5 Amazing Poetry Books That Teach Kids To Love Literature

Explore the beauty of rhymes and language with these five engaging poetry books. Perfect for a cozy story time or lesson on poetry, these books will surely spark your children’s interest in poetry.

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Fancy Nancy: Poet Extraordinaire! by Jane O’Connor Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser

Fancy Nancy introduces readers to a fancy use of language—poetry! Jane O’Connor crafted an engaging resource that informs readers about different styles of poetry. Readers, young and old, will be enchanted by Robin Preiss Glasser’s delightful art. Fancy Nancy: Poet Extraordinaire! is the perfect book to start a poetry unit! Ages 4+. 

The Pelican Chorus: and Other Nonsense by Edward Lear Illustrated by Fred Marcellino

Enjoy this wonderfully silly picture book featuring the classic poems of Edward Lear, a nineteenth-century British poet famous for popularizing limericks and nonsense poems. The Pelican Chorus makes an excellent read-aloud in the classroom. The illustrations are full of whimsy and will surely elicit giggles. Many of these poems have been set to music; check it out to add more enjoyment to storytime. Ages 5+.

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

Shel Silverstein’s poems are enjoyable, funny, and classic. Please read my review of Where the Sidewalk Ends here.

The Real Dada Mother Goose: A Treasury of Complete Nonsense by Jon Scieszka, Illustrated by Julia Rothman

On a recent trip to a local bookstore, I found this treasure! Jon Scieszka, the brilliant mind behind the True Story of the Three Little Pigs and The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, crafted this entertaining mashup of classic nursery rhymes. I enjoyed seeing the familiar poems from my childhood turn topsy-turvy. What I liked most was the explanation at the back of the book that identifies the anagrams, morse code, and other methods used to transform poems like “Humpty Dumpty” into something brand new. Fun to read for everyone, and this book would make an excellent mentor text for third-grade through high school!

Good Sports: Rhymes about Running, Jumping, Throwing, and More by by Jack Prelutsky and Illustrated by Chris Raschka

Do you know any sports lovers? This picture book contains poems about sports, including ice skating, baseball, soccer, frisbee, and more! The poems encapsulate many feelings we feel when playing sports–hope, exhilaration, and disappointment. Readers will enjoy making connections between the texts and their experiences. In addition, the illustrations are adorable and inviting, making this book a pleasure to read.

Enjoy!

I found these poetry books delightful, and I hope you do too!

XO, Sheryl