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As if I couldn't!: A collection of poems for small and grown-up children Kindle Edition

4.9 out of 5 stars 16 ratings

Embark on a whimsical adventure with As if I couldn’t!, a delightful collection of poems, brimming with both tenderness and humour, for small and grown-up children.

Each piece brings to life the playful, carefree spirit of childhood. It’s all about having fun, being silly, mischievous or even a little cheeky. It involves girls, boys, and animals. It’s about everything and anything that may spark a child’s imagination or sense of wonder. It’s about finding joy in simple things.

Katarina Bikard’s illustrations perfectly depict this whimsy and playfulness. Her ink blots, scattered across the paper at random, represent both the mistakes and frustration a child might feel as they learn how to write, as well as the messiness of a happy childhood spent jumping into puddles or splashing paint all over the walls. The unpredictable drawings remind us to appreciate the simple beauty and humour of life’s fleeting moments, giving the finishing touch to As if I couldn’t! to make it a cherished keepsake for families, educators, and poetry lovers.

Ideal for bedtime reading or a simple anytime reflection, this collection is not just a book for children. It’s an open door to shared memories, glee, and warmth for readers of all ages. So, come in and discover the treasures within As if I couldn’t!

Let it be the new-classic addition to your bookshelf.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DNTPBP5Q
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 22, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 887 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 86 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 out of 5 stars 16 ratings

About the author

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Bohumila Ottova
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Among other things, Bohumila has studied drama and modern literature. Her first ever short story placed as runner-up in the Strasbourg Write a Story competition in 2015, sparking love for writing that still burns brightly today. She has had over twenty stories, twenty one poems and two articles published in international competitions, anthologies, and magazines, around the world, including the Paul Cave Prize for Literature and the Oxford Flash Fiction Prize.

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
16 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2025
    Come with me to a magical place, a faraway world where anything is possible. We can meet Peter Pan or become friendly pirates, follow haunting footprints or share a smile. Wherever we go, and whatever we may find, the true magic of our hearts shines as bright as the starry heavens.
    As if I Couldn’t! A Collection of Poems for Small and Grown-Up Children by Bohumila Ottova is a remarkable poetry book for all ages. I simply adore poetry like this. Each work takes the reader on a marvelous journey, opening the doors of the imagination as we discover the true beauty of the impossible. Gently breaking through the barriers of normality, these magical poems seamlessly switch from humorous to deeply touching in this whirlwind trip across the universe. My top three favorites are As You Do, which reminds me of my favorite superhero, When You Smile, which makes me think if someone I deeply love, and As if I Couldn’t, which is ME spelled out across the page. The minimalist illustrations by Katarina Bikard perfectly compliment the poems, prompting the reader to look deeper. Taken together, this delightful poetry book reminds each of us that the magic of those simple childhood days still glows within our hearts, even if we’ve forgotten about it for a little awhile.
    Earning five out of five stars for its beautiful message of believing in the impossible and embracing each new horizon, this collection is a perfect choice for reading together or individually. Containing a whole universe of wonder within its pages, this journey to absolutely anywhere is a must-have for all who love wonderful worlds of whimsy.
    This review was originally published on Reedsy Discovery. I received a free review copy of the book, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2025
    As if I couldn't! is a charming collection of poems. We had a good laugh with my children, because there's some mischief in there. I can only strongly recommend it.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2025
    Encouragement for children
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2025
    This collection of poems overflows with joy, curiosity, and childhood magic. The playful words and ink-blot illustrations make for an enchanting experience. It’s not just a book—it’s a feeling, a memory, a smile waiting to happen. A perfect read for kids, parents, and anyone young at heart!
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2025
    From mischievous fun to heartwarming moments, As If I Couldn’t! beautifully captures what it means to be a child. The poems are light and joyful, perfect for little ones and nostalgic adults alike. With unique illustrations adding extra charm, this book is a true treasure for any bookshelf.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2025
    Bohumila's first book of poetry is a delightful one! Filled with engaging and entertaining poems of life, love, silliness, and nostalgia, this book is a must-have for the family who likes to read together or the classroom teacher who needs solid poetry books in their library. This is a fun collection for all ages! Be sure to check out the author's second book, as it's equally as entertaining and enjoyable. Both great additions to your bookshelf!
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2025
    This book is a playful celebration of childhood, filled with charming poems and quirky illustrations. It captures the joy of imagination, silliness, and wonder. Whether reading alone or sharing with a child, it’s a delightful experience that brings warmth and laughter. A must-have for poetry and storytelling lovers!

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Aye A.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beatrix Potter - double act
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 29, 2024
    I just read this delightful poem collection by Bohumila Ottova and accompanying illustrations by Katarina Bikard.... WOW.. how uplifting, how delightful and how utterly delicious! I savoured every word, every line, every illustration and every character. 
    - the music box ballerina who caught a cold and her runny nose altering her gracious pose
    - Jimmy the Kangaroo who escaped from the zoo to get ice-cream from the seven-eleven store
    - Theo the Kind Porcupine who brought fruits on his back for everyone to snack
    - contrast Theo to the the cheeky Fluffy Bear, who bids good night to all when there's something to share.
    - the Hungry Mountain who ate the clouds and spat out rocks, who drank the rain and spat out the sea. ( imagine that!) 
    - the creepy, crawley friends - Jody the Spider, Pete the Centipede, Amy the Ladybird and her cousin Bert weaving away our universe! 
    - Toby the pirate who jumped of the ship's plank, bounced on a whale and got sent back.

    All these delightful characters are leaping out of the pages like Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle Duck. Let the ink blobs evolve to colour and we have the double-act Beatrix Potter! 

    Your poems made me laugh out loud, like the one about not eating French beans because of not wanting to eat greens that only speaks French or the poem about getting dressed elegantly but forgetting to put on the pants! 

    The collection is oozing with positive vibes, imagination and humour.  What a treat it was to read this collection and THANK YOU for laughs and igniting the child in me. You describe yourself as a false grown up. From the poems, I can see that you are a true kid. Congratulations!
  • RI
    5.0 out of 5 stars Such a joy!
    Reviewed in France on November 25, 2024
    I discovered Bohumila Ottova while reading short stories (e.g. Ayrshire stories , But words can never heart me etc.) and I liked her style immediately! I am so pleasantly surprised to read these poems for children (and adults, I might say😊). Such a joy! If you want to pass a great moment and go back to childhood, read this book!
  • Kamila Hlavsová
    5.0 out of 5 stars We love it❤️
    Reviewed in Germany on March 18, 2025
    My children are already grown up, and it was a real pleasure to read the poems together during a long car ride. I think every child—big or small—will love the playfulness of the book.
  • Ms. F. J. Morris
    5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful, imaginative, fun and cute collection of poems!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 17, 2024
    A wonderful, imaginative, fun and cute collection of poems! You'll have fun reading them with your little ones too.
  • Marion Scales
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un vrai bonheur de lecture.
    Reviewed in France on December 8, 2024
    J'ai beaucoup apprécié ces poèmes. Ils sont excentriques, drôles, mignons et agréables à lire. Un petit livre très créatif, j'ai hâte de découvrir d'autres poèmes de cette auteure.
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