April is National Poetry month, did you know that? That is actually one of the first things I learned when I started writing online. I’ve learned a lot over these last several years, some of it is even useful!
To kick off National Poetry month here on the blog, I have a fun list of 12 poetry books for kids. Their parents just might enjoy them as well. And since I’ve picked mine up from the library, I’m including the Dewey decimal number for each book, too.
Poem Depot: Aisles of Smiles written and illustrated by Douglas Florian (j811.54 F635pd 2014) – This new book reminds me a lot of Shel Silverstein. It’s silly fun poetry.
Shiver Me Timbers! Pirate Poems & Paintings poems by Douglas Elorian, pirates by Robert Neubecker (j811.54 F635pi 2012) – All sorts of pirate-y hijinks in this one. For some reason, it makes me think of The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything.
Outside the Box: A Book of Poems by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Diane Goode (j811.6 W746o 2014) – Another new arrival at our library. Also reminds me of Shel Silverstein.
Poems I Wrote When No One Was Looking by Alan Katz, drawings by Edward Koren (j811.54 K199p 2011) – The first poem made me laugh out loud, so did the one entitled “In My Opinion.”
Poetry for Young People: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow edited by Frances Schoonmaker, illustrated by Chad Wallace (j811.3 qL853Xs 1998) – Classic poetry with a short biography of the poet in the beginning.
Papa is a Poet: A Story About Robert Frost by Natalie S. Bober, illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon (j811.52 qF939Zbo 2013) – The story of Robert Frost from the perspective of one of his children. A selection of Frost’s poetry is also included. I love the illustrations of this book, the colors are lovely.
Father, We Thank You by Ralph Waldo Emerson, illustrated by Mark Graham (j811.3 qE53f 2001) – The paintings that illustrate this poem are soothingly beautiful. I do believe this one will be finding a permanent home on our bookshelves. It’s lovely.
More Pocket Poems selected by Bobbi Katz, illustrated by Deborah Zemke (j811.008092 qM836 2009) – Some of these are really short, like two words short. These would be good for Poem in Your Pocket Day.
Home on the Range: Cowboy Poetry selected by Paul B. Janeczko, pictures by Bernie Fuchs (j811.008032 qH765 1997) – If you have a cowboy in your home, he might enjoy this one. It just goes to show that you can find poetry for just about anyone, even rugged cowboys.
Noisy Poems for a Busy Day by Robert Heidbreder, illustrated by Lori Joy Smith (j811.54 qH4651n 2012) – This is a fun one that is reminiscent of Dr. Seuss with made up words and wording that just seems to move.
Busy in the Garden by George Shannon, pictures by Sam Williams (j811.54 qS5283b 2006) – This is a great one for toddlers and preschoolers.
Animal Tracks: Wild Poems to Read Aloud by Charles Ghigna, illustrated by John Speirs (j811.54 qG423a 2004) – These are fun poems about animals, another one that would be good for toddlers and preschoolers.
What books would you add to this list? Does your family like poetry?
[…] is National Poetry Month and we’ve celebrated by reading poetry books so far. I decided to take it a step further and try writing some poetry. We are starting with […]