Does your child want to be a poet, but doesn’t know how to do it? These children’s book recommendations will help you get their creative juices flowing in no time. Regardless, if they are a beginner or have been writing poetry for a while, these books will both teach them that reading and writing poetry can be fun.
Poetry Matters: Writing a Poem from the Inside Out by Ralph Fletcher
This book is full of practical advice and poetry for kids, which ranges from writing tips and tricks, interviews with published poets, and examples of poetry for children. It is perfect for both classrooms and families interested in sparking a passion in their young ones.
Poetry Prompts: All Sorts of Ways to Start a Poem by Joseph Coelho; illustrated by Georgie Birkett, Grasya Oliyko, Amanda Quartey and Viola Wang
There are plenty of bright, cheerful illustrations in this book to help your child learn to appreciate poetry. Each prompt is fun and engaging and helps kids learn how to write poems, then read them out loud. This book is a great read for the whole family and will appeal to children of all primary ages.
What is Poetry?: The Essential Guide to Reading & Writing Poems by Michael Rosen; illustrated by Jill Calder
Celebrated poet Michael Rosen pens this book that explores what poetry is, what poems can do, and the joys of reading and writing them. With humor, knowledge, and appreciation for the craft, he sends twenty-first century children on a journey to embark on their own poetic adventures.
How to Write Poetry by Paul B. Janeczko
Although written in 2001, award-winning poet Paul B. Janeczko writes fun and useful instructions about writing poetry for kids. From keeping a journal to writing an actual poem, this book is essential for any amateur poet. It also includes an extensive bibliography of poetry books to read as examples of the craft.
Poetry from A to Z: A Guide for Young Writers compiled by Paul B. Janeczko; illustrated by Cathy Bobak
Although older, this is another highly informative book on poetry compiled by Paul B. Janezcko. It contains a variety of poems on subjects from autumn to zebras and makes suggestions for writing your own. Each letter of the alphabet has at least one poem dedicated to it. A fun read that makes poetry come alive for young readers.
How to Write a Poem by Kwame Alexander and Deanna Nikaido; art by Melissa Sweet
In this book, Alexander’s and Nikaido’s playful text and Sweet’s dynamic, innovative illustrations encourage young readers to listen, feel, and discover poetry for themselves. Not only are readers motivated to understand poems deeply, but also to feel their magic. This book is a definitive exploration of what poetry is—and how it is more than just words on a page.
A Child’s Introduction to Poetry: Listen While you Learn About the Magic Words that have Moved Mountains, Won Battles, and Made us Laugh and Cry by Michael Driscoll; illustrated by Meredith Hamilton
This book is a delightful, interactive journey on understanding poetry for kids. Coming with audio, it allows readers to listen and learn the magic of poetry. It introduces children to the greatest poets in history; it also covers every style of poetry, from limerick to sonnet. A comprehensive read that would be a great foundation for teaching your young poet!
You’re a Poet: Ways to Start Writing Poems by Sean Taylor; illustrated by Sam Usher
Told through the world of a character named Piglet, this book consists of warm, charming tales of this little character as he tosses stones into a pond and words splash out. Each of the five stories captures a snapshot of a happy moment in childhood while also demonstrating how to create a different kind of poem.
Pizza, Pigs, and Poetry: How to Write a Poem by Jack Prelutsky
Jack Prelutsky has written more than a thousand poems about many things. In this book, he gives the inside scoop on how your child can write about their families, pets, and friends in their own poetry. A great book to nurture the poetic spark in anyone!
All these books (and more) can be found on our shelves and/or in our database. Check them out or place a hold on them today so that your child is one step closer to being the next Dr. Seuss!
Taylor is a Library Information Associate at OCLS
