onceuponatime,

Tell it again, Storyteller,
Tell it again.

The art of storytelling is appreciated by anyone who has the chance to experience a great story. The refrain (...Tell it again, Storyteller, Tell it again, Onceupona Onceupona Onceuponatime...) gives Martin's poem about a storyteller a song-like quality. It expertly captures the desire of a captive audience who show good stories never die.

Extension

Share poetic picture books written by Bill Martin, Jr. (Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See?)

Encourage children to write down, share or act out a story they have never forgotten; for those wanting more of a challenge, have them write a poem based on their favorite story or author.