The Random House Book of Poetry for Children
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this collection of poetry is a rich and comprehensive anthology, a true classic that should be on every family's book shelf. Of the 572 poems, some are more appropriate for younger readers, some for older. But, overall, read with an eye to what is age-appropriate; this is a treasury to be enjoyed by all.
Families can read the poems together, finding ones that fit special occasions or specific seasons of the year. They can enjoy the silly kid-humor of the Nonsense section, or soft, sensitive poems about being a child, a watcher of nature, or a romantic dreamer. Which are your favorites and why?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Patricia Tauzer
Despite its no-nonsense title, THE RANDOM HOUSE BOOK OF POETRY FOR CHILDREN is a playfully formatted, entertaining collection of poems that will delight the entire family for years. Readers of all ages will find poems to fit any season, occasion, or mood and, even with repeated readings, will find something new and exciting to enjoy within its pages. The book is divided into 14 broad themes. An original poem by Jack Prelutsky, the first Poet Laureate for Children, introduces each thematic section, and each section is chockfull of works ranging from nursery rhymes to poems by William Shakespeare and Dr. Seuss. Familiar, traditional poems mingle with the fresh and unknown, the serious poems with the silly, and the old voices with new. The mix is engaging.
To add even more fun to these pages of poetry, illustrator Arnold Lobel brought his Caldecott Award-winning touch. His over 400 drawings and paintings make poetry all the more friendly and accessible to kids. Book-reading dinosaurs, plump smiling toads, and chubby-cheeked children are guaranteed to captivate even the most reluctant readers. The fun of poetry comes through here, and that was Prelutsky's aim when, in 1983, he first filled this book with poems he felt kids would like. Happily, he succeeded. And, 25 years later it has become a classic. Without a doubt, it will become one of the most dog-eared volumes on your bookshelf.
From The Book
ALPHABET STEW
Words can be stuffy, as sticky as glue,
but words can be tutored to tickle you too,
to rumble and tumble and tingle and sing,
to buzz like a bumblebee, coil like a spring.
Plot Summary:
This treasury of 572 poems, some written but most collected by Jack Prelutsky, ranges from nursery rhymes to more serious poetry, all of which are separated into 14 illustrated thematic sections. Poems about nature, seasons, life, animals, food, and people as well as nonsense poems, scary poems, and fantasy fill its pages. Indexes of titles, first lines, authors, and subjects included at the back of the book will help those following a specific theme or looking for a particular favorite.
Related Books:
Other Anthologies Edited by Prelutsky:
The 20th Century Children's Poetry Treasury
Read-Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young
The Beauty of the Beast
For Laughing Outloud: Poems to Tickle Your Funnybone
More Fun with Poetry:
Good Dog by Maya Gottfried
A Family of Poems: My Favorite Poetry for Children by Caroline Kennedy
Good Sports by Jack Prelutsky
A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein
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