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[Grades PK-K] Poems for Children

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April 28th is National Great Poetry Reading Day. This day celebrates distinguished poetry and the notable poets who wrote them. As an art form, poetry may predate literacy.Children are natural poets. Read and enjoy the beauty of poetry!

Booklists with The Same Tags

  • The Random House Book of Poetry for Children

    Jack Prelutsky, Arnold Lobel

    Hardcover (Random House Books for Young Readers, Sept. 12, 1983)
    The most accessible and joyous introduction to the world of poetry!The Random House Book of Poetry for Children offers both funny and illuminating poems for kids personally selected by the nation's first Children's Poet Laureate, Jack Prelutsky. Featuring a wealth of beloved classic poems from the past and modern glittering gems, every child who opens this treasury will finda world of surprises and delights which will instill a lifelong love of poetry. Featuring 572 unforgettable poems, and over 400 one-of-a-kind illustrations from the Caldecott-winning illustrator of the Frog and Toad series, Arnold Lobel, this collection is, quite simply, the perfect way to introduce children to the world of poetry.
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  • The Cat in the Hat

    Dr. Seuss

    Hardcover (Random House Books for Young Readers, March 12, 1957)
    Poor Dick and Sally. It's cold and wet and they're stuck in the house with nothing to do . . . until a giant cat in a hat shows up, transforming the dull day into a madcap adventure and almost wrecking the place in the process! Written by Dr. Seuss in 1957 in response to the concern that "pallid primers [with] abnormally courteous, unnaturally clean boys and girls' were leading to growing illiteracy among children, The Cat in the Hat (the first Random House Beginner Book) changed the way our children learn how to read.
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  • BookSpeak!: Poems About Books

    Laura Purdie Salas, Josée Bisaillon

    Hardcover (Clarion Books, Oct. 25, 2011)
    A collection of wacky, whimsical poems about books and all the treasures they contain--honored with the Minnesota Book Award; NCTE Notable; Bank Street Best Books; Librarians' Choice; Honor Book - Gelett Burgess Center for Creative Expression; White Ravens book; and Nerdy Book Award. Laura Purdie Salas, the acclaimed author of Stampede!, is back with another collection of wild and weird, wacky and winsome poems about all the magic to be found on a single bookshelf. In BookSpeak!, each poem gives voice to a group that seldom gets a voice . . . the books themselves! Characters plead for sequels, book jackets strut their stuff, and we get a sneak peek at the raucous parties in the aisles when all the lights go out at the bookstore!Illustrator Josée Bisaillon's mixture of collage, drawings, and digital montage presents page after page of richly colored spreads filled with action and charm. Together, Salas and Bisaillon deliver a unique collection brimming with ideas as much about spines and dust jackets as they are about adventure and imagination.
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  • Green Eggs and Ham

    Dr.Seuss

    Hardcover (Beginner Books/Random House, Aug. 12, 1960)
    This Dr. Seuss classic starring Sam-I-Am will have readers of all ages craving Green Eggs and Ham! And don’t miss the new series adaption of Green Eggs and Ham now available on Netflix – featuring the voice talents of Michael Douglas, Diane Keaton, Daveed Diggs, and more! “Do you like green eggs and ham?” asks Sam-I-am in this Beginner Book by Dr. Seuss. In a house or with a mouse? In a boat or with a goat? On a train or in a tree? Sam keeps asking persistently. With unmistakable characters and signature rhymes, Dr. Seuss’s beloved favorite has cemented its place as a children’s classic. In this most famous of cumulative tales, the list of places to enjoy green eggs and ham, and friends to enjoy them with, gets longer and longer. Follow Sam-I-am as he insists that this unusual treat is indeed a delectable snack to be savored everywhere and in every way. Originally created by Dr. Seuss, Beginner Books encourage children to read all by themselves, with simple words and illustrations that give clues to their meaning."Pretty much all the stuff you need to know is in Dr. Seuss." —President Barack Obama
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  • Digger, Dozer, Dumper

    Hope Vestergaard, David Slonim

    Board book (Candlewick, Aug. 2, 2016)
    “Rising above the usual singsong name-checking, Vestergaard celebrates not only the jobs these machines perform but also their marvelous mechanics.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)Sixteen boisterous, rhyming poems—each one highlighting the job and personality of a different vehicle, from a backhoe to an ambulance to a snowplow—introduce young children to their favorite trucks face-to-face. Cheerful illustrations show each one in action, digging (or dozing, or dumping) away. Each truck and big machine in these enticing rhyming poems is different, and little readers are invited to find a vehicle that’s like them.
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  • Little Poems for Tiny Ears

    Lin Oliver, Tomie dePaola

    Board book (Nancy Paulsen Books, Feb. 21, 2017)
    Handpicked by Amazon kids’ books editor, Seira Wilson, for Prime Book Box – a children’s subscription that inspires a love of reading. The dynamic, best-selling team of Lin Oliver and Tomie dePaola have created a charming collection of baby poems that makes the perfect gift for baby showers and first birthdays.For babies and toddlers, each moment is full of wonder and discovery. This delightful collection of original poems celebrates the everyday things that enthrall little ones, such as playing peekaboo, banging pots and pans, splashing at bath time, and cuddling at bedtime. Full of contagious rhythm and rhyme, this inviting picture book introduces young children to the sound of poetry, and beloved illustrator Tomie dePaola’s engaging children are the perfect match for Lin Oliver’s lighthearted poems. Together they’ve created a book to be treasured that captures the magic and fun of being new in the world.
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  • One Leaf Rides the Wind

    Celeste Davidson Mannis, Susan Kathleen Hartung

    Hardcover (Viking Juvenile, Sept. 16, 2002)
    Introduces haiku through a collection of ten simple poems while exploring the diversity and beauty of a Japanese garden as one leaf, three miniature bonsai trees, and other plants and garden treasures are presented.
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  • Read-Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young

    Jack Prelutsky, Marc Brown

    Hardcover (Knopf Books for Young Readers, Oct. 12, 1986)
    First published in 1986 and just as fresh and relevant today, this widely acclaimed, child-friendly poetry anthology is now being reissued with a striking new jacket. In his introduction to this book Jim Trelease, bestselling author of The Read-Aloud Handbook, writes, “No one better recognizes the essence of the child-poetry connection than poet and anthologist Jack Prelutsky. . . . Here are more than 200 little poems to feed little people with little attention spans to help both grow. Marc Brown’s inviting illustrations add a visual dimension to the poems, which further engage young imaginations.” The poems are by 119 of the best-known poets of the 20th century.This book has been selected as a Common Core State Standards Text Exemplar (Grades K-1, Poetry) in Appendix B.
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  • Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

    Bill Martin Jr., John Archambault, Lois Ehlert

    Board book (Little Simon, Sept. 3, 2012)
    The complete edition of the bestselling children’s favorite, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, is now available as a Classic Board Book!A told B and B told C,“I’ll meet you at the topof the coconut tree.” When all the letters of the alphabet race one another up the coconut tree, will there be enough room?Of course there is always enough room for this rollicking alphabet chant that has been a children’s favorite for more than twenty years! Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault’s rhythmic text keeps the beat with Caldecott Honor illustrator Lois Ehlert’s bold, cheerful art. This winning combination has created a series of enduring Chicka Chicka favorites, and now, for the first time ever, the complete edition of the original Chicka Chicka Boom Boom story is available as a Classic Board Book. With sturdy pages and rounded corners, this portable edition of an irresistible alphabet romp will delight a new generation of young readers.
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  • Haiku Baby

    Betsy E. Snyder

    Board book (Random House Books for Young Readers, May 27, 2008)
    Perfect for a baby shower gift basket—Betsy Snyder's beloved tabbed board book celebrates the seasons in haiku!in tickly-toe grass a buttercup offers up yellow nose kisses The simple delights in baby’s natural world—a bird, a fish, a leaf, a snowflake, a raindrop—are celebrated in the traditional Japanese poetic form, the haiku. In just 17 syllables, a moment, a season, the elements are joyfully captured. Betsy Snyder's peaceful little board book has tabs to encourage little hands to turn the pages and adorable artwork to delight everyone!
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  • Here's A Little Poem: A Very First Book of Poetry

    Jane Yolen, Andrew Fusek Peters, Polly Dunbar

    Hardcover (Candlewick, Feb. 13, 2007)
    This exuberant celebration of poetry is an essential book for every young one’s library and a gorgeous gift to be both shared and treasured.Sit back and savor a superb collection of more than sixty poems by a wide range of talented writers, from Margaret Wise Brown to Gertrude Stein, Langston Hughes to A. A. Milne. Greeting the morning, enjoying the adventures of the day, cuddling up to a cozy bedtime — these are poems that highlight the moments of a toddler’s world from dawn to dusk. Carefully gathered by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters and delightfully illustrated by Polly Dunbar, Here's a Little Poem offers a comprehensive introduction to some remarkable poets, even as it captures a very young child’s intense delight in the experiences and rituals of every new day.
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  • My Very First Mother Goose

    Iona Opie, Rosemary Wells

    Hardcover (Candlewick, Sept. 27, 2016)
    Twenty years after Iona Opie and Rosemary Wells released their first collection of Mother Goose rhymes, the celebrated original is back in a gorgeous anniversary edition.To a small child, words are magical. And the most magical of all are the beloved words of Mother Goose. Here, folklorist Iona Opie has gathered more than sixty treasured rhymes in their most perfect, honest forms, from “Hey Diddle, Diddle" and “Pat-a-Cake” to “Little Jack Horner” and “Pussycat, Pussycat” — familiar verses that have been passed from parent to child for generations and are every child’s birthright. With watercolors by Rosemary Wells capturing the simple joy and sly humor of the classic nursery rhymes, this special anniversary volume features a case cover and jacket and includes a note from the illustrator on the unparalleled influence of Mother Goose, both during childhood and far beyond it.
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  • The Neighborhood Mother Goose

    Nina Crews

    Hardcover (Greenwillow Books, Dec. 23, 2003)
    Every day, children the world over sing, shout, and celebrate Mother Goose rhymes. And now there's a new reason to cheer: Nina Crews has added her own remarkable, jazzy style of illustration to a collection of forty-one favorite verses. Whether it's Jack jumping over a candlestick (atop a cupcake), Georgie Porgie kissing the girls (at the playground), or a fine lady riding a white horse (on the carousel), this exuberant treasury is sure to be read and enjoyed over and over again.
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  • Haiku Night

    Betsy E. Snyder

    Board book (Random House Books for Young Readers, July 11, 2017)
    Handpicked by Amazon kids’ books editor, Seira Wilson, for Prime Book Box – a children’s subscription that inspires a love of reading.Perfect for a baby shower gift basket—this companion to the beloved tabbed board book haiku baby celebrates the wonders of nighttime!wide awake at night two eyes shining warm and bright-- hello, little owl Just as she did in haiku baby, Betsy Snyder celebrates special moments in nature with the traditional Japanese poetic form. The sights and sounds of night--a firefly, a star, a cricket, a bat, a raccoon, and an owl--are joyfully captured in just 17 syllables each. This peaceful little board book has tabs to encourage little hands to turn the pages, and adorable artwork to delight children and parents alike! Betsy Snyder's distinguished books for toddlers and babies have received numerous awards and accolades, and are beloved by parents everywhere.
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  • Behowl the Moon: An Ageless Story from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream

    Erin Nelsen Parekh, William Shakespeare, Mehrdokht Amini

    Board book (Drivel & Drool, March 20, 2017)
    Presenting real Shakespeare in a way sure to entertain both small children and their parents, BEHOWL THE MOON turns the memorable last words of A Midsummer Night’s Dream into a romp through a wild, vibrant fairy forest. • Real Shakespeare: the text is a continuous, verbatim quotation from a beloved character at the end of one of the most famous plays of all time--not random snippets or an adaptation. • Gorgeous art: the award-winning illustrator turns the concrete imagery of the play into animals and fairies that will entice readers of all ages to read again and again. • Perfect for bedtime: continuous action and a narrative arc take the animal troupe through a gleeful, uncanny fairyland, a thrilling frolic, and a climactic confrontation before all settles down into peaceful rest. • Kickstarter success: the book was funded independently by a first-time publisher through a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign.
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  • The Wild Waves Whist: An Ageless Story from Shakespeare's the Tempest

    Erin Nelsen Parekh, Mehrdokht Amini

    Board book (Drivel & Drool, March 1, 2019)
    A verdant seaside full of wildlife and natural beauty is the backdrop as two children of color turn a day of exploring into a joyful adventure. The quotable Shakespeare text becomes a story as the friends venture from bright coast to sheltered glade and commanding hilltop, evoking the magic of The Tempest for those familiar, and stirring a straightforward love of language in those seeing the words for the first time. Babies and toddlers will enjoy pointing out the various animals peeking through the trees and vines, and the exuberant rooster will make an impression on young and old. Other animals include a turtle, fish, seagulls, heron, flamingo, hummingbird, toucan, crab, sloth, monkey, and deer.
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  • Wee Rhymes: Baby's First Poetry Book

    Jane Yolen, Jane Dyer

    Hardcover (Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, March 5, 2013)
    A favorite author and artist create an endearing collection of new and favorite illustrated rhymes and poems ideal for sharing.A baby’s day is full of meaningful moments: Time for cuddles, time for play, time for games, time for a nap, time for dinner, time for a bath, time for bed…and always, always, time for love. This joyous collection of more than fifty original poems and rhymes is divided into sections that celebrate each part of a young child’s daily routine. An anthology of new and favorite rhymes accompanied by gentle, evocative illustrations is a perfect gift for showers and a must-have addition to any child’s bookshelf.
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  • We Sang You Home

    Richard Van Camp, Julie Flett

    Hardcover (Orca Book Publishers, Oct. 18, 2016)
    In this sweet and lyrical board book from the creators of the bestselling Little You, gentle rhythmic text captures the wonder new parents feel as they welcome baby into the world. A celebration of the bond between parent and child, this is the perfect song to share with your little ones. Internationally renowned storyteller and bestselling author Richard Van Camp teams up with award-winning illustrator Julie Flett for a second time to create a stunning board book for babies and toddlers.
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  • Favorite Poems Old and New: Selected For Boys and Girls

    Helen Ferris, Leonard Weisgard

    Hardcover (Doubleday Books for Young Readers, Sept. 1, 1957)
    "Children are poets before they grow up and they should live with poems. I hope this book will encourage them to do so."—Eleanor RooseveltBeloved and treasured for over 60 years, here is the only poetry collection your family needs—brimming with favorite, classic poems carefully selected to inspire young readers. Over 700 classic and modern poems written by poets from William Shakespeare to J. R. R. Tolkien, Emily Dickinson to Langston Hughes, and covering a range of favorite topics—pets, playtime, family, nature, and nonsense—ensure that there’s a poem to please every child. A truly comprehensive collection that is the ideal way of introducing children to the joys of reading poetry."If your children think they don't like poetry, expose them to this collection . . . and I defy them to resist its magic."—Kirkus"A fine book for parents to read aloud to their children."—Library Journal"This volume stands out for the comprehensiveness of its selection."—The Horn Book
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  • My Village: Rhymes from Around the World

    Danielle Wright, Mique Moriuchi, Michael Rosen

    Hardcover (Frances Lincoln Children's Books, March 15, 2015)
    In a new edition of this special book, 22 nursery rhymes from Iran to Iceland and Samoa to Switzerland have been carefully chosen and beautifully illustrated by Mique Moriuchi. A celebration of cultural diversity, each poem appears in its original language (19 languages are included) next to an English translation so young children can delight in quirky, touching and funny verses from all over the world.
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