All Round the Year

E. Nesbit (1858 – 1924) was one of the first authors of English children’s literature and poetry who have completely redefined the genre. Authoring and co-authoring more than 60 books, she was also known for her work as a political activist and co-founder of the socialist Fabian Society.Nesbit was under 30 years of age when she published her first book of poetry, Lays and Legends. Although she was far more prolific and skilled as an author of short stories and novellas, her poetry quickly caught on, and she was particularly active in publishing her poems during the late 1880s and early 1890s.All Round the Year is a short and insightful book of poetry that focuses on describing the seasons and various aspects of nature in a gentle, soothing and often playful fashion. The book was co-authored with Saretta Green in 1888, and continues to be one of Nesbit’s most well-known lyrical works.Contrasting tones, hues and themes create colorful scenes and dynamically changing landscapes shaped by the authors’ well-chosen words. The warmth of summer and the dark, cold winter are both portrayed in a cyclical, flowing fashion, along with the hidden beauty of all the seasons.One of the unique characteristics of this poetry book is the fun and imaginative style it was written in. Aside from Nesbit’s expressive focus on nature, she also uses a straightforward and playful arrangement that has the first stanza of each poem begin with the last line of the one before. The technique is used as further emphasis on rebirth and continuity, as they appear in nature as well.Children and adults alike can greatly enjoy this delightful poetry book crafted by Edith Nesbit with the help of her half-sister, Saretta Green. The inspiring little poems included in this collection will help you see nature in a way that only Nesbit could have envisioned it, while enjoying beautiful and soothing imagery portrayed throughout each included poem.