Lois Letchford: Dyslexia, Reading Poems - The Jester's Last Report to the King

28 Aug 2020 · 1 min

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In this short video segment, the host introduces Lois Letchford, author of Reverse to Memoir and a self‑described literacy problem‑solver, and invites her to read a favorite poem from her book The Sheriff of Rottenshot. Letchford recites "The Court Jester's Last Report to the King," a whimsical, rhyming piece that lists a cascade of absurd calamities befalling a king’s castle—lizards devouring wizards, princes turned toads, trolls, pirates, ogres, dragons, giants, and even a disappearing nose—culminating in a playful "April Fool!" The reading showcases Letchford’s engaging, light‑hearted style, illustrating how humor and vivid fantasy imagery can make poetry accessible and enjoyable, especially for audiences who may struggle with traditional literacy challenges such as dyslexia.

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Hello, Lois Letchford, author of the book Reverse to Memoir and literacy problem solver, reading from the book The Sheriff of Rottenshot and one of my favourite poems, The Court Jester's Last Report to the King. Oh sire, my sire, your castle's on fire. I fear it's about to explode. A hideous lizard has eaten the wizard. The prince has turned into a toad. Oh sire, good sire, there's woe in the shire. Fierce trolls are arriving in force. There are pirates in port, monstrous ogres at court, and the dragon has melted your horse. Oh sire, great sire, the tidings are dire. A giant has trampled the school, your army has fled, there are bees in your bed. And your nose has come off. April Fool!