Kids' Corner

Celebrate Poetry!

April is National Poetry Month; take the opportunity to read some terrific poems, and perhaps create a few of your own.  We have a display of children’s poetry books that you can choose from  next to the children’s magazines.  And our “staff picks” can be seen on the large window across from the circulation desk.

Here are some recently published titles I think you’ll enjoy:

Mother Goose Numbers on the Loose by Leo & Diane  Dillon
The 24 traditional counting rhymes, accompanied by lively and colorful illustrations, will be read over and over again.
For preschool -  grade 2

Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars: Space Poems and Paintings By Douglas Florian
Twenty short and clever poems about astronomy, illustrated with
fantastic paintings by the author. Includes a “Galactic Glossary.”
For K – grade 5

America at War: Poems Selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins
The emotions of war are depicted in these heart-wrenching verses, beginning with the American Revolution and ending with the Iraq War.     For grades 1 – 6

Today and Today  by Kobayashi Issa
Illustrator Brian Karas has chosen 22 of his favorite haiku by the 18th century Japanese poet Issa, and magically brings them to life.
For ages 4 – 8

Hey,You! Poems to Skyscrapers, Mosquitoes & Other Fun Things
Selected by Paul Janeczko
This lively collection will have you looking around for interesting things to write a poem about!   For K – grade 5

Tap Dancing on the Roof: Sijo    by Linda Sue Park
These 27 poems are written in the traditional Korean form, Sijo, in which the last line involves a pun or joke or an unexpected twist.  They include Sijo about long division, freshly washed socks, and breakfast! (By the local author who won the 2002 Newbery Award for A Single Shard.)    For K – grade 5

Twist:  Yoga Poems  by  Janet Wong
Each of the 16 poems focuses on a particular yoga pose; the vibrant watercolor paintings will inspire readers to try them.
For  grades 1 – 5

Here’s a Little Poem: a Very First Book of Poetry
Collected by Jane Yolen
A terrific way to introduce  poetry to young children, this includes more than 60 verses by the best children’s poets.  The colorful illustrations practically dance off the pages!  For ages 2 – 5

Happy Rhyming!
Ellen Xydias, Children’s Librarian
April 2008