They Only See the Outside

This collection of insightful and endearing poems explores what kids experience on the inside that cannot be seen from the outside. From topics that readers experience every day, like the agony of waiting for recess, to the monotony of homework, to things that aren’t easy to talk about, like death and bullying, the poems are incredibly relatable.

This empathetic collection by renowned Kalli Dakos is a unique reflection of what makes up some of the collective experiences of life.

Kalli Dakos is a children’s poet and educator. She visits schools across the United States and Canada to encourage children and teachers to write about their own lives.

She has written many collections of school poems that include six ILA/CBC Children's Choice Selections, such as If You’re Not Here, Please Raise Your Hand.

She lives in Ottawa, Canada, and has an office in Ogdensburg, NY. Visit her onlineopens in new window.

Jimothy Oliver is an illustrator who produces commissioned work for clients worldwide. He has worked as a freelance illustrator since 1995 including a stint working as an in-house illustrator at Elsevier in London.

He lives in the United Kingdom.

The poems in this book will make connections for children and help them feel as though they are not alone. Reminiscent of Shel Silverstein, Oliver’s illustrations bring a tender relatability to the poems through their expressive simplicity. They complement them perfectly. These poems remind adults that children are so much more than they appear…. Teachers should have these poems at the ready to share as their students go through difficult times, or to help to build empathy.
—School Library Journal

A teacher’s tool that reaches beyond borrowed pencils and hall passes... Dakos handles difficult topics deftly... The selections—almost half from prior publications—seem to have been gathered with the publisher’s mission front of mind, suiting it best for a teacher’s class collection or a school counselor.
—Kirkus Reviews

They Only See the Outside: Interview with the Author (PDF, 300KB)opens in new window
Read an interview with Kalli Dakos, author of a new collection of poems, about the process of making this book and how poetry can help children better understand their feelings and feel less alone.