April is National Poetry Month and we’ve collected some new and really unique books to share with your child. Venture through Alice’s Wonderland in a whole new way, unlock single word puzzle poems, explore the night with it’s favorite creatures, listen to the rain, meet Pablo Neruda and a haiku cat.
Alice in Verse: The Lost Rhymes of Wonderland by J.T. Holden, Illustrated by Andrew Johnson (Ages 9-12)
This new collection of poems by J.T. Holden explores the world that Alice stepped into in a whole new way. Thrilling rhymes explore what happens next for the characters we’ve come to know such as the Walrus & the Carpenter, Dee & Dum, and the Caterpillar. Andrew Johnson’s black and white illustrations add a special aspect to this alluring new adventure.
Lemonade and Other Poems Squeezed from a Single Word by Bob Raczka, Illustrated by Nany Doniger (Ages 9-12)
This new collection is perfect for children who love a good riddle or puzzle. Each poem uses only the letters from the single word title: “Playground” : “run/a round/and/play/loud/land.” Young readers can easily see how poetry can take many forms and that creativity knows no bounds.
Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman, Illustrated by Rick Allen (Ages 4-8)
Author Joyce Sidman explores natural history in this new book of poems about nocturnal life. All poems follow different creatures in their natural setting such as the Primrose Moth, Baby Porcupette, and the “Dark Emperor” the Owl. Detailed and distinct linoleum prints accompany the poems as well as a long note of science facts to further explain the subject. Perfect for a budding young naturalist.
One Big Rain: Poems for Rainy Days Compiled by Rita Gray, Illustrated by Ryan O’Rourke (Ages 4-8)
The mood of each season can be heard in the different forms and sounds of the changing rain -sprinkles, drip-drips, and mean downpours. This collection takes the reader through the seasons with five descriptive poems for each from poets such as Lilian Moore, Robert Frost, and Carl Sandburg. “As you read about rain, in various poetic forms, Ripple in it, float in it, boat in it. Go on, get wet.” Rita Gray
Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People by Monica Brown, Illustrations by Julie Paschkis(Ages 4-8)
The story of this Chilean poet’s life is told with simple text and stunning illustrations that work together to create a rich sensory book for both adults and children to enjoy. Readers learn about his childhood and all about how he came to write his poems. The book concludes with an informative author’s note and list of resources to find more book about Pablo Neruda and also his work.
Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku by Lee Wardlaw, Illustrated by Eugene Yelchin
Meet Won Ton, a fiesty cat, recently adopted, who narrates his life to the reader through Haiku: “Naptime! Begone, oh/fancy pad. I prefer these/socks. They smell of you.” Kids will delight in his wry sense of humor and the heartwarming outcome of having a new home.
Happy April Fools!
