Celebrating the Classics 15 Classics of Contemporary Poetry hy Sylvia M. Vardell Elementary school through middle school D id you know that fewer poetry books are published than books in any othet genre of childtens literature? Depending on how you di:i\nc poetry, approximately 50 poetry titles are published each year. Poetry books also go out of print quickly, so it's wise to purchase multiple copies because popular poetry books often disappear off the shelves. If we want to have the classics of tomorrow, we need to be aggressive about seeking out poetry for children today. Within the last 15 years, the Academy of American Poets the work of such poets as Douglas Florian, Paul B. Janeczko, Kristine O'Connell George, Janet Wong, Pat Mora, and Nikki Grimes. Until then, here is a mini-library of classic children's poetry for reading aloud, reading alone, and reading a lot. Bibliography Ciardi, John. You Read to Me, I'll Read to You. IWus. hy Edward Gorey. 1962. 64p. HarperFrophy, paper, $7.99 (0-06-446060-6). Gr. 1-4. Much of today's contemporary humorous poetry for children owes a debt to John Ciardi. This collection of 35 poems includes directions for two readers to the observance share reading the poems, of National Poetry Month to the text and illustrations appearing in alternatcelebrate poetry ing colors of black and and its place in navy blue. One of the American culture, and the Children's most popular children's poems of al! Book C>ouncil followed with initiattime, according to surveys ing Young People's Poetry olchildren's preferences, Week. It's a good time to all the small pocm» appears in this collection: pause and look back at and fourteen more "Mummy Slept Late and poetry books that have Daddy Fixed Breakfast." shaped out practice. Happy ^^Hkk mh Ciardi's irreverent poanniversary. Book Links'. To ems are accompanied by commemorate this publicaGorey's clever and offbeat tion milestone, here are 15 illustrations. These smart classic gems of poetry for rhymes and their zany children. The next anniverpicture partners helped to sary list will surely include 12 Book Links July 2006 pave the way for Shel Silverstein, Jack Prelutsky, J f t * T ••'• ^ and even J. Patrick Lewis and Douglas Florian in the years to follow. jwii?..,, ^ r ^ i 8 " Frost, Robert. Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening. Illus. by Susan leffers. 1978; reissued 2001.' 32p. button, $15.99 (0-52546734-3). Gr. 2-up. Jeffers' wintry scenes ofa snowy landscape offer a strong visual interpretation of Frost's classic poem, which is spread out line by line or in pairs of lines across the Humorou5, thought-provoking, and illuminating, these classic poetry collections have something for every reader: The Dream Keeper and Other Poems by Langston Hughes, The Random House Book of Poetry for Children, Hailstones and Halibut Bones by Mary O'Neill, If I Were in Charge of the World and Other Worries by Judith Viorst, and All the Small Poems and Fourteen More by Valerie Worth. 32-page picture book, showcasing a new approach to poetry books—one book, one poem. It's a model that older readers might emulate as they interpret classic poems through their own original illustrations, and it helps all of us experience a familiar poem in a tresh way. The reissued edition features a new design and three new spreads, and Jeffers has added more detail and subtle color to her sweeping New England scenes throughout the book. Cireenfield, Eloise. Honey, I Love and Other Love Poems. Illus. by Leo Dillon and Diane Dillon. 1978. 48p. HarperCollins. $14.99 (0-690-01334-5); HarperTrophy, paper, $5.99 (0-06443097-9). Gr. 2-6. Billed as Greenfield's •'first collection of poems," this popukir Reading Rainbow book is also an amazing masterpiece from a poet who captures tbe unique dimensions of the African American experience (such as in her homage "Harriet Tubman"), while also tapping into the universal experiences ot childhood (expressed in tbe wondering poem "By Myselt")- From its small trim size to tbe Dillons' inviting black, white, and gold illustrations, these 16 short poems capture feelings of love, grief, pride, and pleasure—all from the point of view of a child. Hopkins, Lee Bennett. Good Books, (iood Times: Original Poems. Illus. by F-Iarvey Stevenson. 1990. 32p. HarperTrophy, paper, $6.99 (0-06446222-6). Gr. 1-5. As a master anthologist with more than 100 poetry collections to his credit, it is difficult to "Robert Louis Stevenson's A CbM% Garden of Verses was not only a favorite as a child but one 1 have returned to time and again throughout my life.'My Shadow,' The Swing,' 'My Ship and I,' and other poems were steadfast companions, nourishing my imagination, enriching my days, and encouraging me later in life to explore other poets and otber poems." —Barbara Elfeman choose only one Hopkins anthology to highlight, but this is one of my favorites. What teacher, parent, or librarian doesn't relish emphasizing the joys of reading for children who are still learning the process? This thematic collection is organized around that topic, and it includes Hopkins' own ott-shared poem "Good Books, Good Times." Golorful double-page cartoon illustrations add zest to the sharing. Hughes, Langston. The Dream Keeper and Other Poems. Illus. by Brian Pinkney. 1932; reissued 1996. 96p. Knopf, paper, $8.99 (0^67988347-9). Gr. 3-up. Hughes' only collection of poetry specifically for young people includes many now-classic poems, such as "Dreams," "Mother to Son," "Youth," and "I, Too." Each poem is placed perfectly on the page, many accompanied by Pinkney's distinctive black-and-white scratchboard illustrations contained witbin pleasing circles and ovals. With a new introduction by Lee Bennett Hopkins and "A Personal Note" by Augusta Baker, these 59 timeless poems range from narrative to lyrical, encompassing topics from racial uplift to personal loss. "I loved animal stories as a child ... Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight, The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams But my favorite book was A. A. Milne's NowWeAre Six. I memorized many of those wonderful poems, and I although these days I occasionally forget wbere I put my car keys, I can still recite a few of Milne's verses." —Stephanie Zvirin Book Links July 2006 A Jar of Tiny Stars: Poems by NCTF Award-Winning Poets. Edited by Bernice Cullinan. Illus. by Andi Macleod and Marc Nadel. 1996. 112p. Boyds Mills/Wordsong, $17.95 (1-56397087-2). Gr. 2-5. If you're looking for one place to find 10 of the biggest names in poetry. Ajar of Tiny Stars will fill the bill. This anthology gathers the work of David McGord, Aileen Fisher, Karla Kuskin, Myra Cohn Livingston, Eve Merriam, John Ciardi, Lilian Moore, Arnold Adoff, Valerie Worth, and Barbara Esbensen, all recipients of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children, a lifetime achievement award. Many of these poets' best-known poems appear here, including McCord's "The Pickety Fence" and Kuskin's "1 Woke up This Morning." In addition, tbere is a mini-portrait and a quote trom eacb poet, with an "About the Poets" section offering additional quotes and brief biographies—especially helptul material for the aspiring poet. Kuskin, Karla. Dogs and Dragons, Trees and Dreams: A Collection ofPoems. 1980. 96p. HarperCollins, o.p. Gr. 3—6. Kuskin is one of my favorite poets, but in my opinion she is not tbe household name she should be. Her playful, witty poems include "Bugs," "Write about a Radish," "I Woke up This Morning," and "Hughbert and the Glue." Although several of these are included in ber newer collection, Moon, Have You Met My Mother? The Collected Poems of Karla Kuskin (HarperCollins/Laura Geringer, 2003), my favorite anthology is 13 jicili Dogs and Dragons, a collection of her poems written from 1958 to 1975, now out of print, but so worth the hunt. Ft includes hrief poetic asides in italics above the titles of many poems, offering sage advice for die aspiritig writer. Delicate ink sketches by Kuskin hcrselfappear strategically on die line that underlines each poem's tide. Livingston, Myra Cohn. Festivals. Illus. by Leonard Everett Fisher. 1996. 32p. Holiday, $17.95 (0-82341217-2). K-Gr. 4. One of the most influential people in the field of children's poetry is Myra Cohn Livingston— poet, anthologist, critic, and mentor oi a generation of poets. Which of her collections to choose? Festivals is one of her most popular collections, with a thematic connection that teachers, librarians, and parents can refer to when special occasions and events beg for a fitting poem. In addition, this work is a prime example of the power illustrations can have in bringing a beautiful poem to life, as demonstrated by Fishers vivid, full-color, fullpage paintings that accompany the lovely, lyrical language of Livingstons poetry. Fair this with her earlier collection. Celebrations (Ho\id;iy, 1985). McCord, David. Every Time I Climb a Tree. Illus. by Marc Simont. 1967. 32p, Little, Brown, paper, $5.95 (0-316-15885-2). Gr. 2-5. As the first recipient of the NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children, McCord set the bar high for craftsmanship in poetry for young people, and this collection is both engaging and enduring. In poems such as the title poem, "Every Time I Climb a Tree," as well as "The Pickety Fence" and "Bananas and Cream," children will continue to find pleasure in McCords use of sound, syncopation, wordplay, and wonder. And Simont's colorful paintings perfectly extend but don't overwhelm the 25 poems themselves. O'Neill, Mary. Hailstones and Halibut Bones: Adventures in Color. Illus. by John Wallner. 1961; reissued 1989. 64p. Doubleday, $15.95 (0-38524484-3); paper, S9.95 (0-38541078-6). Gr. 2-up. In this collection of 12 color poems, O'Neill offers a poetic exploration of the tangible and intangible ways we might view purple, gold, black, brown, blue, gray, white, orange, red, pink, green, and yellow. For each poem's title she poses the question "What is . . . ?" and answers it with a listlike rhyming poem that includes objects of the designated color, but goes on to surest sounds, tastes, smells, and feelings also evoked by the color. Illustrated with color montages by Leonard Weisgard in 1961 and later reissued with Wiillners illustrations. Hailstones offers children a template for the ways that poems can portray images and sensory experiences. Prelutsky, Jack. The New Kid on the Block. Illus. by James Stevenson. 1984. l60p. Greenwillow, $17.99 (0-688-02271-5). G r 1-5. Since the publication of **My mother had an old, worn copy of The Little Fish That Got Away by Bernadine Cook, and I read it over and over until it fell apart.This little boy waited day after day after day to catch a fish until his patience and faith—both of which I had a shortage of—paid off! Crockett Johnson's illustrations kept me enthralied with their simpiicity and meaning. I was delighted when this book was recently reissued so more children can find this wonderfui classic story." —Cyndi Gorgis 14 B o o k L i nks July 2006 New Kid, Prelutsky has become so prolific and popular that he rivals Shel Silverstein for name recognition in the field of children's poetry. This collection of more than 100 poems, however, is one of his most enduring, containing many of kids' favorites, including "Homework, Oh Homework," "Bleezer's Ice Cream," "Euphonica Jarre," and "Jellyfish Stew.' Stevenson's comic illustrations are the ideal accompaniment to the zany character of the verses. An audio version featuring Prelutsky performing many of these poems is also available. The Random House Book of Poetry for Children. Selected by Jack Prelutskv'. Ilius. by Arnold Lobel. 1983. 256p. Random, $19.95 (0-394-85010-6). K-^r. 6. With more than a halfmillion copies in print, this comprehensive antholog)' has become a staple. Its more than 500 poems are organized into 14 broad sections including nature, seasons, animals, cities, home, self, nonsense, and more. The variety of poets is still impressive, including classic and anonymous authors from Emily Dickinson to Dennis Lee, and the selections range from playground verse to more serious fare. Illustrations by Caldecort medalist Lobel abound on every page, executed in color and sepia tones or monochromatic green shades and always perfectly placed and uncrowded, even with as many as four poems on a page. Several helpfijl indexes make it easier to find and choose just the right poem. Silverstein, Shel. Whetv the Sidewalk Ends: The Poems and Drawings of Shel Silverstein. 1974; reissued 2004. 192p. HarperCollins, $17.99 (0-06057234-5). Also available in an audio edition. Gr. 2—6. Who has not heard of Shel Silverstein? His first poetry antholog}', published in 1974, sold more than four million copies to become the best-selling children's "When I was growing up in a small town, a young couple lived in an 'Iftment above us. Irene was my school's beloved art teacber, wbile k r d spent some post-army time alone at an easel.'So bas Mr. Sample B lob yet?' I remember people asking well before I picked up on tbe •ue-clicking tone. Ricbard Sample died too young, and my dad. asked Keak at his funeral, cbose to read The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf. Bourse, I'll always love tbat flower-smelling bull and a man who painted lures whetber or not anyone else wanted to look." —-jeannine Atkins poetry book ever. Why? His humor is often over the top and doesn't shy away from the silly, gross, disgusting, or taboo. Many children's favorites can be found here among tbe more than 100 poems, including "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take tbe Garbage Out," "Boa Constrictor,' "Eighteen Flavors," and "Smart." Silverstein is also one of the few poets whose own hilarious pen-andink drawings accompany his words, another source of his popularity. The thirtieth anniversary edition includes a CD recording in Silverstein's own gravelly voice, as well as 12 additional poems. in such clever categories as "Cats and Other People" and "Thanks and No Thanks," and include many favorites, such as the title poem, "If I Were in Charge of the World" as well as "Mother Doesn't Want a Dog" and "Teddy Bear Poem." In contrast to the sardonic tone oftbe poetry, Cherry's illustrations echo the classic style of Walter Crane, featuring cbildren in ornate framed boxes. WHAT'S NEW for 2006 at live Oak Media? Stop by Booth 1132 at ALA and Hnd out! ROTTEN RALPH HELPS OUT By Jack Gantos; read by tfie author ELVIS THE ROOSTER AND THE MAGIC WORDS ELVIS THE ROOSTER ALMOST GOES TO HEAVEN By Denys Cazeti read by Barbara Ca<uso WHEN VERA WAS SICK VERA'S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL By Vera Rosenberry; read by Laura Hamilton Worth. Valerie. All the Small Poems and Fourteen More. Illus. by Natalie Babbitt. 1996. 208p. Farrar/Sunburst, paper, $7.95 (0-374-40345-7). Gr. 3—up. Beginning with her first collection, published in 1972, Valerie Viorst, Judith, fff Were in Charge of Worth offered beautiful, spartan, the World and Other Worries: Poems for free-verse poems for children used Children and Their Parents. Illus. by to a diet of strong rhyme. Here all of Lynne Cherry. 1981. 64p. Simon & the 99 poems pubUshed in her four Schuster/Atheneum, $17.95 small volumes plus 14 new poems (0-689-30863-9); Aladdin, paper, are gathered in the same small trim $5.99(0-689-70770-3). size. Worth's gift is to show us a Gr. 3-6. Viorst may be best variety of ordinary subjects—garbage, known for her picture books, esclock, safety pin, Iawnmower, magpecially Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Cood, Very Bad Day (Si- net, library, and coat hangers—^with extraordinary freshness and precimon & Schuster/Atheneum, 1972), sion. Accompanying each poem is a but her poetry anthologies for chilperfectly placed pen-and-ink sketch dren frequently top lists of children's by Natalie Babbitt, a notable author favorites. In particular, this collecin her own right. tion refiects that same \ron\z Alexander sensibility that acknowledges Sylvia M. Vardell is a professor of children's bow children have very little conand young adulc literarure at Texas Woman's trol over tbeir world and thus have University. She is the author o^Poetry Abud many woes and worries. The more Here! Sharing Poetry with Children in the than 40 wry poems are organized Library fALA Edicions, 2006). Coming in Fall 2006 PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT FOR ROTTEN RALPH By Jack Gantos; read by the author CAROLINDA CLATTER By Mordicai Gerstein; read by the author THE FRIEND By Sarah Stewart; illustratsd by David Small MRS. WATSON WANTS YOUR TEETH By Alison McGheGi illustrated by Marry Bliss What's so special about readalongs.. .especially ours? Visit our new and improved website WWW. liveoakmedia.com and click on "Learn More" to find out more about Live Oak Media Readalongs ^iJlO caU toll free 800-788-1121 Book Links July 2006