If you have a budding young poet, or are one yourself, take a look at some of the best books of poetry that prize-winning poet Incy Appleseed recommends:
101 Poems for Children. We begin the list with a book edited by Carol Ann Duffy, who was the first female poet laureate. Duffy has chosen her favourite poems for children, which include a mix of modern and classic verse. The poets include Christina Rossetti, W.B. Yeats, Ted Hughes, Lewis Carroll, Sylvia Plath as well as Carol Ann Duffy herself and many more. It’s a great introduction to some of the classic poets, many of whom your child will eventually come across at school if they study in the UK.
With thanks to the Young Poets Network for kindly gifting Incy this book.
Featured Book!
Michael Rosen has similarly edited a collection of poems for children in Michael Rosen’s A-Z, the best children’s poetry from Agard to Zephaniah. We’re fans of both Agard and Zaphaniah so we could tell this would be a good collection just from the title! There are other fantastic poets in the book but they aren’t there just for the sake of including a big name, but based on merit. Some of the poets Incy knew already, others she hadn’t come across before. A single poem by Allan Ahlberg is featured in the book. Incy is a huge fan of his, see this post about him here, which details more of his poetry. Also featured are other modern writers, such as Tony Mitton, and his short but punchy poem My Hat! and award-winning poet Coral Rumble who has published five poetry collections. The selection overall is fun, which epitomises Michael Rosen’s own style, and most of the poems are best read aloud and in all kinds of funny voices, making lots of funny noises!
These are just two of the five books Incy recommends to poetry lovers like herself. Dip into one of these books, or try one of the others; the full list can be found below. You can even buy any of the books mentioned at the Incy Appleseed shop and see what inspires your little poet. Happy reading!
(C) Article copyright belongs to Incy Appleseed. All quotes referenced from publications belong to their respective authors.