Since April is National Poetry Month here in the United States, there’s always a bit of a spike in poetry collections published in March and April. By that I mean I normally see four or five new ones for the season. This year…is different. There are seventeen poetry collections for kids and teens that I’ve found being published in March and April. If you add in all of the other poetry collections published in the past year, that number doubles. This is a lot of poetry for kids in a very short period of time, especially considering the fact that poetry is not usually a popular topic among children, unless you happen to be Shel Silverstein. I’m deliberately excluding verse novels and picture books told in meter; these are all collections of poetry.
On the bright side, libraries have a lot to choose from on a pretty wide variety of topics for a poetry unit or a celebration in April. The one age group I do tend to get requests for more poetry is in YA, and unfortunately there’s not much there. Most of the newer collections are geared toward early elementary, with middle grade coming in a distant second. I’ve grouped the list below by age level, but many of the non-YA poetry collections are pretty good for all ages.
March/April Publication:
Early Elementary
Climbing Shadows: Poems for Children by Shannon Bramer
The poems in Climbing Shadows were inspired by a class of kindergarten children whom poet and playwright Shannon Bramer came to know over the course of a school year. She set out to write a poem for each child, sharing her love of poetry with them, and made an anthology of the poems for Valentine’s Day.
This original collection reflects the children’s joys and sorrows, worries and fears, moods and sense of humor. Some poems address common themes such as having a hard day at school, feeling shy or being a newcomer, while others explore subjects of fascination — bats, spiders, skeletons, octopuses, polka dots, racing cars and birthday parties. Evident throughout the book is a love of words and language and the idea that there are all kinds of poems and that they are for everyone — to read or write.
Cindy Derby’s dreamy watercolor illustrations gently complement each poem. Beautiful, thoughtful, sensitive and funny, this is an exceptional collection.
Clackety Track: Poems About Trains by Skila Brown
Queue up for a whistle-stop tour of trains of all kinds, narrated in lively verse and featuring dynamic retro artwork.
Rows of grooves, cables, and bars.
Graffiti rockin’ out the cars.
A badge of rust. A proud oil stain.
There’s nothin’ plain about a train.
Trains of all shapes and sizes are coming down the track — bullet train, sleeper train, underground train, zoo train, and more. All aboard! Skila Brown’s first-class poems, as varied as the trains themselves, reflect the excitement of train travel, while Jamey Christoph’s vintage-style illustrations provide a wealth of authentic detail to pore over.
Bark in the Park!: Poems for Dog Lovers by Avery Corman
Enjoy Avery Corman’s canine poetry for an Afghan hound, basset hound, beagle, bloodhound, Daschshund, boxer, greyhound, and more as they stroll with their owners to the park.
Pug
Is the Pug cute?
Or is the Pug ugh?
Mostly, people love
The little Pug’s mug
Hyewon Yum captures the unique characteristics of the owner and his pet as she beautifully illustrates the humorous walk from each dog’s home to the park and back.
Boom! Bellow! Bleat!: Animal Poems for Two or More Voices by Georgia Heard
These poems for two or more voices explore the myriad sounds animals make–from a frog’s jug-o-rum to a fish’s boom! to an elephant’s bark. Laced with humor, the poems are a delight to read aloud and cover all major classes of animals: mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, even a crustacean! Readers will learn how to estimate the temperature by counting a cricket’s chirps and see how creatures make sounds at specific pitches and frequencies, so that they can be heard despite other noise around them. Extensive end notes provide more information on the animals and how and why they make the sounds they do. Written by noted children’s poet Georgia Heard, this is an ideal collection for parents and children to share, or for a fun, interactive classroom read-aloud.
Trees by Verlie Hutchens
Every tree has its own story to tell in this evocative collection of poems celebrating the many varieties—from maple to willow to oak.
There are so many different kinds of trees in the world, and each has special qualities that make it unique. This lyrical, fanciful collection of poems celebrates the singular beauty of each tree, from the gnarled old apple tree to the tall and graceful aspen.
The Proper Way to Meet a Hedgehog by Paul B. Janeczko
Toast a marshmallow, be a tree in winter, read braille — Paul B. Janeczko and Richard Jones invite you to enjoy an assortment of poems that inform and inspire.
Today I walked outside and spied
a hedgehog on the hill.
When she and I met eye to eye,
she raised up straight and still.
Be they practical (how to mix a pancake or how to bird-watch) or fanciful (how to scare monsters or how to be a snowflake), the poems in this book boast a flair and joy that you won’t find in any instruction manual. Poets from Kwame Alexander to Pat Mora to Allan Wolf share the way to play hard, to love nature, and to be grateful. Soft, evocative illustrations will encourage readers to look at the world with an eye to its countless possibilities.
Home Run, Touchdown, Basket, Goal!: Sports Poems for Little Athletes by Leo Landry
A picture book of rhyming verse celebrates sports throughout the seasons, from baseball and basketball to karate and swimming.
No More Poems!: A Book in Verse That Just Gets Worse by Rhett Miller
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Rhett Miller teams up with Caldecott Medalist and bestselling artist Dan Santat in a riotous collection of irreverent poems for modern families.
In the tradition of Shel Silverstein, these poems bring a fresh new twist to the classic dilemmas of childhood as well as a perceptive eye to the foibles of modern family life. Full of clever wordplay and bright visual gags–and toilet humor to spare–these twenty-three rhyming poems make for an ideal read-aloud experience.
Taking on the subjects of a bullying baseball coach and annoying little brothers with equally sly humor, renowned lyricist Rhett Miller’s clever verses will have the whole family cackling.
I See the Moon: Rhymes for Bedtime by Nosy Crow
A beautifully illustrated collection of favorite rhymes for little ones preparing for bedtime. Rosalind Beardshaw’s artwork features wonderful natural scenes, with adorable sleepy animals and babies ready to be lulled to sleep.
Includes: “I See the Moon,” “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” “Hush-a-Bye, Baby,” “Golden Slumbers,” “Bed in Summer,” “Star Light, Star Bright,” “Girls and Boys Come Out to Play,” “Hush, Little Baby,” and “Good Night, Sleep Tight.”
My First Book of Haiku Poems translated by Esperanza Ramirez-Christensen
My First Book of Haiku Poems introduces children to inspirational works of poetry and art that speak of our connection to the natural world, and that enhance their ability to see an entire universe in the tiniest parts of it. Each of these 20 classic poems by Issa, Shiki, Basho, and other great haiku masters is paired with a stunning original painting that opens a door to the world of a child’s imagination.
A fully bilingual children’s book, My First Book of Haiku Poems includes the original versions of the Japanese poems (in Japanese script and Romanized form) on each page alongside the English translation to form a complete cultural experience.
Each haiku poem is accompanied by a “dreamscape” painting by award-winning artist Tracy Gallup that will be admired by children and adults alike. Commentaries offer parents and teachers ready-made “food for thought” to share with young readers and stimulate a conversation about each work.
Giggly Wiggly: Playtime Rhymes by Michael Rosen
Michael Rosen invites children to joyfully celebrate sounds and the infinite possibilities of language with these nine clever poems adapted from A Great Big Cuddle. Nonsense verses with the feel of classic nursery rhymes tickle the ear and set feet tapping while expressive illustrations by Chris Riddell illuminate the larger-than-life characters. With subject matter that runs the gamut of a child’s emotional range from hungry and angry to wiggly and giggly, this collection will delight little listeners.
In the Middle of the Night: Poems From a Wide-Awake House by Laura Purdie Salas
Toys, food, and other everyday household objects have wild adventures at night, while the humans in the house sleep, in this imaginative collection of 26 poems.
What do the things in your home do when you’re asleep? They play, of course! In this compendium of poems by Laura Purdie Salas, everything from stuffed animals to clothing to writing utensils comes to life under the cover of night. An overdue library book searches for the perfect place to hide. A paper clip skydives with a tissue parachute. A fruit snack unrolls to create a tricky racetrack for toy cars. A hose unwinds and rolls around the yard before curling back up just before dawn. Accompanied by Angela Matteson’s beautiful acrylic-on-wood illustrations, this book will spark young readers’ imaginations and is a perfect choice for bedtime reading.
Lion of the Sky: Haiku for All Seasons by Laura Purdie Salas
you gasp as I roar,
my mane exploding, sizzling–
lion of the sky!
Haiku meet riddles in this wonderful collection from Laura Purdie Salas. The poems celebrate the seasons and describe everything from an earthworm to a baseball to an apple to snow angels, alongside full-color illustrations.
I’m the Big One Now!: Poems About Growing Up by Marilyn Singer
A perfect gift for a new big brother or big sister, this collection of 21 poems celebrates growing up and milestones both large and small in a young person’s life, such as learning how to whistle, riding the school bus alone, and becoming an older sibling.
Growing up is exciting! It’s packed with firsts like losing a tooth of visiting the ocean. It’s bursting with accomplishments like figuring out how to snap, and learning to ride a bike. And it’s full of changes that change you like being stung by a bee and realizing that even big kids cry, or holding your baby brother for the first time. This collection of poems by award-winning author Marilyn Singer salutes significant milestones for every child and is accompanied by sweet, joyful illustrations by Jana Christy.
Middle Grade
Predator and Prey: A Conversation in Verse by Susannah Buhrman-Deever
Who is the predator, and who is the prey? Illuminating poetry and vivid artwork capture the awe-inspiring ways that creatures use their resources to stay alive.
Who wins, the assassin bug or the spider? The bat or the frog? The ant or the honey bee? The male firefly . . . or the female? The battle for survival between predator and prey is sometimes a fight, sometimes a dance, and often involves spying, lying, or even telling the truth to get ahead. Biologist and debut author Susannah Buhrman-Deever explores these clashes in poems and prose explanations that offer both sides of the story. With beautiful, realistic illustrations that are charged with drama, Bert Kitchen captures the breathtaking moments when predator meets prey. Readers who hunger for more about the art of survival will find an extensive list of references in the back.
I Remember: Poems and Pictures of Heritage edited by Lee Bennett Hopkins
From the joyous to the poignant, poems by award-winning, diverse poets are paired with images by celebrated illustrators from similar backgrounds to pay homage to what is both unique and universal about growing up in the United States.
Newbery Medalist Kwame Alexander takes us on a riotous ride through good times and sad spent with his extended family–a journey perfectly captured by Coretta Scott King Award winner Michele Wood’s vibrant overflowing and overlapping images. Pura Belpre Award winner Margarita Engle shares happy memories of learning to embroider, accompanied by fine artist and printmaker Paula Barragan’s colorful graphic representation of a granddaughter and grandmother at work. Bestselling author Nick Bruel talks about his confusion over having to define himself by a single racial label, which is brought to life by newcomer Janine Macbeth’s reflective image of herself trying to figure out her own mixed ancestry.
Together these heartfelt poems and captivating illustrations shine a light on the rich diversity of people in our nation as well as the timeless human connections and experiences we all share. Readers of any age and background will find much that sparks their memories and opens their eyes. (No cover image available.}
The Day the Universe Exploded My Head by Allan Wolf
Hang on tight for a raucous bounce through the solar system and back — propelled by funny, fanciful, factually sound poems and exuberant illustrations.
The universe poured into me.
My brain was overloaded.
It smoked and glowed red-hot.
And then
it actually exploded.
Ever wonder what the sun has to say about being the closest star to Earth? Or what Pluto has gotten up to since being demoted to a dwarf planet? Or where rocket ships go when they retire? Listen closely, because maybe, just maybe, your head will explode, too. With poetry that is equal parts accurate and entertaining — and illustrations that are positively out of this world — this book will enthrall amateur stargazers and budding astrophysicists as it reveals many of the wonders our universe holds. Space travelers in search of more information will find notes about the poems, a glossary, and a list of resources at the end.
Young Adult
Ink Knows No Borders: Poems of the Immigrant and Refugee Experience edited by Patrice Vecchione and Alyssa Raymond
A poetry collection for young adults brings together some of the most compelling and vibrant voices today reflecting the experiences of teen immigrants and refugees.
With authenticity, integrity, and insight, this collection of poems from some of today’s most compelling voices addresses the many issues confronting first- and second- generation young adult immigrants and refugees, such as cultural and language differences, homesickness, social exclusion, human rights, racism, stereotyping, and questions of identity. Poems by Elizabeth Acevedo, Erika L. Sanchez, Bao Phi, Eduardo C. Corral, Chen Chen, Sholeh Wolpe, and a growing list of others encourage readers to honor their roots as well as explore new paths, and offers empathy and hope for those who are struggling to overcome discrimination. Many of the struggles immigrant and refugee teens face head-on are also experienced by young people everywhere as they contend with isolation, self-doubt, confusion, and emotional dislocation.
Ink Knows No Borders is the first book of its kind and features approximately 60 poems and an introduction, a bibliography of recommended titles, a resource list of poetry organizations, and brief biographies of the poets. It’s a hopeful and beautiful and meaningful book for any reader.
Earlier Publication:
Early Elementary
Friends and Foes: Poems About Us All by Douglas Florian
There are all kinds of friends—good friends, bad friends, old friends, new friends…even imaginary friends! This collection of poems explores the many facets of friendship.
Pony Poems for Little Pony Lovers by Cari Meister
Celebrate all things horsey with this sweet collection of poems that’s perfect for the little equestrian in your life.
Calling all pony lovers! This poetry collection, chock full of horses, is sure to delight young readers, whether they dream of being a cowgirl or a knight, becoming an equestrian, or simply making a pony friend of their own. These short, rhyming poems are perfect for read-aloud sharing.
Vivid: Poems and Notes About Color by Julie Paschkis
Playful poems and facts celebrate the colors of the rainbow in this nonfiction picture book.
Orange you sweet? Orange you plump and juicy? Orange you my favorite fruit?
Hey – you’re a tangerine!
B-lime-y.
With information about the science of sight and perception, pigment origins in art and textiles, colloquial expressions and word associations.
Hungry for Science: Poems to Crunch On by Kari-Lynn Winters
From the same author-illustrators who brought young readers Hungry for Math (a poetic look at math concepts) comes Hungry for Science. These short, lively poems help young readers explore scientific concepts — from chemical reactions to magnets, life cycles and more. A glossary of scientific terms is included in the backmatter.
A Chip Off the Old Rock
I’ll weather the weather, whatever it brings,
eroding from larger to smaller things.
From boulders to cobbles, from pebbles to sand,
rumble, crumble, whirl – I travel the land.
Pulled by gravity,
down a steep slope,
pushed by ice (to warm places I hope),
tumbled by rivers, I scramble downstream,
blown by the wind – it’s all part of my dream!
Deposited gently, I’ve come from good stock.
I know I’m a chip off an igneous rock.
Middle Grade
The Ghostly Carousel: Delightfully Frightful Poems by Calef Brown
A zombie family reunion, a “Jekyll lantern,” a giggling undertaker, a telekinetic warlock . . . are you scared yet? Sure to induce shrieks and giggles in equal measure, Calef Brown’s poems present a wonderfully creepy cast of characters. Richly detailed paintings add to the frightful fun!
A Year of Nature Poems by Joseph Coelho
See how animals behave through the seasons, and the cycle of trees and plants, from the first blossoms of spring through to the stark winter wonderland in December. 12 inspiring poems from Joseph Coelho, paired with folk art from Kelly Louise Judd give this book year-round appeal.
Phrases of the Moon: Lunar Poems by J. Patrick Lewis
In this ode to the moon, musical text weaves stories people have told for centuries with impressions we all might have had about this enigmatic but constant celestial orb. Enhanced by luminous illustrations, this magnificent picture book collection of original poems, retold myths, and facts about the moon glows with magic and mystery.
The Poetry of Us: More Than 200 Poems That Celebrate the People, Places, and Passions of the United States edited by J. Patrick Lewis
It’s all about us! Join former U.S. Children’s Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis on a lyrical journey through the United States to experience the wonders of America’s people and places through 200+ inspiring poems and stunning photographs.
Celebrate the gift of language and the vibrant culture of the United States with this collection of classic and never-before-published poetry. Poems are arranged by region, from coast to coast, and among them you’ll find works by Langston Hughes, Dorothy Parker, Robert Frost, Naomi Shihab Nye, Walt Whitman, and more. From the familiar to the surprising, subjects include people, places, landmarks, monuments, nature, and celebrations. Designed for sharing, but geared to younger readers, this beautifully illustrated treasury is a must-have for the whole family.
A Kid in My Class: Poems by Rachel Rooney
This first collaboration between a prize-winning poet and the former UK Children’s Laureate takes a whole classful of children, plus the class hamster, and draws deft portraits of them all: the pushy, the shy, the dreamy, the daring, the ordinary, the one who wants to be best friends, the one who runs in his wheelchair, the cool kid, the tough kid – and lots more, including the teacher and the classroom assistant. This is a stimulating, perceptive and highly entertaining set of poems from one of the UK’s top children’s poets.
With a poem on each spread, there is lots of room for Chris Riddell’s wonderful illustrations, showing portraits of each child plus an illustration of every poem – and the hamster runs through the book, to be found on every page!
Have You Heard About Lady Bird?: Poems About Our First Ladies by Marilyn Singer
The role of First Lady has been defined differently by each woman who’s held it, but all of them left an impact on our nation as partner of the commander in chief.
Incisive poetry by Marilyn Singer and energetic art by Nancy Carpenter provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of women-from Martha Washington to Eleanor Roosevelt to Lady Bird Johnson-who variously embraced the position and shied away from it, craved the spotlight and fiercely guarded their privacy, took controversial stands and championed for the status quo. Detailed back matter includes short biographies, quotations, and more.
Sing a Song of Seasons: A Nature Poem for Each Day of the Year edited by Fiona Waters
Sing a Song of Seasons is a lavishly illustrated collection of 366 nature poems — one for every day of the year. Filled with familiar favorites and new discoveries written by a wide variety of poets, including William Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, John Updike, Langston Hughes, N. M. Bodecker, Okamoto Kanoko, and many more, this is the perfect book for children (and grown-ups!) to share at the beginning or the end of the day.
Fly With Me: A Celebration of Birds Through Pictures, Poems, and Stories by Jane Yolen, Heidi Stemple, Adam Stemple, and Jason Stemple
Enchanting stories, lyrical poems, stunning photography, and fascinating science fill the pages of this treasury celebrating the amazing world of birds.
This thoughtful and beautifully curated collection of our flying, feathery friends highlights the role birds play in human life from centuries ago to present day. While it’s beautiful, it’s also full of valuable real science about these wondrous creatures. From history and behavior to spotting and photographing, there’s sure to be something for every bird fan in your flock. Young birders will learn all about migration and the importance of habitat conservation. They’ll find stories about bird rescues and fun facts about the fastest, strongest, and tiniest fliers. They’ll also discover the best bird nests, sweet songs to sing, ways to listen for and identify the birds around them, and more. Paired with stunning art and photography and beautiful design, this treasury is sure to become a classic for bird enthusiasts of all ages.
Fly with Me was created to help celebrate Year of the Bird, National Geographic’s 2018 initiative to bring awareness to the plight of birds around the world.
Young Adult
Light Filters In: Poems by Caroline Kaufman
In the vein of poetry collections like Milk and Honey and Adultolescence , this compilation of short, powerful poems from teen Instagram sensation @poeticpoison perfectly captures the human experience.
In Light Filters In, Caroline Kaufman—known as @poeticpoison—does what she does best: reflects our own experiences back at us and makes us feel less alone, one exquisite and insightful piece at a time. She writes about giving up too much of yourself to someone else, not fitting in, endlessly Googling “how to be happy,” and ultimately figuring out who you are.
This hardcover collection features completely new material plus some fan favorites from Caroline’s account. Filled with haunting, spare pieces of original art, Light Filters In will thrill existing fans and newcomers alike.
it’s okay if some things
are always out of reach.
if you could carry all the stars
in the palm of your hand,
they wouldn’t be
half as breathtaking
