Happy Poetry Friday! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.)
It’s the final Poetry Friday of the year, and I’m going to wrap up with a simple list of my favorite poetry picture books that I read for the first time this year. These are the ones I rated 4 or 5 stars on Goodreads. Disclaimer: I occasionally forget to rate a book or even enter it in Goodreads entirely, so I’m sure I’ve left out a few favorites here. Also, this does not include novels in verse, single poem picture books, etc. These are all collections. But the bottom line is that I heartily recommend all these titles. If you’ve missed some, I hope you’ll check them out–especially the ones by our Poetry Friday friends!
Super-clever shape poems!
Fabulous collaboration by Charles and Irene! Oh, shoot. A novel in verse, actually. But many of the poems stand beautifully alone, and it’s wonderfully illustrated, so I’m leaving it in. (So there!)
I knew I’d miss some! Breathe and Be, mindfulness poems, was one of my very favorites this year, but despite blogging about it here twice and reviewing it on Amazon, I had neglected to review it on Goodreads. So adding it now! Don’t miss this one!
Glorious poems about reading. Enough said.
Stunning art and gorgeous poems by one of the first kidlit poetry bloggers I followed!
A new collection by J. Patrick Lewis is always cause for celebration. Fabulous parodies and great model of using mentor texts.
This celebration of poetry and poets is another fantastic example of using mentor texts.
This collection is even more fun than an actual trip to a farmers’ market.
Love hearing Marilyn Singer read her poems in the audiobook edition!
Technically a board book, but the poems and oh-my-goodness the art! Not babyish at all.
And for lots of wonderful poetry, don’t miss the Poetry Friday Roundup with poet-teacher Heidi at My Juicy Little Universe.
I always think these posts should come with a warning label– I love reading them but then spend way too much money purchasing books! Things To Do is one of my favorites and is a delightfully infectious mentor text for students. Thanks for the great list, Laura!
So true about the warning. Glad you enjoyed the list:>)
I’m happy to report that I already have 5 of these books. I love my collection of poetry books but rarely post about them. I keep saying that I should do more book reviews. Maybe a new goal for 2018? Thanks for sharing.
Same here (saying I should do more reviews/sharing). It’s hard keeping all the balls in the air, isn’t it?
Oh, what a great list—I’m pinning this one. One of my goals for 2018 is to review more. It’s so important but I feel awkward at it. I need to break out of my comfort zone and share more. Thank you for these titles. I”ve read a couple but have more to go.
I hear you, Linda. I don’t really consider myself a reviewer at all. But I do try to share books I love by showing them here, writing reviews or ratings on Amazon and Goodreads, etc. Happy 2018–you can do it! You have great things to say about the books you love:>)
Thank you so much, Laura. It’s a delight to find our READ! on this great list. You are so generous to all of us, and as I’m a big fan of your writing, appearing here on your blog is a special honor. Happy New Year to you and to your family. I have a feeling 2018 is going to be a good one. xxxx
Aw, thanks, Amy! And right back at you, obviously! Yes, here’s to a wonderful 2018!
Definitely a list of keepers! I’m going to be busy catching up on some good reading in the coming year. Happy New Year!
This is a terrific list, Laura. I’ve read most of these, but thank you for reminding me to find Wet Cement and Fresh Picked Poetry. Happy New Year!
Both of my thumbs are up agreeing with your list! The only one I missed was Haiku Baby — in my Amazon cart now ready to send to twin niece and nephew!
Much to celebrate this year, Laura, indeed. Looking forward to an exciting 2018 in children’s poetry. Haiku Baby slipped past me. Thank you for mentioning it. Happy New Year!
Just got “Can I Touch Your Hair” so need to read it soonest! I still need to find and read Haiku Baby, but know the others. We are lucky to have had so many wonderful poetry books this year! Thanks, Laura!
Thanks for your picks Laura! I just loved “Fresh Cement.” I have “Out of Wonder,” and ” Feel the Beat” out of the library now–but I might have to buy them. I have Amy’s; Elaine’s; Irene and Charles to collect, and a few more.
Happy reading, poetry writing, and New Year!
I appreciate all the different lists of notables, winners, favorites! It’s always true that I’ve missed some, and this reminds me to go back the check them out. Thank you, Laura, and wishing you and yours a 2018 that stays merry and bright all year!
What a wonderful year it’s been for poetry! As a librarian I love these kinds of lists – when you have a limited book buying budget it really helps me decide where I want to spend my money!