• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Baby + Toddler (0-2)
  • Pre-K (3-5)
  • Beginning Readers (6-7)
  • Growing Readers (7-9)
  • Tweens (10-12)
Happily Ever Elephants
Happily Ever Elephants

Happily Ever Elephants

The Best Kids Books Found Here!

  • Home
  • Book Lists
  • Kids Book Clubs
  • Spring Books!
  • About
  • Home
  • Baby + Toddler (0-2)
  • Pre-K (3-5)
  • Beginning Readers (6-7)
  • Growing Readers (7-9)
  • Tweens (10-12)
Books by Theme » Special Interests & Hobbies » Our Favorite Poetry Books for Kids!

Our Favorite Poetry Books for Kids!

By Lauren Bercuson ·  Published: Apr 5, 2021 ·  Modified: Jan 2, 2023 ·  This post may contain affiliate links

Poetry books for kids are magical to have on your bookshelves, and these are some of our very favorites. Check them out!

The covers of 9 poetry books for kids.
Table of Contents:
  1. Poetry Books for Kids Your Family Will Love Year Round!
  2. Poetry Books for Kids are a Fabulous Alternative to Traditional Stories
  3. Our Favorite Poetry Books for Kids

Poetry Books for Kids Your Family Will Love Year Round!

Poetry books are all the rage, especially during the month of April. Why? Because April happens to be one of my favorite times of the year: National Poetry Month!

Let’s be honest: I’m far from an expert on children’s poetry. I’m not super well versed in the form, and though sometimes I “get it,” other times, I simply don’t.

That being said, I do find magic in poetry, even the poems that don’t resonate as much as others. And that’s actually the beauty of poetry. It’s free, it’s personal, and it allows each and every one of us to take something different from a given verse.

Poetry Books for Kids are a Fabulous Alternative to Traditional Stories

Just like traditional stories, poetry books for kids are important tools to help boost language development, creativity, and self-expression. Because poetry is free from restrictions and conventions, it ignites the imagination, thus allowing children to set soar on wondrous journeys. There is so much room for unique personal interpretation!

Poetry makes children think.

It makes them wonder.

It makes them feel.

Whether a verse leaves you laughing, crying, or marveling at how someone else’s words capture the very essence of your being, poetry is an art form all its own.
It has a unique ability to help a child’s imagination take flight.

Here are some of our very favorite poetry books for kids. These books make us giggle until our tummies hurt, delight us with their beautiful imagery, and make us ponder the essence and meaning of life. Happy reading!

Happily Ever Elephants participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.

RELATED: We’ve got more than 100 children’s book lists for you on Happily Ever Elephants, so be sure to check them out!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of poetry for kids?

There is no right or wrong answer here! Any type of poetry you read to kids can be enchanting! While many children learning to write poetry begin with haikus, there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to reading. Many children love funny poems or rhyming poems as it makes poetry more accessible to young kids, but others love whimsical, thought-provoking or free verse poetry. You can’t go wrong!

How early can you start reading poetry to children?

It is never too early to start reading to kids, and poetry is no exception! You can begin reading poetry books to kids immediately. They will love listening to the rhythm of the words and hearing your voice.

What is your favorite poetry book for kids?

This is such a hard answer as there are so many different types of poetry! For younger kids, I love Daniel Finds a Poem and Take Off Your Brave. Both of these books truly make poetry accessible to young readers. For bigger kids, think third grade and up, I love Woke: A Young Poet’s Call to Justice for bigger kids to get them thinking about society at large. All of these books are featured below!

RELATED: Looking for great books for storytime? We have an excellent list of kindergarten read-alouds for you, so be sure to check them out!

Our Favorite Poetry Books for Kids

The cover of Daniel Finds a Poem, one of our favorite poetry books for kids.
Daniel Finds a Poem
By Micah Archer

This has become the book I use to introduce National Poetry Month to my early elementary students, and every time I use it for a read-aloud, it never fails to get a round of applause by each of my classes. This is a beautiful story for any child who asks you that all-important question “what is poetry?” Take your little ones on a walk through nature with Daniel and some animals, and delight in each animal’s description of what poetry is to him. A forever fave!

BUY THIS BOOK FROM:


The cover of Take Off Your Brave, one of our favorite poetry books for kids.
Take Off Your Brave: The World Through the Eyes of a Preschool Poet
By Nadim and Yasmeet Ismail

Oh my GOODNESS, how I love this book! If you want to make poetry super accessible to children – even your youngest ones – you’ve got to check out this darling poetry book written by Nadim, his sister, and his preschool classmates. It will help unleash the inner poet in your children, and it gives adults incredible insight into how our children see the world. A sweet, sweet treasure of a book.

BUY THIS BOOK FROM:


The cover of Just Like Me, one of our favorite poetry books for kids.
Just Like Me
By Vanessa Brantley-Newton

This gorgeous book of poetry is one that all families will adore. It is an ode to girls of all shapes, sizes, colors, and backgrounds, celebrating girls with big voices and small voices, imaginative girls and go-get-em girls, and girls who defy societal and gender norms. It is a true beauty, filled with poems that will speak to all children — yes, girls and boys alike — and I can’t recommend it highly enough!

BUY THIS BOOK FROM:


The cover of When Green Becomes Tomatoes, a gorgeous poetry book for kids.
When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for all Seasons
By Julie Fogliano and Julie Morstad

I am totally in love with the dynamic team that created this book, and this collection is one of my very favorite poetry books for kids. Beautiful poems spotlighting random days throughout the year convey the awe of each season. Both starting and ending on March 20th, this is a perfect read to celebrate the wonder of each new season, while also helping kids learn about the seasons’ unique characteristics, too.

BUY THIS BOOK FROM:


The cover of Where the Sidewalk Ends, a classic poetry book for kids.
Where the Sidewalk Ends
By Shel Silverstein

This classic is a must for all bookshelves. It’s highly imaginative and loads of fun, and the quirky poems will be ones your children will remember forever. Who else can recite all of the words to Sick? If you love Where the Sidewalk Ends, make sure to also check out A Light in the Attic and Runny Babbit.

BUY THIS BOOK FROM:


The cover of Read Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young, a classic poetry book for kids.
Read Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young
By Jack Prelutsky and Marc Brown

We read this book every night for months when my littlest was born, languishing in the lovely rhymes and delightful imagery. This is a wonderful anthology for your littlest readers; the poems are short, simple, and sweet, making them perfect for tiny babes and toddlers.

BUY THIS BOOK FROM:


The cover of The B on your Thumb, a fantastic poetry book for kids.
The B on Your Thumb: 60 Poems to Books Reading and Spelling
By Colette Hiller and Tor Freeman

I simply adore this fun collection of rhymes that help children learn to spell! Not only is it educational, though, with each poem teaching an important lesson, but its also witty and oh-so-clever. Each poem uses rhythm and wordplay to promote important concepts including phonemic awareness, silent letters, and even homonyms. But most importantly, it is such a fun book to spark imagination and get children to enjoy (and even fall in love with!) our crazy and mysterious English language.

BUY THIS BOOK FROM:


The cover of Woke, one of our favorite poetry books for kids.
Woke: A Young Poet’s Call to Justice
By Mahogany Brown, Elizabeth Acevedo and Olivia Gatwood

Poetry isn’t always easy for kids to grasp. But when done well, it opens up entire worlds to children. This collection is timely and powerful — but what I love most about it is the way it speaks to all kids. It’s accessible. It’s authentic. And it’s just so ridiculously good. I have no doubt that there is a poem in this incredible collection that will speak not only to each and every one of your kids, but to you, too.

BUY THIS BOOK FROM:


The cover of Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright!, a gorgeous poetry book for kids.
Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright!
By Fiona Waters and Britta Teckentrup

This stunning collection shares a new animal poem for every day of the year – a whopping 365 poems (plus one)! Beyond William Blake’s Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright!, you’ll find a great variety of poets throughout these pages, from Lewis Carroll and Emily Dickinson to many new voices. This impressive book is filled with all types of poems from haiku to free verse, and its beautiful verses perfectly matched to the exquisite illustrations. With its massive size and weight, this is not only an exciting collection to read with your own kids but a perfect book to gift a young animal lover.

BUY THIS BOOK FROM:


The cover of The Undefeated, an award-winning poetry book for kids.
The Undefeated
By Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson

This exquisite work of poetry takes readers on a journey through the Black experience in America. Through gorgeous prose and glorious illustrations, it speaks to the bitterness of slavery, the fervor of the civil rights movement, and the perseverance and spirit of the country’s most important leaders and heroes. This remarkable work is a moving look at the manner in which Black Americans have overcome trauma to create lasting and indelible achievements in the United States. Gripping, powerful, and achingly triumphant, this book is a masterpiece that will be revered for years and years to come, by children and adults of all ages, colors, and backgrounds. Absolutely gorgeous.

BUY THIS BOOK FROM:


The cover of Wet Cement, a concrete poetry book for kids.
Wet Cement: A Mix of Concrete Poems
By Bob Raczka

Concrete, or shape poetry, is always a joy to introduce to my students. They ooh and ahh over the pictures, marveling at the way the words are arranged to take the form of familiar objects.  This is one of the most sought-after poetry books for kids in my school, and we always use it as an introduction before drafting our own concrete poetry!

BUY THIS BOOK FROM:


The cover of Hoop Kings, a poetry book for kids about basketball.
Hoop Kings 2: New Royalty
By Charles R. Smith, Jr.

This poetry book is a total slam dunk!  I am so in love with this collection of poems about twelve pro basketball players, including Lebron James, Anthony Davis, Blake Griffin, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. These bold poems and striking photographs combine to create a book of poetry that celebrates and honors some of the most powerful athletes of our time. It is an ode to basketball, athleticism, and grace, with fantastic wordplay that will enthrall even the most poetry-averse child. I’ve had a ball (pun intended!) using this book to introduce poetry to my own basketball-loving boys, and it will be a perfect addition to share with my students during national poetry month. A stunner!

BUY THIS BOOK FROM:


The cover of Out of Wonder, a stunning and unique poetry book for kids.
Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets
By Ekua Holmes

This is a gorgeous tribute to twenty famous poets that have inspired each of the three authors. The poems are all original pieces but pay homage to these revered poets, emulating their styles and voices. An original and ingenious gem!

BUY THIS BOOK FROM:


The cover of Mirror Mirror, a poetry book for kids featuring reverso poems.
Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reverso Poems
By Marilyn Singer and Josee Masse

My students are absolutely enamored with these reverso poems, which can be read in the traditional manner (from beginning to end) and then in reverse. The poems work both ways, and some of them take on deliciously new meanings when read from bottom to top. Kids will pore over the magic in each poem, and they especially love how this particular book tackles fairy tales head-on.

BUY THIS BOOK FROM:


The cover of Marshmallow Clouds, a lovely poetry book for kids.
Marshmallow Clouds: Two Poets at Play Among Figures of Speech
By Ted Kooser, Connie Wanek, and Richard Jones

Another gem of a poetry book that is so beautiful in its ability to make every day feel infused with wonder.  Using imagery and metaphor, each poem in this delightful collection encourages children to look around and discover the treasures right outside our doors. Even the simplest sights and objects can ignite our imaginations, and this book truly makes mundane moments feel nothing short of magical.

BUY THIS BOOK FROM:


The cover of I'm Just No Good at Rhyming, a hilarious poetry book for kids.
I’m Just No Good at Rhyming: And Other Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-ups!
By Chris Harris and Lane Smith

If you like Shel Silverstein, this new poetry collection is an absolute must. We couldn’t get through some of these poems without totally cracking up, and I was blown away by the wit, creativity, wordplay, oxymoron, and amazing interplay between the words and the illustrations. A uniquely genius collection that is equal parts novel and nonsense.

BUY THIS BOOK FROM:


The cover of Bravo, a poetry book for kids about prominent Hispanics.
Bravo! Poems About Amazing Hispanics
By Margarita Engle and Rafael Lopez

This striking collection features both stunning illustrations and biographical poems about 18 famous Latinos, from baseball players to botanists to musicians. The poems celebrate their renowned historical contributions, as well as the impacts they continue to have on their vibrant and evolving community today. 

BUY THIS BOOK FROM:


The cover of Poems to Learn By Heart, a beautiful poetry book for kids.
Poems to Learn by Heart
By Caroline Kennedy and John Muth

This is a beautiful compilation of poems, both by modern and classic poets, that help kids and families celebrate the smallest to the most momentous of occasions. A stunning collection exploring emotions big and small, this is a perfect book for your libraryBUY THIS BOOK FROM:


The cover of Breathe and Be, a meditative poetry book for kids.
Breathe and Be: A Book of Mindfulness Poems
By Kate Coombs and Anna Laitinen

This book of poetry is absolutely stunning. From listening to thunder crash, imagining yourself as a river of peace, and watching waves drifting on water, this book beautifully helps children visualize and connect with the natural world as they begin to learn mindfulness.

BUY THIS BOOK FROM:


RELATED: Do you have big kids getting ready to read in your home? Don’t miss our fantastic lists of kindergarten books and books for beginning readers!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

5+

« Previous PostThese Children's Books About Dogs Are Simply Pawesome!
Next Post »The Ultimate List of Earth Day Books for Kids!

OTHER POSTS YOU MAY LIKE:

  • kindergarten-reading-books

    5+

    Kindergarten Books Your Early Reader Will Adore!
  • A collage of 9 rhyming books for kindergarten on up.

    5+

    Essential Rhyming Books for Kindergarten on Up!
  • 5+

    XOXO: Our Favorite Picture Books About LOVE!

Never Miss a Happily Ever Elephants Newsletter!

Join our community and discover 28 Unforgettable Books to Make Storytime Magical and Meaningful.

Thank you for subscribing!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to Happily Ever Elephants!

Lauren

Hi! I’m Lauren. I’m a boy mom, former attorney, current elementary school librarian, and moderator of book clubs for kids around the country. My goal is to make storytime with your children both magical and meaningful. Welcome! LEARN MORE 

AS FEATURED IN

Good Housekeeping

Spring Books!

15+ Cute Bunny Books for Kids!

The Best Easter Books for Toddlers

15 Sweet Children’s Books About Flowers

10+ Children’s Books About Rain

SEE ALL SPRING BOOKS

Popular Posts

kindergarten-read-alouds

These Kindergarten Read Alouds Will Wow Kids!

The covers of 9 of the best books for 10 year olds.

The Best Books for 10-Year-Olds To Excite Your Kids!

The cover of Gossie with some rubber ducks, a great book for 2 year olds.

The Best Books for 2-Year-Olds Your Reader Will Love!

beginning-reader-books

The Ultimate List of the Best Books for Beginning Readers!

JOIN OUR BOOK CLUB

Browse by Age

BABY + TODDLER (0-2)
PRE-K (3-5)
BEGINNING READER (6-7)
GROWING READER (7-9)
TWEENS (10-12)
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Join 70k+ Instagram Followers

Find even more great book recommendations with the @happily.ever.elephants Instagram community!
Join more than 70k+ parents for more tips, recommendations and reviews.

Footer

Don’t miss a single book.

Join our community and discover 28 Unforgettable Books to Make Storytime Magical and Meaningful.

Thank you for subscribing!

Buy the Books

The best virtual book clubs for kids. Why read alone when we can read together?

JOIN NOW!
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2023 ·  Happily Ever Elephants LLC ·  Review Policies & Disclosures ·  Accessibility ·  Website by Anchored Design

0 shares