Why Is Poetry So Appropriate For Young Children?

Poetry books for children are one of the best ways to introduce them to the world of reading, to initiate their love for books, and to reinforce their constant learning and understanding of the world.

Children’s poetry is much simpler and more visual than poetry for adults. It is also a great way to help young children develop their creativity and to get them interested in new things.

Also, for children, it is usually easier to follow poetry than storybooks as they are much easier on the ear, more flowing, and will have many similarities to songs they have heard at home or at school.

There are only benefits! You have it all to gain, and nothing to lose introducing poetry to your young ones, helping them to enjoy themselves with rhymes. You should also play along with them to try and come up with your own poems. Why not? This is essentially what it’s all about, waking up their creativity.

8 Of The Best Poetry Books For Children

Below, we have detailed a small selection of the best poetry books for you to begin reading and rhyming with your children. We are sure that they will love them, let’s begin!

1. On the night you were born by Nancy Tillmann.

On the night you were born, you brought wonder and magic to the world. The moon stayed up till morning. Polar bears danced.
Gorgeous illustrations follow the story of a new baby traveling across the world. Everything expresses there joy because never before has a baby born like this one.
Children from 1 to 4 years old will appreciate the beauty found in this book.

2. Rainy Day Poems by James McDonald.

This book tells the adventures of Sami and Thomas Lamb and is perfect for children 4 years of age and older. The illustrations help the readers to understand the different emotions beyond the stories. Some poems try to represent fun, some make you think and others are like fables, teaching important life lessons.

3. 101 Poems for Children by Carol Ann Duffy.

A mix of poetries that includes poems from both ‘big name’ poets and the less well-known. Each chosen and placed with care and prepared to surprise young readers. From the first poem to the ending, is perfect for the classroom and home.

4. Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl.

This book will no doubt capture the interest of your children with a fun take on classic literature. As with the previous recommendations, this book has excellent illustrations to help stimulate young (and not so young) imaginations.

5. To catch an Elephant by Gerard Benson, illustrated by Cathy Benson.

A really well-made parade of poems with a mixture of moods. From heights of humor to depths of sadness; from nonsense poems to animal verse…

6. A book of nonsense by Edward Lear.

The first edition of this book was published in 1846 and is a fun collection of limericks and combined with silly illustrations. It was maybe one of the firsts books written for young people for the purpose of enjoyment.

7. Old Possum’s book of practical cats by T.S. Elliot, illustrated by Edward Gorey.

It is a loved classic, Cats! Some are sane, and some are mad. Some are good, and some are bad… The best-known musical adaptation of the poems is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical ‘Cats’.

8. This Is A Poem That Heals Fish by Jean-Pierre Simeon and Olivier Tallec.

Poems that form together as a story to introduce children into precisely what a poem is. Adrian, the poor unwell fish, will only get better from verses of poetry and so the boy does everything possible to help him. Wouldn’t your children love to accompany them on their great journey?

You will find much more on the internet or in your local bookseller, but we can assure you that you and your children will love all of the titles on this list. Even though they have been written by different authors, and they touch many different subjects, they all have one thing in common: they give an excellent opening into the world of fantasy, creativity, and imagination, that will help your children develop a taste for reading at the same time as learning new words and ideas. Also, a few of these titles were sure to be present in your own childhood, making them even more attractive: your children will enjoy them, without doubt, and you will enjoy them also, which is just as important!

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