So in the interest of righting this wrong: a few of our favorites in no particular order...
The Barefoot Book of Classic Poems
Lush and vivid illustrations by Jackie Morris. A wonderful selection of classic poems, most of which were written with adults in mind but appeal to children as well. One of our very favorites.
The Oxford Illustrated Book of American Children's Poems
Not as classic a collection and mostly black-and-white illustrations, but a pretty book worth owning and has lots of variety.
Not as classic a collection and mostly black-and-white illustrations, but a pretty book worth owning and has lots of variety.
The Random House Book of Poetry
Jam-packed with lots and lots of great poems and Arnold Lobel's whimsical drawings. More geared toward children than some of the others books but still a nice selection.
Jam-packed with lots and lots of great poems and Arnold Lobel's whimsical drawings. More geared toward children than some of the others books but still a nice selection.
Very comprehensive, including classics short and long. And lovely line drawings grace most pages, in both black-and-white and color. A really beautiful collection.
Sing a Song of Popcorn
A fun one with drawings by a variety of famous children's illustrators. Again, this is more child-directed collection but there are enough classics mixed in to keep the volume from being overly silly.
Talking to the Sun
A lovely volume illustrated with art from the Met. The kids pull this one from the shelves often because it is a delight to look through--and read from too.
A Small Child's Book of Verse
This volume, edited and illustrated by Pelagie Doane, is another out-of-print book with a non-descript cover, but the Tasha Tudor-esque drawings are delightful and it is full of pleasing selections.
Favorite Poems Old and New
Although I tried to limit myself to more heavily-illustrated versions, I had to include Ferris here too. Weisgard's accompanying line drawings are few, but I have read to my littles from this volume for years and it will always be a family favorite.
A lovely volume illustrated with art from the Met. The kids pull this one from the shelves often because it is a delight to look through--and read from too.
A Small Child's Book of Verse
This volume, edited and illustrated by Pelagie Doane, is another out-of-print book with a non-descript cover, but the Tasha Tudor-esque drawings are delightful and it is full of pleasing selections.
Favorite Poems Old and New
Although I tried to limit myself to more heavily-illustrated versions, I had to include Ferris here too. Weisgard's accompanying line drawings are few, but I have read to my littles from this volume for years and it will always be a family favorite.
And, of course, you can't go wrong with A Child's Book of Poems, scheduled in AmblesideOnline Year 1. Gyo Fujikawa's charming vintage illustrations, an appealing layout on the page, and a wonderful and extensive selection of poems.
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Last but not least, a question for you all: any favorite choices for thematic poetry collections for children, like an a book of poems specifically about birds, or about animals, etc? My friend is asking and I'd love to pass along your suggestions to her, because I haven't found any themed collections that we have loved. Thanks in advance!
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Last but not least, a question for you all: any favorite choices for thematic poetry collections for children, like an a book of poems specifically about birds, or about animals, etc? My friend is asking and I'd love to pass along your suggestions to her, because I haven't found any themed collections that we have loved. Thanks in advance!
OOOOoooooo...thank you! :) I'm not familiar with all of these...I'm really beginning to enjoy poetry!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love that, Amy. <3
DeleteDouglas Florian has awesome collections on space and dinosaurs. The illustrations are dreamy, too!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteHave you ever use the Harp and Laurel Wreath by Laura Beriqust? I've been raised on that book!
ReplyDeleteYes! It's a good one too. :)
DeleteAs usual, you are awesome ;-) will definitely have to check out Florian for some boy-themed poetry! Otherwise, I think I'll go with your emailed suggestion to try and match illustration-style to the kiddos. You-da-best!
ReplyDeleteHope you find something that works for your sweeties. :)
DeleteLots of our favourites there too:)
ReplyDeleteThere are so many great ones, aren't there? I feel like poetry in general is just an embarrassment of riches. So happy that daily poem reading is part of "school"!
DeleteFrom one poetry lover to another...thanks for the suggestions, even though we have most of these titles. I will definitely be on the look-out for the ones we don't have. :) And my favorite season for reading poetry is just around the corner: winter! There is just something about curling up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee and Emily Dickinson, while the snow is coming down outside. :)
ReplyDelete