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Exploring Poetry Booklist
Source: Parents Choice Foundation
In April, celebrate National Poetry Month with the following suggestions guaranteed to tickle and teach. Even the youngest riddlers will be encouraged to explore poetry: from Bali to Zanzibar, from Frankenstein to the Elympics. This varied collection offers poetic choices for even the toughest to please.
For All Ages
Falling Up
Written by Shel Silverstein
Published by Harper Collins Children's Books;
ISBN: 0-06-024802-5
Children's favorite Shel Silverstein presents another amusing collection of poems for all ages in "Falling Up." Those who have enjoyed "Where the Sidewalk Ends" and "A Light in the Attic" won't want to miss these.
Ashley Bryan's ABC of African American Poetry
Compiled and Illustrated by Ashley Bryan
Published by Simon and Schuster/Atheneum;
ISBN: 0689812094
Illustrator Ashley Bryan weaves a spiritual collection of select African American poets together in this truly original piece. The ABCs are the unconventional strand upon which Bryan strings the varying voices of the poets. The poets are vividly illustrated through full-page paintings.
It's Raining Pigs & Noodles
Written by Jack Prelutsky, Illustrated by James Stevenson
Published by Harper Collins Children's Books/Greenwillow;
ISBN: 0-0602-9194-X
Read these poems aloud and the reaction is sure to be laugh-aloud fun. Masterful word-play makes for marvelous poems in this collection that will likely be memorized by readers of all ages.
Ages Infant - 3 yrs.
Here Comes Mother Goose
Written by Iona Opie, Illustrated by Rosemary Wells
Published by Candlewick Press;
ISBN: 0-7636-0683-9
A fresh interpretation on the classic, this version of Mother Goose offers charming appeal to early-readers. Illustrations by Rosemary Wells amuse and entertain, while complimenting the classic text.
Animal Trunk: Silly Poems to Read Aloud
Written by Charles Ghigna, Illustrated by Gabriel
Published by Harry N. Abrams, Inc.;
ISBN: 0-8109-4200-3
It's a zoo in here! Vivid, primary-colored images of all sorts of animals illustrate these simple poems for young readers or listeners
Ages 4 yrs. - Up
Rice Is Life
Written by Rita Goldman Gelman, Illustrated by Yangsook Choi
Published by Henry Holt & Company, Inc.;
ISBN: 0-8050-5719-6
This beautifully illustrated book, set in Bali, explores the life cycle of growing rice. Each page contains a poem and a painting and prose paragraphs that compliment them. It offers a unique look at the life of a farming family in a presentation that is truly original.
Is It Far to Zanzibar?
Written by Nikki Grimes, Illustrated by Betsy Lewin
Published by Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books;
ISBN: 0-688-13157-3
Lively, rhythmic, humorous poems introduce children to the ambience of East Africa. Swahili words are also included in the text, with a glossary at the end to explain their meaning. This book is both educational and fun.
Aneesa Lee and the Weaver's Gift
Written by Nikki Grimes, Illustrated by Ashley Bryan
Published by Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books;
ISBN: 0-688-15555997-4
The craftsmanship, solitude, and emotions of the artist are explored in poems about a weaver. The emotionally-expressive, vivid paintings perfectly capture and enhance these poems.
Some From the Moon, Some From the Sun: Poems and Songs for Everyone
Written and Illustrated by Margot Zemach
Published by Farrar, Straus & Giroux;
ISBN: 0-374-39960-3
The last work of the late illustrator Margaret Zemach offers a potpourri of lyrical words and images that readers of all ages can enjoy. The wide range of moods and styles, perspective and subject matter entertains readers, while the tribute to Zemach's life offers inspiration.
Elympics
Written by X.J. Kennedy, Illustrated by Geaham Percy
Published by Penguin Putnam, Inc.;
ISBN: 0-399-23249-4
If your child is full of Olympic spirit following the winter games, you won't want to miss this entertaining book of poems about elephants who compete in both the Summer and Winter Olympics. The illustrations are as amusing as the poems and are sure to keep them coming back for more.
A Zooful of Animals
Selected by William Cole, Illustrated by Lynn Musinger
Published by Houghton Mifflin Children's Books;
ISBN: 0-395-77873-5
Forty-five humorous poems by forty-three poets, ranging from Kenneth Grahame to X. J. Kennedy. Compiled by William Cole, this book offers refreshing poetic pieces, free from standard metaphors, yet full of fun.
Angels Ride Bikes
Written by Fancisco X. Alarcon
Published by Children's Book Press;
ISBN: 0-89239-160-X
in both Spanish and English verse. Vivid illustrations, full of life, accompany the text.
Making Friends with Frankenstein: A Book of Monstrous Poems and Pictures
Written by Collin McNaughton
Published by Candlewick Press;
ISBN: 156402962X
Completely silly and completely fun, this monstrous book is sure to entertain time and time again. A must to be read-aloud, both reader and listener will enjoy the tongue-tripping lyrics and exuberant illustrations in the book.
Emily Dickinson's Letters to the World
Written and Illustrated by Jeanette Winter
Published by Farrar, Straus, & Giroux;
ISBN: 0374321477
A selection of 21 Emily Dickinson poems discovered by her sister after her death. Subdued, tasteful paintings accompany the text, which covers a variety of subjects. This book serves as a thoughtful introduction for children to Dickinson's work.
Ages 8 yrs. - Up
Edna St. Vincent Millay
Written by Frances Schoonmaker, Illustrated by Mike Bryce
Published by Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.;
ISBN: 0-8069-5928-2
Thirty-four carefully chosen poems introduce children to the work of Edna St. Vincent Millay. Subtle watercolor paintings accompany each poem. A biography of her life is presented at the beginning of the story.
Laugh-eteria
Written by Douglas Florian
Published by Harcourt Brace & Company;
ISBN: 0-15-202084-5
Similar in style to Shel Silverstein, Florian offers a plethora of rhymes riddled with stinky feet, slimy food, monsters, bugs, and dinosaurs - subjects sure to amuse any 8-year old. Pen and ink drawings illustrate the silly poems that adults are sure to enjoy as well.
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