Poetry Reading List

“Experts in literacy and child development have discovered that if children know eight nursery rhymes by heart by the time they’re four years old, they’re usually among the best readers by the time they’re eight.”
                                                 ---Mem Fox

“If every parent and every child read a poem a day,
             Their hearts would be lighter,
            Their worlds would be brighter,
         Their mind would soar far, far away.”
                                                           ---Charles Ghigna, aka “Father Goose”

Ages 0-4
The Real Mother Goose illustrated by Blanche Fisher Wright
This classic collection of 309 nursery rhymes is the “standard” edition that has been delighting millions for almost 100 years! Mother Goose is an integral part of childhood.  When you read these poems to your children, they will learn more than the verses: rhyme, rhythm, new words, and the security of your attention.

Chicken Soup with Rice: A Book of Months by Maurice Sendak
In a wonderfully predictable series of poems, the author sings the praises of his favorite soup during each month of the year.

My First Action Rhymes illustrated by Lynne Cravath
Traditional action rhymes such as “If You’re Happy and You Know It” and “Where Is Thumbkin?” are illustrated and described, encouraging participation by young readers to act out their favorite rhymes and movements.

Ages 5-9
Almost Late to School and More School Poems by Carol Diggory Shields
This book features 22 hilarious poems and drawings about elementary school life. Your child will laugh out loud while reading about first-day jitters, preparing a science fair project, and more.

Arroz con leche: popular Songs and Rhymes from Latin America by Lulu Delacre
A beautifully illustrated bilingual poetry book of popular selections from the Hispanic collection.

Riddle Rhymes by Charles Ghigna
From kites and clocks to balloons and leaves, everyday objects speak for themselves in this whimsical collection of “Who-am-I?” rhymes. As each verse provides the clues, the bold full-color illustrations unravel the riddle.

Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman
Written to be read aloud by two voices, here is a collection of irresistible poems that celebrate the insect world.  If your children are fascinated by bugs, they’ll love these poems!

Spectacular Science: A Book of Poems by Lee Bennett Hopkins
This is a collection of earth, life, and physical science poems, selected by Mr. Hopkins and written by a variety of well-know poets.

Ages 10 and up
Animal Poems selected by John Hollander
Works by acclaimed poets are presented in a pleasing format accompanied by specially commissioned illustrations that capture the spirit of each poem. Included are footnotes providing definitions of difficult words.

The Best Poems Ever: A Collection of Poetry’s Greatest Voices edited by Eric S. Mesmer
Included in this collection of classics are some of the most amazing poems ever written “touching the heart, challenging the mind, and conjuring worlds of experience and imagination.” (Eric Mesmer) Among the poets represented are Emily Dickinson, Edgar Allen Poe, William Shakespeare, and Gwendolyn Brooks.

The Dream Keeper and Other Poems by Langston Hughes
This collection by the great African-American writer is a celebration of hope, pride, dreams, and love.

Poetry U.S.A. selected by Paul Molloy
This is an outstanding collection of 105 poems by 55 American poets and includes works by Robert Frost, Walt Whitman, Edgar Allan Poe, and others.