Edinburgh teacher limerick book inspired by class kids
Added: (Tue Apr 13 2021)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
A retired headteacher from Edinburgh stumbled across the attraction of limericks during a stand-in class for 10-year-olds.
Gerald Cowan was blown away by the fun and engagement the five-lined poems created with his primary school pupils.
And he quickly became a convert – composing his own humorous verses most days during the commute to West Lothian in the run up to his retirement.
The 69-year-old has now published his first collection, Loose Limericks, to a string of five-star reviews from amused and entertained readers.
Gerald explained: “Loose Limericks came about as a result of a lesson I delivered towards the end of my career.
“I covered a class for a teacher who was absent, but she had left a beautifully planned and crafted session which totally inspired the ten-year-olds.
“They were totally engrossed in the humour, rhythm and structure.
“The lesson passed all too quickly - I was also caught up in the spirit of the exercise and set myself the target of writing one or two limericks each day in the run up to my retirement.
“I ran them past my partner, Ernie, for approval!”
Loose Limericks introduces readers to the likes of silly young strongman, Russ, to Yvonne, the ageing stripper, and weather forecaster, Annette.
The collection of almost 130 original limericks has been described by reviewers as ‘laugh out loud hilarious’, ‘would cheer anyone up’, and ‘you can’t help but laugh’.
Thrilled reviewer Allan Cowan stated: “A lovely taste of light-heartedness in these difficult times.”
Gerald, who lists Peter Tinniswood and E F Benson among his favourite authors, is delighted with the reviews he’s received since the Christmas publication of Loose Limericks.
He added: “I am very proud of the end-product and have had very positive feedback.
“Some readers have told me that it is the kind of book they cannot put down, once started.
“Others have said it has ‘the cheer up factor’ during these difficult Covid times.”
Prior to composing his limericks Gerald authored and published several educational papers as well as anti-bullying campaigns.
During his 47 years as a teacher – which included 27 as a head – he also wrote plays, music and songs for school productions.
For more details, visit Amazon and search for Gerald Cowan, where the paperback and Kindle formats of Loose Limericks are both available.
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