The Dirigible Balloon
Poetry for Children

Bumf

Paper I don’t like:

The bits of the newspaper with wars and disasters in them.
The toilet paper they use at school.
Fliers from the Taj Mahal Takeaway.
Litter all over the park.
My maths homework after I’ve tried to do it.
Birthday paper wrapped around my present from my brother (I’m going to hate it.)
Mum’s diary (it has dentist appointments and parents evenings in it.)

Paper I like:

The bits of the newspaper with film and pop stars in them.
The school blue paper towel for when you’ve hurt yourself.
Fliers from the Leaning Tower Takeaway.
Litter when we do a litter-pick at Brownies.
My maths homework after I’ve coloured it in.
Birthday paper wrapped around my present to my brother (he’s going to hate it.)
The notebook with the book I’m writing in it.

About the Writer


Hilary Elder

Hilary was born, raised and lives in the Far North of England – though she has been to other places. She loves writing for children and grownups, and doing projects helping people get the most out of words. She has work published in Tyger Tyger, The Caterpillar, Paddle Press, The Dirigible Balloon and Northern Gravy, among others. Her first book of poems comes out with Valley Press in 2025. Find her at hilaryelder.com