Extreme Reading by Alison Campbell

So there I am
Clinging to the side of the mountain
The blizzard conditions are extreme
The wind is trying to pry me off the rocks
The summit is in sight, but darkness is closing in
I reach for the next handhold---

When Mum comes in and says “It’s time for
lights out, put the book away.”

***

The tunnel through the cave
Twists and turns
It’s extremely dark and the torch is almost out
We can feel the magic thick and heavy around us
Is that a light up ahead?
I feel something at my back and turn slowly to see–

The camp counsellor coming to bring our cabin to
the dining hall.

***

I point my wheels down the mountain
And start off, gathering speed
We’ve solved the mystery and have the secret
We have to get back to town right away
But the slope is extremely steep
I’m having trouble controlling my mountain bike
What if I crash? There’s a big stump ahead—

And the car stops and Dad says “We’re here!
Everyone out!”

***

Summer reading is so exciting
I leave everything behind when I open my book
And meet incredible characters
And have amazing adventures
And find out cool stuff
And laugh (and cry) and shiver

But it’s extremely annoying to be interrupted
Just when I’ve come to the Good Part!

*This poem will be on reading record insert

Short Poem by Alison Campbell

I can dive into the ocean
I can sail across the sea
I can venture deep inside a cave
When books inspire me

I can ride into adventure
I can scale a mountain face
I can hike a winding forest trail
A bookmark keeps my place

Paddling down a river
Or skimming across the beach
When I’m between the covers
There’s no place beyond my reach

When I open up a book
There’s nothing I can’t do
The world is at my fingertips
Just turn a page or two

*The poem will be on the reverse side
of the bookmarks