How to Find Children's Poets

So many children's books, so little time. Kids do still love poetry, but new times bring us new names. You may have to take a few minutes to look up children's poets in the computer and on the bookshelves, but they will give kids some fun and laughter, in a modern-day style.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Library, Bookstore, Internet access

How to Find Children's Poets

1. Begin with Jack Prelutzky, Children's Poet Laureate. You could start with any one of his amazing books, from dragons to fantastical creatures, to the recent "My Dog is a Genius". And you probably can't go wrong. With down-to-earth writing that is easy for kids to relate to (how about a poem on hating homework?), Prelutzky is a fine choice for children's poetry. His job has been to draw attention to the genre and encourage kids' natural love of poetry.
2. Recite the poems of Douglas Florian. Another kids' favorite, Florian most often dwells in the realm of animals: many, many types of animals and insects. His poems also range to planets and other kid-popular phenomena. Children gravitate to the poems for their humorous and interesting themes, whether tigers or rhinos. And of course, rich illustrations also help.
3. Delve into the poems of English poet Colin McNaughton. He's published such intriguing titles as "Making Friends With Frankenstein", "Here Come the Aliens!" and "Jolly Roger". His poems have been called nonsensical, silly and even cleverly vulgar. Present and future fans of Captain Underpants will probably go for the mischievous comedy of poems such as "I've Lost My Head" spoken by a headless spook in "Making Friends With Frankenstein".
4. If you missed Shel Silverstein in the 1970's, try him now. His line drawings and witty poems endure and continue to fascinate young readers and listeners. "Where the Sidewalk Ends" and other Silverstein books have garnered many readers.