Laughing Time

 These kinds of books are always nice to have on hand because the silly little poems make great notes to put in lunches or pockets.  And when you're a kid, the sillier the better!

Laughing Time

William Jay Smith 

pictures by Fernando Krahn 1980

Paul Galdone's The Owl and the Pussycat

Here's another version of one of our favorite poems.  Illustrated by Paul Galdone, it has a loose, bright comical flair.   

Here are some other versions we have:

Hilary Knight's The Owl and the Pussy-cat

Jan Brett's The Owl and the Pussycat

Gertrude Elliot's The Owl and the Pussycat

The Owl and the Pussycat

Edward Lear

illustrated by Paul Galdone 1987

I kinda love this shark and rainbow picture!

Poetry for Young People Edna St. Vincent Millay

 This is a great series to collect to introduce children to some famous poets.  (Edna St.Vincent Millay being one of my favorites!)

Poetry for Young People

Edna St. Vincent Millay

edited by Frances Schoonmaker

illustrated by Mike Bryce 1999

Other Poetry for Young People

William Carlos Williams

From Morn to Midnight

 We are in love with Satomi Ichikawa's pretty illustrations that accompany the poetry in this book.  She depicts a cozy and sweet world that makes you feel all warm when you look at the pictures.

From Morn to Midnight

Children's Verses Chosen by Elaine Moss

illustrated by Satomi Ichikawa 1977

The Dream Keeper and Other Poems

The Dream Keeper and Other Poems

Langston Hughes

illustrations by Brian Pinkney 1994

I am grateful that Langston Hughes is one of those poets the kids always learn about in school.  The Harlem Renaissance, of which he was part of, was one of the most culturally rich times in American History.  Hughes' poetry, bright with rhythm and language, captures much of that exciting fertile time.  This collection, which is perfect for children, is accompanied by Brian Pinkney's scratchboard illustrations. 

  

Drums and Trumpets

Drums and Trumpets

selected by Leonard Clark

illustrated by Heather Copley 1962

Sometimes these poetry books are worth it for the introductions alone.  Leonard Clark does a fine job of collecting poems both old and new for reading aloud to "the youngest child".  But more than that, he describes just how to read a poem ("Read softly, and naturally, and take your time.  Linger on the words you yourself like the sound of") and the importance of reading poetry to children.

Not all these poems will lie within the physical experience of these youngest, though all of them are concerned with what can safely be called 'the world of childhood'- that world of imaginative apprehension, where everything has its true and proper place, where every inhabitant willingly accepts existing conventions, where the climate of feeling and thought are just right.  Children, with their acute sensory perception, enjoy far more unseen territories than are ever revealed to most grown-ups.  Fortunate they.    

                                                                    -Leonard Clark

Of course I'm happy because Gerard Manley Hopkins makes an appearance!