Kids' Corner

It’s National Poetry Month!

Each April  the spotlight is on poetry.  And it seems that every year, many terrific poetry books are published.  Here are  some new books, which include poems about dinosaurs, jobs, and North American birds to name just a few of the subjects.

Small Fry by Jaime Adoff
19 poems about the problems, frustrations, and occasionally the advantage of being the shortest child in the room.  For grades 1 – 3

Orangutan Tongs:  Poems to Tangle Your Tongue  by Jon Agee
These short poems, which are also tongue twisters, along with the humorous illustrations, will make you laugh.  Preschool – grade 3

Dinothesaurus:Prehistoric Poems and Paintings by Douglas Florian 
The well-known author/illustrator mixes facts about dinosaurs in with the poetry . . . and there’s a Glossarysaurus at the end.
For ages 6 – 10

More Pocket Poems    by Bobbi Katz
Just in time for Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 30, this is a collection of short, lively poems.  For ages 6 – 10

The Underwear Salesman  by J. Patrick Lewis
These clever poems about various jobs include butcher, crossword puzzle maker, banana picker, and highway line painter!
For ages 4 – 8

Cuckoo’s Haiku and Other Birding Poems  by Michael Rosen
Arranged by seasons, these haiku about over 20 North American birds are accompanied by lovely watercolor paintings.  Ages 6-10

What’s the Weather Inside?  By Karma Wilson
A collection of 120 poems about a wide range of childhood experiences, including “What Your Dog Might Be Thinking” !
For ages 6 – 12

Steady Hands:  Poems About Work   by Tracie Zimmer
More serious than The Underwear Salesman, this covers such jobs as mail carrier, bank teller, sheriff’s deputy and electrician.  The collage illustrations are fascinating.  For ages 8 – 12

Happy Rhyming!
Ellen Xydias, Children’s Librarian
April 2009