The Dirigible Balloon
Poetry for Children

Strictly for Fruit and Vege

Listen to Chrissie Gittins reading her poem
Patrick Potato dances the polka
spinning his partner Penelope Plum.
Talia Tomato twists the twist
till her shiny skin becomes quite numb.

Cleo the Cabbage can can-can – yes she can,
as Lily the Leek line dances.
Martha Mushroom walks a slow minuet
and Watermelon Will – he waltzes.

Sandeep Strawberry sways to the salsa,
Ramandeep Raspberry revolves to the rumba.
Freddie the Fig has a go at the floss,
while Gary Guava is deep in slumber.

Abe Aubergine rocks the rock and roll,
Sisay Squash trips through the tango.
Then everyone stands statue still,
before beginning a fiery flamboyant fandango.

About the Writer


Chrissie Gittins

Three of Chrissie Gittins’ five children’s poetry collections were selected for the Children’s Poetry Bookshelf and two were shortlisted for the CLiPPA Award. She appeared on BBC Countryfile with Adder, Bluebell, Lobster and Stars in Jars is a Scottish Poetry Library recommendation. Chrissie won the Belmont Poetry prize and was a Manchester Children’s Literature Prize finalist. Her poems feature on Cbeebies, the Poetry Archive and are widely anthologised. She has judged the Caterpillar Poetry Prize and is a National Poetry Day Ambassador. www.chrissiegittins.co.uk