Children’s / Teenage: Poetry / poems

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Book SynopsisWhat makes a puppy''s day complete?Swimming and then shaking water all over you. Catching presents for you and then bringing them inside the house. Rolling in your nice wool sweater. Snuggling in your lap.In their second ode to canine companions, Patricia MacLachlan, Emily MacLachlan Charest, and Katy Schneider once again offer an irresistible glimpse into the mischievous canine mind. Captured here are adorable confessions and spirited accounts of the things that puppies do—and don''t do—while in search of love, adventure, and treats from the table.

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Book SynopsisComparable to National Book Award finalist Naomi Shihab Nye's acclaimed collections 19 VARIETIES OF GAZELLE, A MAZE ME, and HONEYBEE, this volume of 100 original poems celebrates the voices in the air that inspire us and give us hope. Trade Review“A rich collection of poems celebrating diverse lives. ...Asking tough questions and demonstrating the beauty of the voices on the fringe, Nye once again deftly charts the world through verse: not to be missed.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Nye frames the collection ever so clearly, first with the title, second with the subtitle, and third with her masterly written introduction. Her intentionality is palpable but never contrived. ...A beautifully constructed, thoughtful, and inspiring collection...A vital addition to poetry collections.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “With her trademark conversational style, [Nye] feels like the sister you wish you had: warm, curious and insightful. ...The poems in this collection are suffused with humor and thoughtfulness...Teen readers will love the gentle intensity of Nye’s words and messages and the accessibility of her poetry. Beautiful.” — Shelf Awareness (starred review) “Inspired and guided by the voices that surround her...Nye’s free verse tells of the wisdom, solace and beauty she has found and urges readers to join her...Nye displays a palpable, unwavering empathy and hope for a better world.” — New York Times Book Review “Nye delivers graceful dedications and intimate recollections, playful musings and sharp rebukes. ...there’s no doubt that Nye’s nimble, clear-eyed, and quietly political poems—supplemented by meticulous biographical notes—may make an avid listener out of anyone.” — ALA Booklist “[Nye] honors new world freedoms and old world traditions and celebrates youth without discounting childhood’s haphazard impulsiveness. ...Nye’s thought-provoking and timely collection will serve as a gentle invitation to use poems as tools for making sense of a world in crisis and explaining the strangeness of everyday lives.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) “Taken in sequence, the poems lead the reader through a natural and profound emotional progression. As much as the poems function as windows into their subjects, together they offer a sort of self-portrait of the poet herself, painted in negative space.” — The Horn Book “’Can we go outside and listen?’ Naomi Nye ponders in her introduction. Or stay in. Reflect. Pay. Attention. If we do we’ll find there is no such things as a too-small moment or memory. ...Nye is, above all, a poet of hope and heartening. ...Thank you, Naomi.” — Cooperative Children’s Book Center “The poems are moving when read aloud, but Nye is also asking readers to take part in a more profound and subtle type of listening, a kind that cuts through the noise and hears what matters.” — Publishers Weekly “Like happiness itself, Nye’s poems steal up on us and take us by surprise. This collection, especially, encourages listening: to nature, to other voices, and to the whispers of our own hearts. ...Brimming with affection, wit and optimism, these are poems we truly need right now. A+” — Cleveland Plain Dealer

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“A rich collection of poems celebrating diverse lives. ...Asking tough questions and demonstrating the beauty of the voices on the fringe, Nye once again deftly charts the world through verse: not to be missed.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Nye frames the collection ever so clearly, first with the title, second with the subtitle, and third with her masterly written introduction. Her intentionality is palpable but never contrived. ...A beautifully constructed, thoughtful, and inspiring collection...A vital addition to poetry collections.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “With her trademark conversational style, [Nye] feels like the sister you wish you had: warm, curious and insightful. ...The poems in this collection are suffused with humor and thoughtfulness...Teen readers will love the gentle intensity of Nye’s words and messages and the accessibility of her poetry. Beautiful.” — Shelf Awareness (starred review) “Inspired and guided by the voices that surround her...Nye’s free verse tells of the wisdom, solace and beauty she has found and urges readers to join her...Nye displays a palpable, unwavering empathy and hope for a better world.” — New York Times Book Review “Nye delivers graceful dedications and intimate recollections, playful musings and sharp rebukes. ...there’s no doubt that Nye’s nimble, clear-eyed, and quietly political poems—supplemented by meticulous biographical notes—may make an avid listener out of anyone.” — ALA Booklist “[Nye] honors new world freedoms and old world traditions and celebrates youth without discounting childhood’s haphazard impulsiveness. ...Nye’s thought-provoking and timely collection will serve as a gentle invitation to use poems as tools for making sense of a world in crisis and explaining the strangeness of everyday lives.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) “Taken in sequence, the poems lead the reader through a natural and profound emotional progression. As much as the poems function as windows into their subjects, together they offer a sort of self-portrait of the poet herself, painted in negative space.” — The Horn Book “’Can we go outside and listen?’ Naomi Nye ponders in her introduction. Or stay in. Reflect. Pay. Attention. If we do we’ll find there is no such things as a too-small moment or memory. ...Nye is, above all, a poet of hope and heartening. ...Thank you, Naomi.” — Cooperative Children’s Book Center “The poems are moving when read aloud, but Nye is also asking readers to take part in a more profound and subtle type of listening, a kind that cuts through the noise and hears what matters.” — Publishers Weekly “Like happiness itself, Nye’s poems steal up on us and take us by surprise. This collection, especially, encourages listening: to nature, to other voices, and to the whispers of our own hearts. ...Brimming with affection, wit and optimism, these are poems we truly need right now. A+” — Cleveland Plain Dealer

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"This adorable story is conveyed in lilting, rollicking rhymes that zing along with minimal text per page. Its original take on a Halloween theme and its cute 'Gingerbread Man' vibe will entertain and delight young readers." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

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Book SynopsisMeet LONG JOHN McRON, SHIP''S COOK . . . and the most unusual babysitter you''ve ever seen. Long John has a whole crew of wild pirates in tow, and—for one boy and his sister—he''s about to transform a perfectly ordinary evening into a riotous adventure beneath a pirate moon. It''s time to make some PIRATE STEW. Marvelously silly and gloriously entertaining, this tale of pirates, flying ships, doughnut feasts and some rather magical stew is perfect for all pirates, both young and old.With a deliciously rhyming text from master storyteller Neil Gaiman and spellbinding illustrations by the supremely talented Chris Riddell, this is the picture book of the year! Pirate Stew! Pirate Stew!Pirate Stew for me and you!Pirate Stew, Pirate StewEat it and you won’t be blueYou can be a pirate too!

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"A slice-of-life tale, from dawn to dusk. Drawing inspiration from Robert Browning’s ‘Pippa’s Song,’ the soothingly written verse and the vibrant mixed-media illustrations bring this bustling, beautiful neighborhood to life and demonstrate that even in an urban setting, there are ways to appreciate nature. A charmer that captures the exuberance of finding happiness in the little things." — Kirkus Reviews "Snug ­details abound; the world is safe; the mood is optimistic, deliberately so... A reassuring lark, meant to soothe, and all’s right with this book." — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Hill’s ­illustrations are bright and breezy, loose, and beachy. First-person narration from the child’s perspective lends an open, curious tone that may inspire readers to be close observers and try their hands at poetry, too. VERDICT A gentle but formidable addition to picture book collections everywhere; as nuanced as a poem, it spells out as much as it withholds and leaves readers with questions they’ll be inspired to try to answer themselves." — School Library Journal (starred review) "[A] dreamy introduction to the art and craft of writing [from] late Newbery Medalist MacLachlan. Lucy’s quiet joy in learning to find her own words, encouraged by the poet, is uplifting for anyone who has engaged in creative process. This inviting book reads as an ode to the late poet Mary Oliver, the Cape, and new undertakings." — Publishers Weekly "A love of words, walks, and a watery natural landscape highlight an intergenerational friendship in this posthumously published picture book from Newbery winner MacLachlan. Hill's blowsy, light-washed pictures capture the area's magic. A sweet paean to inspiration and contemplation." — Booklist PRAISE FOR THE HUNDRED-YEAR BARN: “In meditative prose, Newbery-winner MacLachlan commemorates the life of a great barn. MacLachlan and Pak invite readers into the rhythms of the small family farm and important moments, small and great, over a century of its life.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “This quiet tale captures the rhythm of rural life throughout seasons—and then over generations. MacLachlan weaves in an abundance of details that will appeal to children with no firsthand experience with farming. A cozy filter through which to imagine growing up.” — Kirkus Reviews “MacLachlan pays tribute to a symbol of the American farm. Watercolor, gouache, pencil, ink, and digital media in browns, tans, and cinnamon, enable the red of the cap and the barn to stand out. The solid building at the heart of the farm offers comfort and continuity in the life of a family.” — Booklist Praise for CHICKEN TALK: “Krosoczka’s expressive illustrations bring humor and tenderness to each character, human and chicken. MacLachlan’s latest models an attentive, loving, and respectful relationship between humans and their animal companions that even those without articulate pets will appreciate. A sweet, silly...celebration of individuality and connection.” — Kirkus Reviews “Artwork by Krosoczka (Hey, Kiddo) uses softly sketched lines and gentle farmyard hues to provide a sense of the farm’s peace and the chickens’ cleverness. MacLachlan (My Father’s Words) offers droll dialogue, a bucolic setting, and a spirited defense of animals as distinct beings with unacknowledged powers of observation.” — Publishers Weekly Praise for THE POET’S DOG: “Magical. A quiet, elegant, poignant story suffused with humor, heart, and goodness.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “A spare, moving tale. Using simple words that even youngest readers will understand and enjoy, MacLachlan tackles subjects such as death and mourning with understated grace." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Readers will find their own jewel in this gem of a book.” — Booklist (starred review) "Poets find words everywhere. This quiet, gentle tale suggests that evocative language emerges when one opens oneself to commonplace visual, auditory, and tactile experiences all around. Doing so invites rich streams of wonderful words—hence, poetry. Children enjoy toying with language, and this book validates their playful enjoyment of and experiments with wordplay. A fun follow-up to a classroom or library read-aloud could include having children describe familiar objects in imaginative, poetic ways. The simple, endearing gouache illustrations ably suit the narrative. Will empower kids to realize they, too, can be poets." — Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThoughtful and thought-provoking, this book will plant the seeds of environmental activism in young readers. — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) In this factually augmented poetry collection, Hood illuminates the reasons, repercussions, and remedies for humans’ considerable use of plastic....Engel’s vivid, inclusive digital illustrations bolster this appealingly accessible picture book. — Publishers Weekly A fantastic resource for those who want to learn about the fight against plastic pollution. A useful book to include in poetry or social awareness units, this is a thorough resource on plastic consumption. — School Library Journal A breezy way of introducing ecology concepts and starting important conversations. — Booklist With an introduction from Milo Cress and bright, colorful illustrations from Christiane Engel, this collection of brilliant, lyrical nonfiction poems by award-winning author Susan Hood highlights the threat of plastic and the kids who are fighting for change to save our planet. — kidlit.tv You'll finish this book and think about what you can do to help the environment. — Mrs. Knott's Book Blog You don’t want to miss this smart read. — Betsy Bird, School Library Journal Blog

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“What do pandas who make stir-fry, a bike with no pedals, New Year’s resolutions, and perturbed vegetables have in common? Not much, but they sure are a hoot! . . . With steady rhymes and consistent meter, Prelutsky employs his characteristic wordplay, humor, and absurdism. . . . Chan’s grayscale cartoons . . . add wry amusement and often enhance the poems’ textual meanings. . . . A quick-witted delight.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “U.S. children’s poet laureate emeritus Prelutsky delivers his signature silliness and wordplay in this collection of 100 poems . . . Prelutsky is reliably playful . . . With their rhythmic meter, easy rhymes, and offbeat punch lines, these are poems that beg to be memorized. Lively black-and-white drawings by Chan are perfectly in pitch.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Prelutsky’s new poetry collection is a gift to the ears and eyes. Written in a variety of rhyme schemes . . . Black-and-white cartoon drawings accompany each poem and bring the words—both comical and descriptive—to life. Prelutsky is a master of humor and poetic device. . . . A well-written, must-have collection of poems.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “The first U.S. Children’s Poet Laureate once again exhibits his knack for rhyme and giggles in this collection of over 100 new poems. With his signature silliness, Prelutsky imagines outlandish situations . . . Topping off the playfulness is delightful black-and-white spot art. A read-aloud-ready anthology.” — Booklist “The legendary first children’s poet laureate returns with a bumper crop of over 100 new poems in this compendious volume. . . . , there’s plenty of Prelutsky pleasure here with kid-appealing final twists and tight, tongue-twirling rhymes and witty investigations.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “Fans of humorous poetry . . . should find just what they’re looking for here: nonsense confidently delivered in lines that scan satisfyingly, surrounded by Chan’s exuberantly cartooned black-and-white line drawings. . . . The collection includes a few different forms: a section of haiku from various animals’ points of view breaks up the silliness . . . Bon appétit!” — Horn Book Magazine

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"The reiterative phrase 'I come from...' frames the reflections of a Black child narrator discussing their identity in this tenderly observed picture book. Layered collage spreads by Caldecott Honoree Mora pulse with vibrant color and movement. Poet Gray, making a picture book debut, models the process of, and the power in, learning that 'I come from/ somewhere.'" — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "While describing a seemingly ordinary routine, the lyrical text is a journey through Black language and culture, evoking a sense of identity, community, and connectedness. Mora's mixed-media illustrations enhance the poetic storytelling. The colorful collage-work adds texture and motion to the pages, while selective hand-lettering emphasizes parts of the verse. This beautifully rendered picture book serves as a reminder of the importance of familial and cultural identity and the grounding that it offers in the wider world." — Horn Book (starred review) "In a book that comes right from the heart, Gray explores a young Black boy’s experience during a typical day in his neighborhood. Mora’s beautiful illustrations enhance the view of the hero’s environment and experiences. Although the focus of this book is on a Black family, children of all ethnicities and gender identities will be able to relate to the main character feeling out of place for something that outwardly casts him as “different” from others. A beautiful, simple look into one child’s typical experience that all readers can learn from and relate to." — School Library Journal (starred review) "Elegantly crafted verse alternates between alliteration and sounds that pack a vocal punch. To match the impact of the text, Mora’s art is varied and attractive, utilizing mixed media to convey a patchwork of textures and the purposefully unpolished hand of a kid’s drawings as a riot of color splashes every page. This picture book is a beautiful, dreamy, powerful answer about identity in response to a racist question that attempts to reduce kids of color to something easily contained." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) "For some, 'Where are you from?' has a geographical answer, but this kid offers a thoughtful and poignant alternative perspective that showcases the layered textured papers and gouache paints of Mora’s illustrations. The answers he ultimately offers readers are as tasty as 'buttermilk biscuits' or as touching as 'bear-tight cuddles,' as soft as pecks on the cheek or as far-reaching as the hopes and dreams of his family. An origin story for the ages—intimate, poetic, singular, and broadly relatable." — Kirkus Reviews "Multiple-award-winning illustrator Mora creates a vibrant world: double-page spreads pop with bright, detailed collages of painted and patterned paper, including well-considered swatches of printed paper. In his picture-book debut, poet Gray shines a light on a contemplative child who sees his family ethos as a place of reassurance and pride and recognizes his own belonging there as a reader and storyteller. A satisfying and affirmative read about self-awareness and family." — Booklist

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Book SynopsisTaiwanese immigrant Anna and her family make a shocking discovery that puts their American dreams at risk in this searing companion to In the Beautiful Country, which Gene Luen Yang called “vivid and hopeful.” * A Cooperative Children''s Book Center Choices List Selection *After a rocky first year, Anna’s family has settled into life in California—their small restaurant is even turning a profit. Then her parents make a shattering discovery: Their visas have expired.Anna’s world is quickly overwhelmed by unfamiliar words like “undocumented” and “inequality.” She longs to share with a friend the towering secret that looms over every aspect of her life, but her parents strictly forbid her from telling anyone.As Anna grapples with the complexities of being undocumented, the strain that it places on her family, and the loneliness of keeping it all to herself, she h

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Book SynopsisIn this lyrical and luminous poetry collection, Coretta Scott King honorees Joyce Carol Thomas and Floyd Cooper celebrate these many shades of Black beautifully.Included in Brightly's list of recommended diverse poetry picture books for kids.Trade Review“Evocative, colorful poetry…an essential picture book.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

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Book SynopsisAn inspiring debut middle grade novel-in-verse about Rain, who must overcome sadness after her all-star brother is badly beaten up at a frat party. Genesis Begins Again meets Brown Girl Dreaming in this powerful story of perseverance, family, and hope.A gorgeous debut: a necessary, cathartic, immersive healing experience.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)“In this gut-wrenching verse novel by debut author Comrie, thirteen-year-old City Middle School student Rain Washington grapples with the aftermath of a violent racist attack. . . . Comrie sensitively tackles myriad topics, including colorism, fiscal scarcity, and structural racism, as well as their effects on mental health, in this impressive volume. —Publishers Weekly (starred review)“This lovingly crafted novel-in-verse is a much-needed reminder that compassion, both for oneself and oth

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"A heartfelt and nuanced depiction of what it’s like to straddle different cultures and the critical need to understand oneself. [And] a love letter to words and their ability to not only define us, but shape who we are." — Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisLee Bennet Hopkins, noted anthologist and educator, has collected a group of witty and whimsical poems that celebrate the joy of reading. Karla Kuskin, Jack Prelutsky, and Arnold Lobel are just a few of the acclaimed children''s book authors whose poems are joined into this delightful ode to the world of words.  Wonderfully wacky illustrations by Harvey Stevenson help make this a rollicking good book--and a rollicking good time.

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Book SynopsisA variety of animals parade by in this familiar jumprope alphabet song.The antics never quite quit as a parade of animals sell their wares in this wildly illustrated version of the familiar alphabet ditty and ball-bouncing game. Young readers will delight in meeting such characters as Barbara, the bear with balloons for sale in Brazil; New York Ned, the newt who owns a noodle emporium, and finally the zipper-selling Zambian zebra and zebu, Zelda and Zach.Trade Review"Silly husband-and-wife teams and their parade of possessions star in a rollicking alphabet book."--Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisBlue lost one boy to the streets and is determined that this time will be different. And Damon knows that even though he's the man of the house, there's room for a friend like Blue in his life. At the end of the day, Damon has someone standing steadfast in his corner. Someone true . . . like Blue. Nikki Grimes's moving poems and Jerome Lagarrigue's bold paintings create an emotional and realistic bond of friendship between a man and a boy in a rough world.

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Book SynopsisGoblins. Boogers. Stinky boys. These are the things of childhood, and they're all here in this outrageous collection of poems that look at the world through a child's eyes. Featuring everything from the Giant Children of the title-who flip pages with amazing speed-to a turtle named Jaws, the poetry included here is rambunctious, irreverent, funny, and sometimes even gross. Tedd Arnold, creator of the beloved Parts and More Parts, and Brod Bagert are good friends who have happily teamed up-with hilarious results.

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Book SynopsisA child's world is full of beauty. Each day offers new discoveries to celebrate. This luminous compilation of poems gives readers a look at the world through a child's eye. Each poem takes the form of a child's letter to the Earth and all its creatures and is accompanied by exquisite cut-paper collages. This breathtaking collection celebrates our world and inspires us to observe every detail with imagination and delight.

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Book SynopsisFinalist for the National Book AwardWhen Lonnie was seven years old, his parents died in a fire. Now he's eleven, and he still misses them terribly. And he misses his little sister, Lili, who was put into a different foster home because not a lot of people want boys-not foster boys that ain't babies. But Lonnie hasn't given up. His foster mother, Miss Edna, is growing on him. She's already raised two sons and she seems to know what makes them tick. And his teacher, Ms. Marcus, is showing him ways to put his jumbled feelings on paper.Told entirely through Lonnie's poetry, we see his heartbreak over his lost family, his thoughtful perspective on the world around him, and most of all his love for Lili and his determination to one day put at least half of their family back together. Jacqueline Woodson's poignant story of love, loss, and hope is lyrically written and enormously accessible.

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Book SynopsisFollow an errand boy through colonial Boston as he spreads word of rebellion. It''s December 16, 1773, and Boston is about to explode! King George has decided to tax the colonists'' tea. The Patriots have had enough. Ethan, the printer''s errand boy, is running through town to deliver a message about an important meeting. As he stops along his route at the bakery, the schoolhouse, the tavern, and more readers learn about the occupations of colonial workers and their differing opinions about living under Britain''s rule. This fascinating book is like a field trip to a living history village.* Winter’s strong, moving text is supported by a thoughtful design that incorporates the look of historical papers, and rich paintings capture the individuals and their circumstances as well as what’s at stake.—Booklist, starred review

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