Highly rated poetry books for kids

(By Melinda Kinsman) A lighthearted and fun collection of poems featuring silly, spooky, and friendly monsters that children will adore.

(By Paul Fleischman) A unique collection of poems meant to be read aloud by two people simultaneously, this book captures the beauty and rhythm of nature through the voices of insects. From honeybees to fireflies, the poems celebrate the interconnectedness of the natural world in a lyrical and playful way.

(By Langston Hughes) A beautifully illustrated introduction to the poetry of Langston Hughes, showcasing his lyrical and powerful verses on dreams, hope, racial identity, and the Harlem Renaissance.

(By James McDonald) A fun and engaging collection of rhymes and verses inspired by nature, adventure, and childhood curiosity.

(By Blanche Fisher Wright) A timeless collection of nursery rhymes, featuring well-known and beloved classics that have been passed down for generations.

(By Nancy Willard) A whimsical collection of poetry inspired by William Blake, following a child’s stay in a magical inn where tigers, dragons, and celestial beings roam. The lyrical language and stunning illustrations create a dreamlike experience.

(By Jack Prelutsky) A magical and whimsical collection of poems about dragons, filled with adventure, humor, and vivid imagery.

(By Sarah Ziman) A humorous and thought-provoking collection of poems about social awkwardness, overthinking, and the quirks of growing up.

(By Shel Silverstein) This poetry collection is filled with Silverstein’s signature blend of humor, satire, and heartfelt moments. Featuring unforgettable characters, such as a boy who turns into a TV and a girl who eats a whale, these poems explore childhood wonder and mischief with a unique twist.

(By David T.W. McCord) A joyful poetry collection celebrating nature, adventure, and the simple pleasures of being a child.

(By Randall Jarrell) A poetic and beautifully written story about a bat who wants to express himself through poetry, exploring themes of creativity and individuality.

(By Jack Prelutsky) A vibrant collection of funny and exaggerated poems, featuring wild adventures, crazy creatures, and delightful nonsense that will spark children’s imaginations.

(By Amy Ludwig VanDerwater) A lyrical collection of nature poems that celebrate the beauty and wonder of forests, plants, and wildlife.

(By Bill Martin Jr. (Editor)) A large, illustrated anthology featuring classic and contemporary poems, making poetry accessible and fun for children.

(By Sharon Creech) A unique novel-in-verse about a young boy discovering poetry and using it to express his emotions. Through short, poignant poems, Jack navigates his thoughts on writing, personal loss, and finding his voice as a poet.

(By Jack Prelutsky) A comprehensive anthology featuring over 500 poems from classic and contemporary poets, selected by Prelutsky. Covering a wide range of topics—nature, school, animals, and more—this book is a perfect introduction to poetry for kids.

(By Roald Dahl) A hilarious and twisted take on classic fairy tales, Dahl’s poems retell familiar stories with dark humor and unexpected endings. Illustrated by Quentin Blake, this book is perfect for readers who enjoy wit, satire, and a touch of the macabre.

(By Joyce Sidman) A beautifully poetic picture book that personifies colors through the seasons, capturing their moods, sounds, and transformations. Rich in imagery, it celebrates nature and the changing world.

(By Kelvin Smith) A touching and poetic story about childhood dreams, imagination, and the magic of storytelling.

(By Shel Silverstein) Shel Silverstein’s poignant story follows the lifelong relationship between a boy and a selfless tree that gives everything—its apples, branches, and trunk—to make the boy happy. The book explores themes of unconditional love, self-sacrifice, and human nature’s tendency to take more than it gives. Its bittersweet message has sparked discussions on generosity, relationships, and environmentalism.

(By A.A. Milne) A delightful collection of poetry featuring playful and gentle verses about childhood adventures and imagination. These poems, accompanied by E.H. Shepard’s illustrations, introduce readers to a world of whimsy, including the first appearance of Winnie-the-Pooh.

(By A.A. Milne) A charming continuation of Milne’s poetry collections, this book captures the thoughts and musings of a child at the threshold of growing up. With a mix of humor, nostalgia, and endearing reflections, these verses resonate with both children and adults.

(By Judith Viorst) A funny and sometimes bittersweet collection of poems that explore the ups and downs of childhood, from small disappointments to big emotions.

(By Dennis Lee) A beloved Canadian classic filled with rhythmic and entertaining poems that celebrate wordplay, humor, and the joy of reading aloud.

(By Mary Michaels White (Editor)) A delightful poetry collection featuring works from various poets, accompanied by colorful and imaginative illustrations that bring the verses to life.

(By Marilyn Singer) A clever and innovative book featuring "reverso" poems—verses that can be read forward and backward to reveal different perspectives on classic fairy tales.

(By Clement Clarke Moore) Clement Clarke Moore’s beloved Christmas poem, featuring the magical visit of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. With its rhythmic verse and festive imagery, this book has become a cherished holiday tradition for generations.

(By T.S. Eliot) A classic collection of playful and whimsical poems about feline characters, which inspired the hit musical Cats.

(By Jack Prelutsky) A lively collection of funny and playful poems that explore the absurdities of life, from enormous pizzas to talking vegetables. With catchy rhymes and silly imagery, this book is a favorite for young readers who love humor and wordplay.

(By Jacqueline Woodson) A deeply personal novel-in-verse that tells the story of Woodson’s childhood, growing up as an African American girl in the 1960s and 1970s. The poems explore themes of identity, family, and resilience with lyrical beauty.

(By Joyce Sidman) A beautifully written and illustrated collection of nature-inspired poetry that explores how animals and plants survive in the winter months.

(By Shel Silverstein) A whimsical and imaginative collection of poetry and illustrations that captures the joys, fears, and adventures of childhood. With humorous rhymes, heartfelt verses, and a touch of the absurd, Silverstein encourages children to think outside the box and embrace creativity.

(By Paige W. Pendleton) A beautifully crafted poetry collection that blends fantasy and nature themes, creating an enchanting world of words.

(By Dr. Seuss) One of Dr. Seuss’s most beloved books, Green Eggs and Ham follows Sam-I-Am as he persistently tries to convince another character to try an unusual meal. Through humorous rhymes and repetition, the book encourages children to be open to new experiences. Its simple vocabulary and engaging rhythm make it an excellent choice for early readers.

(By Robert Louis Stevenson) A beautifully crafted collection of classic poems that celebrate childhood experiences, from bedtime to playtime. Stevenson captures the innocence and curiosity of youth, with verses that transport readers to dreamy landscapes and nostalgic moments of discovery.