Grammy Award-Winning Album Features Local Poet

Bonney Lake resident Eric Ode wears many hats – singer, songwriter, poet, pirate and small business-owner. Now, he can add Grammy Award-winner to his list.

Ode contributed two poems to All About Bullies, Big and Small, the album that won the Grammy for Best Children’s Album of the Year.

The 37-track compilation CD gives advice for children who are being bullied and, on some tracks, even gives bullies some perspective on how their actions make others feel. It’s a mix of national and international musicians, poets and spoken word artists.

Ode began writing children’s poetry when he worked for the Puyallup School District, where he taught mostly fourth grade over 12 years.

“We used a lot of poetry in the classroom, and being surrounded by all of that wonderful work was very motivating,” said Ode. “I did write a bit of music now and again for my students, but mostly I began writing children's music for some choirs I was directing at our church.”

While most artists find inspiration through adult struggles and problems, Ode finds his in the hopes and dreams of childhood.

“What I most love about writing music and poetry for kids is that there is no room for cynicism,” said Ode. “You can be silly or sensitive or frightening, but I don't think there's any reason to create a pessimistic world for kids. Adult music is full of cynicism, but when it comes to kids' music, no thanks.”

Ode wrote two poems for All About Bullies – “Labels,” performed by Heidi Swedberg, (the actress who played George Costanza’s wife on Seinfeld.) His second contribution is the poem ‘Keep Your Chin Up,’ performed by children’s artist Amy Otey.

Ode’s poems speak to the struggles of adolescence and the need for acceptance.

From “Labels:"

I’m wonderful, clever,

I’m too complicated for names

that you call me and labels you pick.

A label belongs on a jar full of pickles

they don’t go on me, and I won’t let them stick.

The compilation is a volunteer effort – the album’s producer invited Ode to participate. All proceeds go to the National Center for Bullying Prevention.

You can listen to tracks from All About Bullies, Big and Small for free on the album website, as well as purchase the album.

It’s not the first time an album Ode contributed to got a Grammy nod – Around the Campfire, a CD filled with “cowboy poetry and other nonsense,” earned a nomination in 2008.

Throughout the years, Ode contributed to 17 children’s anthologies and has two books of children’s poetry published. Tall Tales of the Wild West (And a Few Short Ones) is a collection of humorous cowboy poetry published by Meadowbrook Press.

Ode's second book will debut soon. Look for When You’re a Pirate Dog and Other Pirate Poems, soon to be available through Pelican Publications.

Ode was also one of the “Seven Clever Pirates” and his wife, Kim, runs Jubilee Naturals in Sumner.

Ode plans to continue his writing and local performances at libraries, schools and local events.

Performing for kids, said Ode, is one of his greatest joys.

“When kids react, they react with absolute honesty. They won't fake it for the sake of being polite. If they love something, they show it. If a kid is smiling or laughing, it's coming from a real place.”

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You can find out more about Eric Ode on his website, http://www.ericode.com/