April is National Poetry Month, a celebration of poetry as an indispensable art form that shapes literature and culture. Poetry does not have to be complicated, or deeply serious in order to be enjoyed. The rhythm, repetition, and often laughter found in poetry make it especially engaging for younger readers. From bouncy rhymes for babies to silly versus for preschoolers, and thoughtful poems about pets for older kids, everyone is invited to join in and share the joy.
One of the best things about poetry as an art form is how accessible it is. You can clap along to a rhyme, act out a poem, or sit with a few lines at a time in quiet reflection. Some poems are perfect for giggles, others for winding down; and many are meant to be enjoyed again, and again.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of poetry (and poetry-adjacent) books for children ages 0-12. Whether you are looking for something playful, calming, or thought-provoking, there is a little something for everyone. Happy reading!
Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks, by Suzanne Slade. Ages 6 – 9.
An iconoclast in poetry, Gwendolyn Brooks was the first African American poet to win a Pulitzer Prize. Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks, explores her desire to write poetry from an early age and how she ultimately achieved her dreams. This lyrical, picture book, biography is a wonderful introduction for children to an extraordinary poet.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? by Fred Rogers. Ages 2 – 5.
A lyrical treasure: the legendary king of children’s programming, Mr. Rogers, penned these lyrics for his original TV show. After all, what is a song, but a poem set to music? This visually appealing book is sure to inspire even the youngest readers to fall in love with poetry.
I, Too, Am America, by Langston Hughes. Ages 4 – 8.
Winner of the Coretta Scott King illustrator award, I, Too, Am America, transforms Langston Hughes’ iconic poem, “I, Too,” into a powerful picture book. While the original poem was a protest against the racism faced by Pullman Porters, illustrator Brain Collier combines Hughes’s words with images of resilience, love, and hope.
A Pond Full of Ink, by Annie M. G. Schmidt. Ages 6 – 10.
This whimsical collection of children’s poetry evokes the charm of Shel Silverstein. Fill with playful illustrations, A Pond Full of Ink showcases how everyday moments can be playful and fun. Recognized by notable publications, this delightful collection is worth exploring!
Thinker: My Puppy Poet and Me, by Elosie Greenfield. Ages 4 – 8.
Told from the perspective of a playful puppy, this delightful poetry collection follows Jace and his new dog, Thinker, as they build bonds through verse. With it’s charming, easy-to-follow poems, this quick read is perfect for little poets just getting started.
Wildflower Emily: A Story About Young Emily Dickinson, by Lydia Corry Ages 7 – 10.
Did you know Emily Dickinson’s yearning to be in nature inspired her parent to get her a shaggy dog named Carlo? This juvenile, bio-graphic novel tours the early life of Emily Dickinson, and what it was like living in Amherst, Massachusetts. Included in the story are fun nods to lines of stanzas she wrote.
The Sun Is So Quiet, by Nikki Giovanni. Ages 4 – 8.
One of Nikki Giovanni’s children’s poetry collections, The Sun Is So Quiet features simple yet thought-provoking poems about childhood. Paired with intricate illustrations, this book offers a sense of wonder and quiet magic for young readers.
The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus, by Jen Bryant. Ages 7 – 13.
Another engaging children’s biography, The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus, uses lyrical text and visually rich, mixed-media illustrations to tell the tale of Peter Roget and his famous reference book. It’s a wonderful way to introduce young readers to a treasury of words.
Crawly School for Bugs: Poems to Drive You Buggy, by David Harrison. Ages 5 – 9.
This silly collection on bug-themed poems is perfect for spring. (Or a bug-obsessed kid!) Young readers will love learning what insects’ study in school, all told in a playful, rhyming verse- of course!
Black Diamon Kings, by Charles R. Smith Jr. Ages 8 – 12.
An homage to twelve legends of the Negro Baseball League, Black Diamond Kings honors these remarkable players while also acknowledging the racism that led to the league’s creation. Each poem celebrates these athletes’ astonishing skill and legacy, paired with powerful illustrations that bring their stories to life.
