The Dictionary of Dads
The Dictionary of Dads (currently on it’s third re-print) is my debut solo poetry collection published by Otter-Barry books and illustrated by Steve Wells. There's over 50 poems - funny and thought-provoking - about different sorts of fathers.
Reviews
"A lot really jump off the page when read aloud, proving the author's pedigree and training in the school recital that led up to this debut publication. But even from a more published name I might not have been expecting such a successful spread." Bookbag
"A lively collection " Carousel
"A collection to enjoy which gives plenty to think about that will resonate with many children and fathers everywhere ." Book for Keeps 4 stars
"A fantastic book that gathers together just about every type of dad you can think of in a brilliant poetry A-Z." Read It Daddy
"Young readers will find themselves wondering about what it means to be a father after reading what is a rather good debut by a writer well-known on the performance circuit for his poetry as well as his spoken word theatre shows for young people. Nice, simple illustrations are by Steve Wells." Poetry Zone
"Dads come in all shapes and sizes: in this, his debut collection, performance poet, Justin Coe introduces a veritable alphabetic assortment… It’s impossible to mention all the dads that feature in this collection but it’s certainly one I’d want to add to any primary class collection, or to a family bookshelf. Steve Wells’ visual pen-and-ink embellishments are numerous – at least one per spread – and add to the individual reader’s enjoyment." Red Reading Hub
"Full of laughs and thought provoking, The Dictionary of Dads is best read out loud, and will be loved by children and parents alike." Kids' Book Review
The Magic of Mums
The Magic of Mums is my second collection with Otter-Barry Books, following The Dictionary of Dads, and illustrated once more by Steve Wells. OUT NOW!
Reviews
“With Mother’s Day coming up, this is the ideal time to grab a copy of this super compilation celebrating The Magic of Mums, another
terrific read aloud, and I’m pretty sure young readers will find their own
particular special mother figure lurking somewhere within its covers: and to
make life easier, Justin has penned a poem (or two or even three) for every
letter of the alphabet….Altogether a super celebration of motherhood in all its shapes and forms for individual reading, or even better, reading aloud to that certain awesome mum…” Red Reading Hub
“The book moves through well-judged shades of humour, light and sadness….Throughout, Steve Wells' sparky illustrations emphasise the inclusive nature of this book, one that is charged with humour and love.” Alison Kelly, Reading Zone
“We all know that mums come in all shapes and sizes – well there’s a poem
for every one of them here. Mums who work hard, mums who are famous, mums who are gentle, mums who come in pairs and, sadly, mums who are no longer at home or those Windrush mums who are not wanted now by the Mother Country. Interesting and moving, this book is a companion to Coe’s earlier Dictionary of Dads.” PoetryZone
“Mums to admire, mums to entrance, mums who fuss and some football-mum chants – every type of mum, even a dad who’s a part-time mum, is within these poems from Justin Coe. Children will enjoy finding the poetry version of their own mum in these pages, and schools will certainly never be without a great poem for Mothers’ Day – there’s a good range of styles, personalities and aspects of motherhood covered!” Liz Brownlee, Poetry Roundabout.
Caveman Dad illustrated by Steve Wells
Sportsman Dad illustrated by Steve Wells