Poetry for Children

April is National Poetry Month, inaugurated by the American Academy of Poets in 1996.  The Children’s Library is highlighting our extensive collection of books and cds which introduce children to word play, rhythm and the creative spirit in poetry.  We have poems to appeal to all ages: from nursery rhymes for toddlers to novels in verse for tweens.

Speaking of inaugural, Elizabeth Alexander’s inspirational Praise Song for the Day was commissioned for the inauguration of President Obama.  It was written in the form of an African praise song, and is now colorfully illustrated by David Diaz. 

"Praise song for struggle, praise song for the day.
Praise song for every hand-lettered sign,
the figuring it out at kitchen tables.” 

Two popular subjects for youngsters are animals and clothes.  Alice Schertle’s award-winning Button Up engages us with such humorously plaintive voices as Tanya [the bear]’s Old T-Shirt:

"I’m still the same size as when I was new. 

I didn’t shrink-

It was Tanya who GREW.”

Poets seem to make an extra effort to reach out to boys with poetry on sports, trucks, and even Guyku: a Year of Haiku for Boys

"With baseball cards and

Clothespins, we make our bikes sound

Like motorcycles.”

Novels in verse allows the author a more deliberate, slower-paced expression of their characters, while at the same time the story can be read somewhat quickly.  The Newbery Honor book Inside Out & Back Again recounts a young Vietnamese girl’s emigration to America at the end of the Vietnam War and her struggle to assimilate to a new culture. 

We have put together a list of favorite and noteworthy children’s poetry books. Included are perennial favorite poets Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky, classics by Longfellow, beautifully illustrated collections, and examples of such forms as haiku and concrete poetry.  You'll find a special bookcase displaying these titles in the Children's Department.  Please come in and browse!

If you would like to look beyond our library, poetry has a strong presence in Chicagoland through the Chicago-based Poetry Foundation.  Endowed with an unexpected $200 million dollar bequest, it offers programming for children such as interactive readings, videos of illustrated poems being read and suggestions by their Children’s Poet Laureate.