National Poetry Month

National Poetry Month is the largest literary celebration in the world! Founded in 1996, National Poetry Month is celebrated all over by schools, publishers, poets (of course), and libraries. As lovers of reading and all things literary, GMPL joins in the festivities. Here are some great books to introduce and foster the love of poetry in your kids:

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

Silverstein is classic poetry for children. The poems are silly, sometimes weird, and heartfelt. Paired with fun illustrations, even adults can get behind the youthfulness of Silverstein.

i carry your heart with me by e.e. cummings. Illustrated by Mati McDonough

This picture book takes the work of a poet, e.e. cummings, someone not necessarily recognized as writer of children's poetry, and makes it accessible to readers of all ages. McDonough's illustrations compliment the words of cummings, and creates a beautiful, heartwarming poetic experience. 

Guyku: A Year of Haiku for Boys by Bob Raczka. Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

While some boys might take to poetry like it's second nature, other might not express interest. Raczka and Reynolds paired up to bring a book of haiku poems specifically with boys in mind. The book moves through the four seasons with poems involving all sorts of activities,  including splashing sisters with muddy puddles. A great book for boys who don't think they like poetry. 

Poems in Black & White by Kate Miller

Miller's illustrations are as beautiful as her poems in this book. Her poems vary in style, and explore different subjects, from a comet to bowling! This book is great for children and grown-ups alike.

For kids interested in exploring poetry online, check out Jack Prelutsky's website for all kinds of fun: http://jackprelutsky.com/ For the whole month of April, we'll have our poetry display up in the children's department. Come in to check out these, and many more!

Web Wednesday

This Web Wednesday we are celebrating Poetry Month!  Whether you prefer acrostic, shape, or haiku, we have you covered! 
There are so many great sites to get you excited about poetry and we can't wait to share them with you.
Shel Silverstein is a classic poet and has some wonderfully wacky poems that stand the test of time.  His web site includes tons of activities for you to read and create poems.  You can even send e-cards! 

If you want to help your kids learn how to create their own poems, head over to Imagination Soup for some great tips.

Reading is Fundamental is a great resource for literacy, no matter what the activity.  If you're looking for some great poem starters, then this is the site for you!  You can choose poem starters by reading level and fill in the gaps to make your own silly poems.

Jack Prelutsky is another beloved poet.  His site is full of fun and has enough goofiness to lure even reluctant poets into playing along.

Poets.org is a great site for poetry lovers of all ages!  With a poem a day, an audio clip, and a spotlight poet, this site has many amazing features that will keep Poetry month alive all year long.  Don't forget to put a poem in your pocket for April 18th, Poem in Your Pocket Day!  Find an old favorite to share with new friends.   

For more resources on poems and poetry activities, scope out these sites all month long:
Kenn Nesbitt's Poetry for Kids and Squidoo

Check out our supply of poetry books at Grafton-Midview Public Library!

Image borrowed from Imagination Soup