The Oxford Illustrated Book of American Children's Poems Review

Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA

ISBN: 019514578X EAN: 9780195145786
Binding: Paperback
Pages: 96
Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Average Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

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American children's poetry began with Native American cradle songs, moved on to a rhymed alphabet, blossomed in the 19th century with "A Visit from St. Nicholas," expanded widely in the 20th century, and continues with vigor into the new millennium. Some of the best of these poems, however, have been neglected or forgotten. This collection, edited by acclaimed children's author and poet Donald Hall, returns to us the forgotten treasures of American children's poetry. Featuring some of the best of children's book illustration-including archival selections from rare and early editions and pictures from now defunct 19th- and early-20th-century children's magazines-this anthology revives not only the classic poems but also the atmosphere of the periods in which they were written and read.
Starting with anonymous Native American verses and a selection from the 1727 New England Primer, "Alphabet," this book spans two centuries of American children's poetry. Immediately recognizable names, including Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, Carl Sandburg, and T. S. Eliot are joined by talented contemporary poets like Gwendolyn Brooks, Sandra Cisneros, Janet S. Wong, and others. Perennial favorites-such as "The Three Little Kittens" and "Casey at the Bat"-are mixed in with new classics, such as Shel Silverstein's "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out." Poems about holidays appear with verses for recitation, nursery rhymes, poems for laughter, bedtime verses, scary poems, and animal poems. In recognition of America's diverse nature, the selections in this anthology reflect a variety of backgrounds and experiences. From anonymous African-American poets we step forward through the ages to admire the talents of Langston Hughes, Sonia Sanchez, and Francisco X. Alarcon. Children will love discovering these gems, and both parents and teachers will delight in reading to children from this book.

User Submitted The Oxford Illustrated Book of American Children's Poems Reviews

October 23, 2008
Great book of poetry your children will love
I bought this book to go with an American History cirriculum and we read a poem every couple of days. Under the author of each poem is the date in which they lived, so I can say stuff like, "oh look, this woman wrote this poem during the time when Abraham Lincoln was president" and it helps tie everything together for everyone. Also, the poems are great fun and not boring at all. It is a really good way to show kids that they can enjoy poetry.

August 3, 2005
I love about 75% of the poetry
I bought this book in a pinch because I was going to Europe and wanted something fun and new to read to my 3 and 5 year olds. They have their favorites, but I am still looking for another.

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