April – National Poetry Month

“Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.” ~Leonardo da Vinci

Poetry is an ideal way to encourage oral language skills in children. It has a rhythmic quality with rhymes, sounds, and patterns. Poetry is like a dance with words. It can be slow with beautiful images of quiet and calm, or it can be fast with quick rhymes that elicit smiles from young listeners. Poems are something that can be shared again and again for the enjoyment of all.

Here are two poetry books I’d like to share with you – especially if you have young children or grandchildren. Both of these books have poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins, a talented poet, poet anthologist, and the recipient of the Regina Medal Award for 2016.

 

Lullaby & Kisses Sweet: Poems to Love With Your Baby selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins and illustrated by Alyssa Nassner, Harry N. Abrams Board Books

This book contains original poems by well-known authors such as Lee Bennett Hopkins, Laura Purdie Salas, Ann Whitford Paul, J. Patrick Lewis, and Jane Yolen.  It’s divided into five sections:  Family, Firsts, Bedtime, Play, and Food. Each section includes poems that are attention-grabbing and fun. This book is sweet, snappy, and delightfully entertaining for all, and it’s a perfect gift!

Jumping Off Library Shelves:  A Book of Poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins and illustrated by Jane Manning, Wordsong

This is a collection of fifteen poems written by well-known authors that explores the library and all the magic that takes place inside. Readers will enjoy Jane Manning’s enchanting illustrations done in soft pastels. This is another keeper!

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Tags: Board Books, Lee Bennett Hopkins, Oral Language Skills, Patterns, Picture Books, Poems, Regina Medal Award for 2016, Rhyme, Rhythm

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