Val Harris - Poet
@valpoet.bsky.social
Children’s poet published in The Toy Press, Paperbound Mag, Little Thoughts Press, Caterpillar and lots on the Dirigible Balloon.
A CLASSROOM OF STARS first collection
Website - www.valharrispoet.co.uk
(Also writes poetry for grownups - same name 📕)
A CLASSROOM OF STARS first collection
Website - www.valharrispoet.co.uk
(Also writes poetry for grownups - same name 📕)
Reposted by Val Harris - Poet
We are here for helter-skelter leaves and bouncing, boppy poems!
Helter-Skelter by @valpoet.bsky.social, accompanied by artwork by Imogen Hartland is part of Little Thoughts Press Issue 11: Stirring Words, available now in print & pdf.
www.littlethoughtspress.com/issues
Helter-Skelter by @valpoet.bsky.social, accompanied by artwork by Imogen Hartland is part of Little Thoughts Press Issue 11: Stirring Words, available now in print & pdf.
www.littlethoughtspress.com/issues
October 27, 2025 at 5:38 PM
We are here for helter-skelter leaves and bouncing, boppy poems!
Helter-Skelter by @valpoet.bsky.social, accompanied by artwork by Imogen Hartland is part of Little Thoughts Press Issue 11: Stirring Words, available now in print & pdf.
www.littlethoughtspress.com/issues
Helter-Skelter by @valpoet.bsky.social, accompanied by artwork by Imogen Hartland is part of Little Thoughts Press Issue 11: Stirring Words, available now in print & pdf.
www.littlethoughtspress.com/issues
Thrilled to see that, along with Nia Broomhall, Poet in Residence @Painshill Painshill Park in Cobham, Surrey, our poems for children are being featured on a new Fairy Door Trail for the winter, from 28th November. I cannot wait to see it! ❄️❄️🐾🍄🦔🐿️👀🧚♂️🧚♀️
November 7, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Thrilled to see that, along with Nia Broomhall, Poet in Residence @Painshill Painshill Park in Cobham, Surrey, our poems for children are being featured on a new Fairy Door Trail for the winter, from 28th November. I cannot wait to see it! ❄️❄️🐾🍄🦔🐿️👀🧚♂️🧚♀️
Thank you @littlethoughtspress.com for publishing my poems in your ##StirringWords edition of your fab magazine amongst so many wonderful poems and short stories 😍
September 6, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Thank you @littlethoughtspress.com for publishing my poems in your ##StirringWords edition of your fab magazine amongst so many wonderful poems and short stories 😍
July 31, 2025 at 10:14 AM
Very excited to have a poem in this lovely new edition! Thank you @littlethoughtspress.com
Theme & submission info for Issue 12 is coming later next week, but if you want to get an early peek, subscribe to our (free!) newsletter. A new one is going out tomorrow and will include a little something about our upcoming theme!
littlethoughtspress.beehiiv.com/subscribe
littlethoughtspress.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Little Thoughts Press
Kid-Lit Publication News & Reading Recommendations from Little Thoughts Press
littlethoughtspress.beehiiv.com
July 31, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Very excited to have a poem in this lovely new edition! Thank you @littlethoughtspress.com
Reposted by Val Harris - Poet
I'm thrilled to have 3 poems in this fab online book. All proceeds from sales fund Compassiviste Foundation's work to create a more equitable + sustainable future for all
#poem #poems #LibrarySky #EduSky #BookSky #poetry #TeacherSky #poetrylovers #PoetrySky
@fhpowellwriter.bsky.social
#poem #poems #LibrarySky #EduSky #BookSky #poetry #TeacherSky #poetrylovers #PoetrySky
@fhpowellwriter.bsky.social
July 15, 2025 at 7:09 AM
I'm thrilled to have 3 poems in this fab online book. All proceeds from sales fund Compassiviste Foundation's work to create a more equitable + sustainable future for all
#poem #poems #LibrarySky #EduSky #BookSky #poetry #TeacherSky #poetrylovers #PoetrySky
@fhpowellwriter.bsky.social
#poem #poems #LibrarySky #EduSky #BookSky #poetry #TeacherSky #poetrylovers #PoetrySky
@fhpowellwriter.bsky.social
Reposted by Val Harris - Poet
People: vaccines save lives. Lies take lives.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: A child has died after contracting measles in Liverpool, where public health officials fear a growing outbreak of the disease.
Full story: www.thetimes.com/article/bb28...
Full story: www.thetimes.com/article/bb28...
Measles outbreak kills child in Liverpool as vaccination rate plunges
The death in Liverpool, where one in four young children are not protected, is fuelling warnings that the virus could spread like ‘wildfire’
www.thetimes.com
July 13, 2025 at 10:43 AM
People: vaccines save lives. Lies take lives.
Reposted by Val Harris - Poet
Daily poetry prompt: Write a poem that doesn't rhyme but uses a repetitive pattern to build up a rhythm.
Try it with different subjects - this dog, this pen, this tree, this bike, this guitar, this key.....
Examples here: brian-moses.blogspot.com/2019/11/this...
Try it with different subjects - this dog, this pen, this tree, this bike, this guitar, this key.....
Examples here: brian-moses.blogspot.com/2019/11/this...
Welcome to the Ssssssnake Hotel
This Car This car has been driven into walls and into sunsets. It has slipped down mountain tracks, almost ending up on its bac...
brian-moses.blogspot.com
July 14, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Daily poetry prompt: Write a poem that doesn't rhyme but uses a repetitive pattern to build up a rhythm.
Try it with different subjects - this dog, this pen, this tree, this bike, this guitar, this key.....
Examples here: brian-moses.blogspot.com/2019/11/this...
Try it with different subjects - this dog, this pen, this tree, this bike, this guitar, this key.....
Examples here: brian-moses.blogspot.com/2019/11/this...
Reposted by Val Harris - Poet
Daily poetry prompt: Do you have an imaginary friend?
She was always there,
watching me as I slept.
Memories of her baggy jumper,
the hug she once gave me.
As real as a person but as distant
as a star.
More here: brian-moses.blogspot.com/2012/07/imag...
She was always there,
watching me as I slept.
Memories of her baggy jumper,
the hug she once gave me.
As real as a person but as distant
as a star.
More here: brian-moses.blogspot.com/2012/07/imag...
IMAGINARY FRIENDS
The Girl in the Red Jumper She was always there, watching me as I slept. Memories of her baggy jumper, the hug she once gav...
brian-moses.blogspot.com
July 9, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Daily poetry prompt: Do you have an imaginary friend?
She was always there,
watching me as I slept.
Memories of her baggy jumper,
the hug she once gave me.
As real as a person but as distant
as a star.
More here: brian-moses.blogspot.com/2012/07/imag...
She was always there,
watching me as I slept.
Memories of her baggy jumper,
the hug she once gave me.
As real as a person but as distant
as a star.
More here: brian-moses.blogspot.com/2012/07/imag...
@littlethoughtspress.com thank you so much for accepting my poem for your Stirring Words issue. Delighted to be among such lovely poets!
July 3, 2025 at 4:33 PM
@littlethoughtspress.com thank you so much for accepting my poem for your Stirring Words issue. Delighted to be among such lovely poets!
A wonderful week of #poetry
An acceptance from The Toy Press- a Workshop with Nia Broomhall Poet in Residence at Painshill Park, and recorded poem for the poetry trail. An Open Mic at West End Centre, hosted by Nia, and today I delivered another workshop to some wonderful care home residents.
An acceptance from The Toy Press- a Workshop with Nia Broomhall Poet in Residence at Painshill Park, and recorded poem for the poetry trail. An Open Mic at West End Centre, hosted by Nia, and today I delivered another workshop to some wonderful care home residents.
June 27, 2025 at 6:39 PM
A wonderful week of #poetry
An acceptance from The Toy Press- a Workshop with Nia Broomhall Poet in Residence at Painshill Park, and recorded poem for the poetry trail. An Open Mic at West End Centre, hosted by Nia, and today I delivered another workshop to some wonderful care home residents.
An acceptance from The Toy Press- a Workshop with Nia Broomhall Poet in Residence at Painshill Park, and recorded poem for the poetry trail. An Open Mic at West End Centre, hosted by Nia, and today I delivered another workshop to some wonderful care home residents.
Reposted by Val Harris - Poet
Christmas #kidlituk poetry from the fabulous @attielime.bsky.social?? Yes, please! ☃️
ICYMI: We're publishing a brand new festive poetry collection by the wonderful @AttieLime 🎄📚
'A Welly Full of Christmas' is coming just in time for Christmas. Find out more 👇
tinytreebooks.com/2025/05/23/t...
'A Welly Full of Christmas' is coming just in time for Christmas. Find out more 👇
tinytreebooks.com/2025/05/23/t...
Tiny Tree Acquires Festive Poetry Collection from Attie Lime -
Tiny Tree Books has acquired a festive poetry collection from children's poet Attie Lime.
tinytreebooks.com
June 2, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Christmas #kidlituk poetry from the fabulous @attielime.bsky.social?? Yes, please! ☃️
Reposted by Val Harris - Poet
Yesterday I confirmed another 2026 school visit & 3/5 days in #NationalPoetryDay week 2025 are already booked. Plenty of in-between dates available but don't dilly-dally! Fun, imaginative visits, bringing the joy of poetry to Nursery - Year 6 🤩 #readingforpleasure #poetry #kidlituk #eduskyuk
June 12, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Yesterday I confirmed another 2026 school visit & 3/5 days in #NationalPoetryDay week 2025 are already booked. Plenty of in-between dates available but don't dilly-dally! Fun, imaginative visits, bringing the joy of poetry to Nursery - Year 6 🤩 #readingforpleasure #poetry #kidlituk #eduskyuk
Reposted by Val Harris - Poet
Attie Lime: Finding Your Voice childrenspoetrysummit.com/2025/06/12/a...
Attie Lime: Finding Your Voice
We’re told to read lots to write better. Children’s poetry books are my go-to when I’m stuck in a writing rut. But we’re also expected to write with originality and freshness, and…
childrenspoetrysummit.com
June 12, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Attie Lime: Finding Your Voice childrenspoetrysummit.com/2025/06/12/a...
Reposted by Val Harris - Poet
Way too much of this going on in my house at the mo! 'The Chat' from Blue Jelly and Strawberries, published by @otterbarrybooks.bsky.social. Buying a wobbly blue and yellow book would be a great way to support your favourite indie bookshop during #independentbookshopweek 🍓 (Signed copies from me 😊)
June 17, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Way too much of this going on in my house at the mo! 'The Chat' from Blue Jelly and Strawberries, published by @otterbarrybooks.bsky.social. Buying a wobbly blue and yellow book would be a great way to support your favourite indie bookshop during #independentbookshopweek 🍓 (Signed copies from me 😊)
Reposted by Val Harris - Poet
We @frazzledlit.bsky.social are open for our summer competition the Frazzled Lit Short Story Award.
Check the OP for details!
Check the OP for details!
One and a half weeks to go, to get your submissions in for the @frazzledlit.bsky.social Short Story Award, judged by Nuala O'Connor @nualaoconnor.bsky.social.
First prize is €1,000, second is €500 and third is €300.
Closes on June 30th!
www.frazzledlit.com/p/ready-to-s...
First prize is €1,000, second is €500 and third is €300.
Closes on June 30th!
www.frazzledlit.com/p/ready-to-s...
Ready to submit? Here's the link...
Everything you need to know is right here...
www.frazzledlit.com
June 20, 2025 at 12:35 PM
We @frazzledlit.bsky.social are open for our summer competition the Frazzled Lit Short Story Award.
Check the OP for details!
Check the OP for details!
Reposted by Val Harris - Poet
The poetry of Neal Zetter
From 'Chicken in the Kitchen' - my 13th book, due 1 Sept:
#poem #poems #LibrarySky #EduSky #BookSky #poetry #TeacherSky #poetrylovers #PoetrySky #PoetryCommunity #WritingCommunity #teachers #literacy @schoolreadinglist.bsky.social #kidlit @troikabooks.bsky.social
#poem #poems #LibrarySky #EduSky #BookSky #poetry #TeacherSky #poetrylovers #PoetrySky #PoetryCommunity #WritingCommunity #teachers #literacy @schoolreadinglist.bsky.social #kidlit @troikabooks.bsky.social
June 23, 2025 at 7:15 AM
The poetry of Neal Zetter
Reposted by Val Harris - Poet
ICYMI @paulwritespoems.bsky.social put our Loz's book, Motherbunnet, in his esteemed Book Bag and delivered some news from some brilliant fellow mags and presses. 👇🏼👇🏼
We have our Short Story Award coming up. Opens on 1st June - 30th, judge Nuala O'Connor! @NualaNiC.
Details: frazzledlit.com
We have our Short Story Award coming up. Opens on 1st June - 30th, judge Nuala O'Connor! @NualaNiC.
Details: frazzledlit.com
This week in The Book Bag 📚💼
Motherbunnet by @lozzawriting.bsky.social,
News featuring
@frazzledlit.bsky.social @blackboughpoetry.bsky.social
@rfredekenter.bsky.social
@brokenspinearts.bsky.social
Motherbunnet by @lozzawriting.bsky.social,
News featuring
@frazzledlit.bsky.social @blackboughpoetry.bsky.social
@rfredekenter.bsky.social
@brokenspinearts.bsky.social
The Book Bag has landed. This week featuring Motherbunnet by Laura Cooney, a pamphlet that is honest, sincere and fun.
What are you waiting for? Take a few minutes for you while reading my thoughts.
Also plenty news to read, features to see and submission opportunities.
#poetrycommunity
What are you waiting for? Take a few minutes for you while reading my thoughts.
Also plenty news to read, features to see and submission opportunities.
#poetrycommunity
May 7, 2025 at 8:53 AM
ICYMI @paulwritespoems.bsky.social put our Loz's book, Motherbunnet, in his esteemed Book Bag and delivered some news from some brilliant fellow mags and presses. 👇🏼👇🏼
We have our Short Story Award coming up. Opens on 1st June - 30th, judge Nuala O'Connor! @NualaNiC.
Details: frazzledlit.com
We have our Short Story Award coming up. Opens on 1st June - 30th, judge Nuala O'Connor! @NualaNiC.
Details: frazzledlit.com
She really is a wonderful and generous poet
For #lifttothesky this week, I want to highlight the work of Julie Stevens - a remarkable, generous poet. Please do check out her website.
From my poem Refuel in Journey Through the Fire. Thanks to everyone who has pre-ordered Forest Girl. All proceeds to the Multiple Sclerosis Trust again. There’s a special bundle on my website for both books if you’re interested. Some flowers too 🌷🙂 www.jumpingjulespoetry.com/book-shop
April 28, 2025 at 8:01 AM
She really is a wonderful and generous poet
Easter/spring poems up on my website for children. Happy Easter week 😍
www.valharrispoet.co.uk
www.valharrispoet.co.uk
Home - Val Harris Poet
A Classroom of Stars A Classroom of Stars is Val’s debut collection of poems for children aged 7 -11. It’s a truly charming and whimsical book, packed full of fun and ironic poems that, despite being ...
www.valharrispoet.co.uk
April 14, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Easter/spring poems up on my website for children. Happy Easter week 😍
www.valharrispoet.co.uk
www.valharrispoet.co.uk
Reposted by Val Harris - Poet
I'm doing a post office run this morning ... 🥳
15 books left for sale! Many thanks to all who have bought one this week.
If anyone else wants one DM before 10am and I'll post it today.
15 books left for sale! Many thanks to all who have bought one this week.
If anyone else wants one DM before 10am and I'll post it today.
April 11, 2025 at 7:33 AM
I'm doing a post office run this morning ... 🥳
15 books left for sale! Many thanks to all who have bought one this week.
If anyone else wants one DM before 10am and I'll post it today.
15 books left for sale! Many thanks to all who have bought one this week.
If anyone else wants one DM before 10am and I'll post it today.
It’s a fools day today.
Here’s one for the MUGWUMPS
Along came the cockalorum
Dressed all in trumpery
With a mopsical flop-wig.
Fudgelling the onlookers
With his mumpsimus opinions.
What a mugwump!
Here’s one for the MUGWUMPS
Along came the cockalorum
Dressed all in trumpery
With a mopsical flop-wig.
Fudgelling the onlookers
With his mumpsimus opinions.
What a mugwump!
April 1, 2025 at 12:02 PM
It’s a fools day today.
Here’s one for the MUGWUMPS
Along came the cockalorum
Dressed all in trumpery
With a mopsical flop-wig.
Fudgelling the onlookers
With his mumpsimus opinions.
What a mugwump!
Here’s one for the MUGWUMPS
Along came the cockalorum
Dressed all in trumpery
With a mopsical flop-wig.
Fudgelling the onlookers
With his mumpsimus opinions.
What a mugwump!
Reposted by Val Harris - Poet
AND THE WINNER IS … “A Proper Poetry Pamphlet Competition #05″
Well, this is going to be a busy week - and I am rather chuffed indeed to be able to announce the winner of this, our rather special Proper Poetry Pamphlet Competition. And the Shortlisted Poets are, in no particular order: Miriam Otto…
Well, this is going to be a busy week - and I am rather chuffed indeed to be able to announce the winner of this, our rather special Proper Poetry Pamphlet Competition. And the Shortlisted Poets are, in no particular order: Miriam Otto…
AND THE WINNER IS … “A Proper Poetry Pamphlet Competition #05″
Well, this is going to be a busy week - and I am rather chuffed indeed to be able to announce the winner of this, our rather special Proper Poetry Pamphlet Competition. And the Shortlisted Poets are, in no particular order: Miriam Otto Benjamin Oldcorn Hannah Ray He Jiang (Commended) Val Harris Nicola Stephenson Lydia Bennett Liz Kendall (Highly Commended)
www.hedgehogpress.co.uk
March 22, 2025 at 10:51 PM
AND THE WINNER IS … “A Proper Poetry Pamphlet Competition #05″
Well, this is going to be a busy week - and I am rather chuffed indeed to be able to announce the winner of this, our rather special Proper Poetry Pamphlet Competition. And the Shortlisted Poets are, in no particular order: Miriam Otto…
Well, this is going to be a busy week - and I am rather chuffed indeed to be able to announce the winner of this, our rather special Proper Poetry Pamphlet Competition. And the Shortlisted Poets are, in no particular order: Miriam Otto…
Reposted by Val Harris - Poet
The poetry of Val Harris
CAT AND DOG TALK
Said the cat to the dog,
‘Ah, you’re tied up I see,
By a collar and leash,
While I wander free.’
Said the dog to the cat,
‘Yes, they want me to stay,
But perhaps they don’t care
If you run away!’
Said the cat to the dog,
‘Ah, you’re tied up I see,
By a collar and leash,
While I wander free.’
Said the dog to the cat,
‘Yes, they want me to stay,
But perhaps they don’t care
If you run away!’
March 21, 2025 at 7:31 AM
The poetry of Val Harris