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Children's Poetry
Readers of all ages love the lyrical magic of poetry, and children love to learn about the poets who create
beautiful poetry. This Showcase features poetry, books about poetry, and poet biographies, and it is an excellent resource during National Poetry Month and Young People's Poetry Week.
Please browse the titles below and click on those that interest you to see cover art and a full book
description. Some of the titles may also include examples of interior art that offer a clearer representation of the actual book. The titles included in the Showcase are selected by their publishers
who provide the art and descriptive information.
These books are available at your local bookstore, which we urge you to patronize. Your local
bookseller can supply these titles and offer professional, informed help in selecting other good books for children. Check the American Booksellers Association's directory of member bookstores for a bookseller near you.
If you do not have convenient access to any local bookstores, you can purchase these CBC Showcase books online from independent bookstores at  .
CBC Showcase is a bimonthly thematic bibliography available only online. Please visit the Showcase Archive to view previous lists, which include Poetry Titles, Math and Counting Books, Folk and Fairy
tales, The African-American Experience, Humorous Books, Holiday Titles, and much more.
19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East
, written by Naomi Shihab Nye.
Ages: 11 and up. This volume collects for the first time all of Naomi Shihab Nye's poems about the Middle East, about peace, about being an Arab-American in the United States. (Greenwillow Books)
Bubblegum Delicious
, written by Dennis Lee, illustrated by David McPhail.
Ages: 5-9. In the tradition of Jack Prelutsky and James Stevenson, an internationally renowned children's poet's comic verses are teamed with warm and funny illustrations by a best-selling artist. (HarperCollins Children's Books)
Cassandra's Angel
, written by Gina Otto, illustrated by Trudy Joost. Ages: 3-9. In this tale told in lyrical rhyme,
Cassandra feels lonely and misunderstood until a special angel guides her to inner truth. (Illumination Arts)
Corn-Fed, written and illustrated by James Stevenson. Ages: 9 and up.
The sixth in James Stevenson's series of "Corn Books" is fat, full, robust, healthy, and full of energy ... in short, corn-fed! (Greenwillow Books)
Crowning Glory
, written by Joyce Carol Thomas, illustrated by Brenda Joysmith.
Ages: 4-8. With these joyous poems, this National Book Award-winning author lovingly celebrates the beauty and distinction of African-American hair. (Joanna Cotler Books)
Emily Dickinson's Letters to the World
, written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter. Ages: 5 and up. A brief description of the life of Emily
Dickinson and a selection of her poems. (Farrar, Straus and Giroux / Frances Foster Books)
Footprints on the Roof--Poems About the Earth
, written by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Meilo So. Ages: 8-12.
Poems in celebration of our home-Earth. From the subject of volcanoes to outer space, this striking collection will entrall the reader. (Knopf)
The Frogs Wore Red Suspenders
, written by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Petra Mathers.
Ages: 5 and up. Poet laureate of the preposterous, Jack Prelutsky has a new partner in rhyme, Petra Mathers, and the result is a stupendous spree of 28 exuberantly illustrated poems. (Greenwillow Books)
Fun is a Feeling
, written by Chara Curtis, illustrated by Cynthia Aldrich.
Ages: 3-9. Find your fun! "Fun isn't something or somewhere or who. It's a feeling of joy that lives inside of you." (Illumination Arts)
Girl Coming in For a Landing--A Novel in Poems
, written by April Halprin Wayland, illustrated by Elaine Clayton.
Ages: 12 and up. A delightful novel in poems that reveals the witty, insightful comments of a high school girl throughout the year as she finds the poetry in her world. (Knopf)
Give Yourself to the Rain
, written by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Teri L. Weidner. Ages: 4-8.
Twenty-four newly discovered poems for the very young, from the beloved author of Goodnight Moon. (Margaret K. McElderry Books)
Glory, written by Nancy White Carlstrom, illustrated by Debra Reid Jenkins.
Ages: 3 - 8. A praise poem that encourages children to delight in God's creation and to participate by saying thanks. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers)
Good Morning, Sweetie Pie
, written by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Jane Dyer.
Ages: 1-5. The precious moments never end in this must-have gift book for the very young. (Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers)
Happy Birthday Mr. Kang
, written and illustrated by Susan L. Roth. Ages: 4-8. Bright collage illustrations help tell this warm
story with a positive message and multicultural appeal. (National Geographic Society)
Hey You! C'Mere: A Poetry Slam
, written by Elizabeth Swados, illustrated by Joe Cepeda. Ages: 6-12. A spontaneous, joyful outpouring
of poems. (Arthur Levine Books)
Hoofbeats, Claws & Rippled Fins: Creature Poems
, edited by Lee Bennett Hopkins, illustrated by Stephen Alcorn.
Ages: 9 and up. From the majesty of a lone buffalo to the whimsy of a cat, fourteen poems and relief-block prints celebrate the diversity, mystery, and beauty of the animal kingdom. (HarperCollins Children's Books)
How to Write Poetry
, written by Paul Janeczko. Ages: 9-14.
A celebrated poet shares his tips on the art of writing poetry. (Scholastic Inc.)
A Humble Life: Plain Poems
, written by Linda Oatman High, illustrated by Bill Farnsworth. Ages: 5 and up. A year in the life of an
Amish family, told in poetry and paintings. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers)
If I Were In Charge, the Rules Would Be Different
, written and illustrated by James Proimos.
Ages: 5 and up. A sparkling new voice in poetry makes a welcome---and hilarious--debut! (Scholastic Press)
The Kingfisher Book of Funny Poems
, edited by Roger McGough, illustrated by Caroline Holden. Ages: 7 and up.
"The Underwater Wibbles," Jack Prelutsky; "The Scorpion," Hillaire Belloc; "Some One," Walter de la Mare; "Batty," Shel Silverstein; "Bee! I'm Expecting You!," Emily Dickinson. (Kingfisher)
Langston Hughes: American Poet
, written by Alice Walker, illustrated by Catherine Deeter. Ages: 7-11. Pulitzer Prize-winning author
Alice Walker celebrates the life of Langston Hughes, one of the greatest American poets of the 20th century. (HarperCollins Publishers/Amistad)
Leaf by Leaf: Autumn Poems
, edited by Barbara Rogasky, illustrated by Marc Taus.
Ages: 7 and up. Stunning keepsake collection of poetry by twenty-five celebrated poets, illustrated with exquisite photographs. (Scholastic Press)
Love That Dog
, written by Sharon Creech. Ages: 8-12.
"I guess it does / look like a poem / when you see it / typed up / like that." From Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech - a story about how words can change your life. (Joanna Cotler Books)
Lunch Box Mail: and Other Poems
, written and illustrated by Jenny Whitehead. Ages: 4-9. A delightful poetry collection about childhood
experiences by a talented newcomer. (Henry Holt and Company)
My Kingdom for a Horse
, edited by Betty Ann Schwartz, illustrated by Alix Berenzy.
Ages: 8-12. A gorgeously illustrated anthology of horse poems. (Henry Holt and Company)
The Paper Doorway: Funny Verse and Nothing Worse
, written by Dean Koontz, illustrated by Phil Parks.
Ages: 9-13. From "The Woggle Wrangler" to "The Wart," from the "Boogeyman" to "The Bear with One Green Ear," Dean Koontz's poetry is wickedly amusing fun. (HarperCollins Children's Books)
Peacock and Other Poems
, written by Valerie Worth, illustrated by Natalie Babbitt. Ages: All.
"If there ever was a poet who could fill the most commonplace things with remarkable meaning that illuminates as it entertains, it is Valerie Worth." --Voya. (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
Poetry by Heart
, illustrated by Liz Attenborough.
Ages: All. An irresistible collection of poems by award-winning and legendary poets. (The Chicken House)
Poetry Matters: Writing a Poem from the Inside Out
, written by Ralph Fletcher.
Ages: 8-12. "Maybe you've heard before that poetry is magic, and it made you roll your eyes, but I believe it's true. Poetry Matters. At the most important moments, when everyone else is silent, poetry rises to speak." (HarperTrophy)
Rabbit Moon
, written by Patricia Hubbell, illustrated by Wendy Watson. Ages: 4-8. An engaging collection of poems
for preschoolers and early readers. (Marshall Cavendish)
Roots and Flowers: Poets and Poems about Family
, edited by Liz Rosenberg.
Ages: 11-15. Roots and Flowers reveals the heartfelt truths about poets and their families. (Henry Holt and Company)
Running Back to Ludie
, written by Angela Johnson, illustrated by Angelo. Ages: 10 and up. Powerful and spare, a new
collection of verses from the author of the Coretta Scott King Honor Book The Other Side: Shorter Poems. (Orchard Books)
Seasons: A Book of Poems
, written by Charlotte Zolotow, illustrated by Erik Blegvad . Ages: 5-8.
With the signature warmth and insight that have made her one of the most heralded children's book authors, Charlotte Zolotow has crafted a beautiful collection of forty poems. (HarperCollins Children's Books: I Can Read)
Sky Castle, written by Sandra Hanken, illustrated by Jody Bergsma.
Ages: 3-9. Alive with dolphins, parrots and fairies, this poetic tale inspires us to believe in the power of our dreams. (Illumination Arts)
Splash! Poems of Our Watery World
, written by Constance Levy, illustrated by David Soman.
Ages: 8-12. Splash in to this collection of poetry, which celebrates the mystery and magic of water. (Orchard Books)
Stone Bench in an Empty Park
, edited by Paul Janeczko, illustrated by Henri Silberman.
Ages: All. Just like haiku, Janeczko and Silberman invite readers to look closely at their world--and discover the poetry all around them. (Orchard Books)
Summersaults
, written and illustrated by Douglas Florian. Ages: 5 and up. You shivered with delight at Winter Eyes,
Douglas Florian's award-winning tribute to winter. Now prepare to leap for joy over Summersaults! (Greenwillow Books)
Talking Like the Rain: A Read-to-me Book of Poems
, written by X.J. and Dorothy Kennedy, illustrated by Jane Dyer.
Ages: 4-8. "This large, generously illustrated volume [with more than 100 poems] will serve children from preschool through much of their elementary years. The Kennedys' combined experience as poets, educators, and writers is evident in the variety and depth of the selections here."--Kirkus. (Little, Brown and Co.)
Touch the Poem
, written by Arnold Adoff, illustrated by Lisa Desimini. Ages 4-9. Poems that capture the simple joys of
childhood. (The Blue Sky Press)
Voices: Poetry and Art From Around the World
, edited by Barbara Brenner.
Ages: 10 and up. Poetry and art from six continents celebrate a sense of place in this beautiful anthology from National Geographic. (National Geographic Society)
Wachale! Poetry and Prose about Growing Up Latino
, edited by Ilan Stavans. Ages: 9 to 12. Celebrating diversity among Latinos, this groundbreaking middle-grade
anthology includes affecting, memorable poems that appear in both English and Spanish, brief autobiographical essays, folk tales, and stories by both well-established and emerging authors.
(Cricket Books/Marcato)
When Daddy Prays
, written by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Tim Ladwig. Ages: 4 and up.
A collection of 14 new poems celebrating fathers who are spiritual role models for their children. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers)
Whisper and Shout: Poems to Memorize
, edited by Patrice Vecchinoe.
Ages: 9 to 12. A fresh, funny and wise collection of poems to learn by heart and share with classmates and family. Over 50 poems, including old favorites and new discoveries to treasure. (Cricket Books/Marcato)
You Read to Me, I'll Read to You: Very Short Stories to Read Together
, written by Mary Ann Hoberman, illustrated by Michael Emberley.
Ages: 4 and up. "A delightful choreography of rhythm, rhyme, and repetition that begs to be read aloud in tandem by children and adults, or by any pairing of beginning readers."--SLJ (Megan Tingley Books/Little, Brown and Company)
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