Poems for the Very Young

Humorously illustrated by Greenaway award-winner Bob Graham, this collection of more than 100 poems provides an excellent, accessible introduction to poetry, with contributions from many cultures. Skillfully selected by Michael Rosen to catch the ears of young listeners, this collection includes short nonsense verses such as "Today I Saw a Little Worm" and traditional schoolyard rhymes such as "Diddle, Diddle, Dumpling" and "Mary Mack," as well as works by such poets as Shel Silverstein, Eve Merriam, John Agard, Afua Cooper, and Langston Hughes.

An illustrated collection of modern and traditional poems by a variety of authors from different parts of the world.

Humorously illustrated by Greenaway award-winner Bob Graham, this collection of more than 100 poems provides an excellent, accessible introduction to poetry, with contributions from many cultures. Skillfully selected by Michael Rosen to catch the ears of young listeners, this collection includes short nonsense verses such as "Today I Saw a Little Worm" and traditional schoolyard rhymes such as "Diddle, Diddle, Dumpling" and "Mary Mack," as well as works by such poets as Shel Silverstein, Eve Merriam, John Agard, Afua Cooper, and Langston Hughes.

Arlene Connolly - Children's Literature

There is no better way to celebrate and share poetry with young children than to read a well thought out anthology like this one. Poems are the cousins of songs and this book is one to sing about. The bright and whimsical illustrations just add to the fun. It includes more than one hundred rhymes, chants, and poems just waiting to be read aloud to a young audience. There are some familiar and favorite selections and many new ones. A number of notable authors are included such as Carl Sandburg, Jack Prelutsky, Aileen Fisher, and Robert Lewis Stevenson, as well as many anonymous and less known poets. One poem is even done by a five-year-old. Everyone will end up singing or chanting or just plain laughing. Poems provide an avenue for children to tune into the sounds and structure of language. Although this collection was compiled with the young child in mind, it will be enjoyed by anyone, young or old, who is willing to listen, to imagine, to feel, to remember, and to enjoy! 2004 (orig. 1993), Kingfisher, Ages 3 to 8.

Michael Rosen is a best-selling poet and writer for children, as well as a recognized authority on children's literature. His books include The Kingfisher Book of Children's Poetry, The Kingfisher Treasury of Funny Stories, and Walking the Bridge of Your Nose. He is also the author of the best-selling We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

Bob Graham has twice won the Australian Picture Book of the Year Award, and he is the author of Jethro Byrd, Fairy Child, winner of the prestigious 2002 Kate Greenaway Award.