Shaun Jex
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shaunjexauthor.bsky.social
Shaun Jex
@shaunjexauthor.bsky.social
310 followers 480 following 920 posts
Writer. Book Goblin. Given to Meandering.
he/him
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Shaun Jex @shaunjexauthor.bsky.social · 2d
For no good reason, this week's poetry post is about robots. Enjoy!
#poetry #poetrycommunity #kidlit

shaunmjex.wordpress.com/2025/11/09/d...
Do Androids Dream of Electric Poems?
Poems (and a writing prompt) about robots. Helpful and otherwise.
shaunmjex.wordpress.com
shaunjexauthor.bsky.social
Probably the best color I was able to get from today's solar storm.
Northern Lights
November 12, 2025 at 6:09 AM
shaunjexauthor.bsky.social
We made a friend out on our afternoon hike.
A white tailed deer
November 11, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Reposted by Shaun Jex
kurtbusiek.bsky.social
Okay, so fantasy football is a thing.

But doesn't that imply the existence of mystery football, horror football and the like? Maybe Regency football, screwball football, Ruritanian football and more?
November 11, 2025 at 4:09 AM
Reposted by Shaun Jex
stefankarlsson.bsky.social
Lately I’ve been tucking #kidlit poetry zines into neighborhood Little Free Library boxes 📚

Everyone has the power to make something beautiful—something that reflects your hopes for a kinder, more joyful world—and share it with others ✨

#NationalPoetryMonth #poetry #zines #PoetryCommunity
April 14, 2025 at 6:49 PM
shaunjexauthor.bsky.social
Thanks to @thetoypress.bsky.social for another #wordoftheweek

This week's poem is based on actual events.

You know...more or less.

#poetry #poetrycommunity #kidlit #poetryforkids #writingcommunity
Why Sasquatch Split Town Last night I saw ol’ Sasquatch Down by the railroad track He told me, “I’m leaving town And won’t be coming back ‘Round here they call me Bigfoot Though I try to explain My foot size is quite normal And my first name is Wayne…” © Shaun Jex
November 10, 2025 at 8:35 PM
shaunjexauthor.bsky.social
Leafing through a book of folklore called "Marvelous Critters of Puget Sound" which was published in 1913 and taken from articles in the Seattle Star newspaper. It's got my mind drifting through the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest.
boats in the water and clouds around a mountain.
November 10, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Reposted by Shaun Jex
litkidsmagazine.bsky.social
Lit Kids is in a real pinch for Issue 8: Air! 🌪️
We still need writing pieces from 5 to 13 y/o creatives to curate this issue! Please send submissions by 11/14 for consideration. Thanks, and keep shining! ✨
litkidsmagazine.wixsite.com/lit-kids-mag...

#parents #teachers #kidlit #submissions #emag
a cartoon drawing of a person using a laptop with the words write written around them
ALT: a cartoon drawing of a person using a laptop with the words write written around them
media.tenor.com
November 9, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Reposted by Shaun Jex
littlethoughtspress.com
Our 3rd annual From Trash to Treasure #kidlit poetry contest opens on Thursday, November 13th!

This year's special guest judge is last year's winner @tracierenee.bsky.social!

Check out all the contest details and polish up those discarded darlings!

www.littlethoughtspress.com/post/our-3rd...
Our 3rd Annual "From Trash to Treasure" Kidlit Poetry Contest!
Little Thoughts Press and the Revision Raccoon are excited to announce the return of our “From Trash to Treasure” Kidlit Poetry Contest!
www.littlethoughtspress.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:53 PM
shaunjexauthor.bsky.social
A little over halfway through Franz Xaver von Schonwerth's collection "The Turnip Princess and Other Newly Discovered Fairy Tales," and I can't express how wonderfully strange and beautiful these stories are. Even tales similar to those found in Grimms' seem odd and new.
A prince, a bear, and a turnip
November 10, 2025 at 5:48 AM
shaunjexauthor.bsky.social
For no good reason, this week's poetry post is about robots. Enjoy!
#poetry #poetrycommunity #kidlit

shaunmjex.wordpress.com/2025/11/09/d...
Do Androids Dream of Electric Poems?
Poems (and a writing prompt) about robots. Helpful and otherwise.
shaunmjex.wordpress.com
November 9, 2025 at 4:51 PM
shaunjexauthor.bsky.social
Sure, you've heard of Sasquatch, but how about Sheepsquatch? Our Friday #folklore comes from West Virginia, near Point Pleasant (home of the infamous Moth Man). It is said to have the head of a dog, the horns of a ram, and a wooly body. In some tales he's skittish. In others, aggressive.
Sheepsquatch statue at Cryptid Mountain Miniature Golf in Morgantown, West Virginia (WBOY image)
November 7, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Reposted by Shaun Jex
litkidsmagazine.bsky.social
HELP! Know a talented 5-13 y/o kid?
Please send their writing, art, or photos for LKM's Issue 8: Air! 🌪️
We have open submissions through 11/14 and can't wait to shine a spotlight on young talent. Please spread the word, subscribe, and keep shining! ✨
litkidsmagazine.wixsite.com/lit-kids-mag...
#emag
a boy taking a picture with a polaroid land camera
ALT: a boy taking a picture with a polaroid land camera
media.tenor.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:56 PM
shaunjexauthor.bsky.social
It's Thursday. You know what that means.

It's time for #folklore

Behold, the Whiffenpoof. It can only be caught in the dead center of a perfectly round, frozen lake. Lure it with cheese & spit in its eye. It'll swell with rage, getting itself caught in the ice hole. After that, just scoop him up.
A Whiffenpoof getting tobacco spit in its eye, illustration by Margaret Ramsey Tryon. From the 1939 book Fearsome Critters by Henry H. Tryon
November 6, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Reposted by Shaun Jex
kaymedway.bsky.social
#poetry #poem #poetrycommunity
When a friend books her time off to be with her twin, or all six together of her brothers and sisters, I am back thinking about my nan, two generations above us, but one of eight children just the same. I once had too the family numbers my friend celebrates now. Uncle Ben, at his funeral, only then I knew he had his strength for numbers: accountancy, business, post office, bookies. Uncle Morris, a boxer in his youth, wanted never any trouble. Pip, proud of his adult daughters in office and London jobs, would always ask if I had for myself a little job too then. Uncle Harry liked things done properly: visitor chairs in hospitals put back, bushes pruned, house cleared. Uncle Louis had a house with Georgian windows, though I wish I had known of him more. The list of relatives extends, but I miss knowing family in large numbers after they left in a sad and quick succession.
November 6, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Reposted by Shaun Jex
litkidsmagazine.bsky.social
Calling #parents and #teachers! 📣
We desperately need WRITING SUBMISSIONS for Issue 8: Air! 🌪️
Please send us work from 5-13 y/o creatives by 11/14 for consideration. Our mentors can't wait to spotlight young talent. Keep shining! ✨
litkidsmagazine.wixsite.com/lit-kids-mag...

#kidlit #emag #writers
a penguin sits at a desk with a stack of books and a pencil in its mouth
ALT: a penguin sits at a desk with a stack of books and a pencil in its mouth
media.tenor.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:38 PM
shaunjexauthor.bsky.social
Here's a Wednesday morning poem for your enjoyment.

#poetry #poetrycommunity #kidlit #folklore #mythology
A raven sits atop a light pole
November 5, 2025 at 3:08 PM
shaunjexauthor.bsky.social
The AP has officially called NYC for Zohran Mamdani!
November 5, 2025 at 2:38 AM
shaunjexauthor.bsky.social
For today's bit of #folklore : In the tradition of the Penobscot Nation of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pamola is the Guardian of K'taadn, the highest peak in Maine. There is a cultural taboo against climbing the mountain. Storms, snow, and high winds are signs of Pamola's displeasure.
"In the oral traditions of the Penobscot people, a hideous, birdlike creature protects Mount Katahdin, now the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Harshad Marathe for Atlas Obscura" Source link: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/pamola-mount-katahdin
November 4, 2025 at 7:46 PM
shaunjexauthor.bsky.social
I tried to conjure up a fairy tale in response to the #wordoftheweek from @thetoypress.bsky.social . I hope you all enjoy it.

#poetry #poetrycommunity #kidlit #poetryforkids #writingforchildren
A Winter’s Tale Once, on a cold winter evening After darkness blanketed the sky An old woman recited the words Of a fairy tale she’d heard as a child Each word of the story was a spark A glimmer that floated about the room “I’ll catch them in a jar,” she said And they will light my house until spring!” But light is meant for sharing So she told one tale, and then another Crafting lanterns with her words Before scattering them through the woods Once, on a cold winter evening After darkness blanketed the sky A child found lights amidst the snow Illuminating the winding path back home © Shaun Jex
November 3, 2025 at 7:44 PM
shaunjexauthor.bsky.social
In honor of holidays like All Saints Day, Dia de los Muertos, and Samhain, this week's poetry blog post is about poems of remembrance.
#poetry #poetrycommunity #kidlit
shaunmjex.wordpress.com/2025/11/02/a...
A Poetry Ofrenda: Verses of Remembrance
A look at poetry for remembering loved ones.
shaunmjex.wordpress.com
November 2, 2025 at 4:49 PM
shaunjexauthor.bsky.social
A bit curious to have never read Jill Murphy's "The Worst Witch" until now, but it was a charming and delightful little book. I can't wait to read more of Mildred Hubble's misadventures.
A young witch and a tabby cat on a broomstick
November 1, 2025 at 7:05 PM
shaunjexauthor.bsky.social
Watched Weapons tonight and, hoo boy, Zach Cregger is quickly turning out to be one of our best horror directors. Terrifying, funny, thoughtful, and plenty to mull on when the credits roll. This is incredible storytelling.
Children running down the road
November 1, 2025 at 5:50 AM
shaunjexauthor.bsky.social
Wishing one and all a very happy Halloween. Here's a little haunted poem for your enjoyment.

#poetry #poetrycommunity #kidlit #childrenspoetry
A Very Haunted House A ghost in the attic A ghost on the stair A ghost that’s reclining In Dad’s favorite chair A ghost in the kitchen A ghost in the loo A ghost in the closet Who’s wearing my shoe A ghost in the hallway A ghost ‘neath my bed A ghost by the coat rack Who calls himself Fred A ghost in the basement A ghost in the yard A ghost who is riding On our St. Bernard A ghost by the washer A ghost by the door A ghost that is sleeping In my bottom drawer A ghost in the garden A ghost in Mom’s blouse I’m starting to think we Should buy a new house © Shaun Jex
October 31, 2025 at 2:42 PM
shaunjexauthor.bsky.social
Down here in red dirt country, folks tell of the Oklahoma Octopus, a massive freshwater cephalopod known to drag swimmers to their doom. Some say she can even crawl out of the water and walk from lake to lake. The doomed swimmers always seem to have a curiously high blood alcohol level.
#folklore
Two divers in front of an octopus (artist not listed)
October 31, 2025 at 2:25 PM
shaunjexauthor.bsky.social
It's Thursday, so how about a bit of #folklore with another Fearsome Critter? Rather than slithering, the hoop snake rolls along. It has a stinger on its tail with incredibly deadly toxins. Luckily, you can confuse it by jumping through its hoop. Just don't miss.
#folklorethursday
A hoop snake rolling after a rabbit
October 30, 2025 at 2:34 PM