The Dirigible Balloon
Poetry for Children

Isn’t it a Wonder?

Isn't it a wonder how a penguin can stay warm,
stood upon the snow during a fierce Antarctic storm?
An undercoat of blubber, topped with thick and fluffy feathers,
helps him to confront even the harshest winter weather.
Humans need to layer on a second cosy skin,
but penguins have a puffer coat already factored in!

Isn't it a wonder how a kangaroo can keep
her newborn baby comfy as she leaps through outback, deep?
A pouch upon her tummy means that she can jump, jump, JUMP!
While baby joey snoozes, bouncing with a bump, bump, BUMP!
Humans need to carry babies in a newborn sling,
but kangaroos have body parts exactly for this thing!

Isn't it a wonder how a camel can go days
without a sip of water in the hot Saharan haze?
A hefty hump upon his back, filled up with H2O,
helps him stay hydrated, even when he's on the go.
Humans need to think ahead and bring a thermos flask,
but camels have a body part all ready for this task!

Isn't it a wonder how a woodpecker can bore,
deep into a tree trunk, so it’s hollowed to the core?
A long and pointed beak ensures success in this tough quest,
helping her create a cosy hole to call a nest.
Humans need to buy a tool to cut and carve and drill,
but woodpeckers already have a built-in power-bill!

Isn't it a wonder how so many different creatures
have fantastic body parts with fascinating features?
From beaks, to humps, to horns, to trunks, to feathers, fur and wings.
Our animals are truly the most wondrous of things!
Humans are amazing too, with vast imaginations,
but it isn't hard to see how nature serves us inspiration!

About the Writer


Sue Lancaster

Sue is a children's writer living in South West London with her husband, two children and pet budgie, Buddy. Before turning her hand to writing, Sue worked in TV as a Production Manager and got her degree in Media Studies at the University of East London. She grew up in Clacton on the coast of Essex and spent much of her childhood writing stories and poems, playing with her three cats, and being tormented by her two older brothers.