40+ Clever and Captivating Poetry Books for Kids

Finding the right poetry books for kids can open a whole new world of imagination, language, and creativity. Poetry helps children develop reading skills, emotional awareness, and a love for words in a fun and memorable way. Whether your child enjoys silly rhymes, thoughtful verses, or colorful illustrations, there are wonderful poetry collections available for every age and reading level.

My Grandmother read poems to me from the old 1950’s Child Craft book series when I was little. (Do you remember those?) I loved the colorful illustrations and the way the words rhymed and flowed. Many of those poems, I still remember today!

Whether you are new to poetry or have enjoyed it for years, I hope this little guide and book list will give you the inspiration to pull out your favorite poetry books and read them to your kids.

Why Poetry so Amazing for Children

Before we jump into the list of poetry books for kids, can we acknowledge why poetry is so amazing for kids?

Poetry introduces children to the musical side of language. Through rhyme, rhythm, repetition, and imagery, kids learn to appreciate words in a deeper way than they often do with traditional stories. Here are the birds-eye benefits of reading poetry to your kids:

• Features rich vocabulary
• Builds memory skills
• Teaches Rhyme 
• Has varying text-length options for emergent or reluctant readers
• Offers opportunities to build reading fluency
• Fosters reading with inflection and nuance
• Gives an outlet for sharing thoughts and feelings
• Deepens empathy
• Offers pure enjoyment

Best Poetry Books for Kids to Add to Your Shelf

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Before we get into our list of poetry books for kids, let me give you a quick note. First, I did not write a snippet or review for each book; instead, I’ve linked each one to Amazon or Thriftbooks, where you can find more info, read reviews, and decide for yourself if it is a good fit for your kids. And second, stick around to the end to find our family’s top five picks, and make sure you leave yours in the comments below! Now let’s get started:

Humorous Poetry Books for Kids

1. The Random House Book of Poetry by Jack Prelutsky
2. A Pizza the Size of the Sun: A Collection of Funny Poems for Kids by Jack Prelutsky
3. The New Kid on the Block: A Hilarious Poetry Collection by Jack Prelutsky
4. It’s Raining Pigs & Noodles: Mischievous Rhyming Poems by Jack Prelutsky
5. Be Glad Your Nose Is on Your Face by Jack Prelutsky
6. My Dog May Be a Genius by Jack Prelutsky
7. Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

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Seasonal & Holiday Poetry Books for Kids

8. Sing a Song of Seasons by Fiona Waters
9. The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies by Cicely Mary Barker
10. Julie Andrews’ Treasury for All Seasons by Julia Andrews
11. When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons by Julie Fogliano
12. Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems by  Paul B. Janeczko
13. Poetry for Young People: The Seasons by John N. Serio

Nature Poetry Books for Kids

14. Outside Your Window by Nicola Davies
15. Song of the Water Boatman by Joyce Sidman
16. Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman
17. Forest Has a Song by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater
18. National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry by J. Patrick Lewis

Bedtime & Gentle Poetry Books for Kids

19. Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson
20. Collections of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies by Julie Andrews
21. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers by Fred Rogers
22. A Childs Book of Poems by Gyo Fujikawa
23. One Minute till Bedtime: 60-Second Poems to Send You off to Sleep by Kenn Nesbitt
24. Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Fairy Poems by Laura Ingalls Wilder
25. Favorite Poems Old and New by Helen Ferris

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Poetry Books for Kids that Highlight a Specific Poet

26. The Illustrated Emily Dickinson: 25 Essential Poems by Ryan G. Van Cleave
27. The Illustrated Robert Frost: 25 Essential Poems compiled by Ryan G. Van Cleave
28. Walt Whitman Poetry for Kids by Walt Whitman
29. Poetry for Kids: William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare
30. Poetry for Kids: Carl Sandburg by Carl Sandburg

Preschool Poetry Books

35. Eloise Wilkin’s Poems to Read to the Very Young by Eloise Wilkins
36. Animals Animals compiled by Laura Whipple & illustrated by Eric Carle
37. When We Were Very Young by A.A. Milne
38. Now We are Six by A.A. Milne
39. Mother Goose Treasury by Cottage Door Press

Poetry Books About a Subject

40. The Cuckoo’s Haiku: and Other Birding Poems by Michael J. Rosen (Birds)
41. Hailstones and Halibut Bones: Adventures in Poetry and Color by Mary O’Neil (Colors)
42. The Poetry of the United States by J. Patrick Lewis (Geography: US)
43. The Honeybee by Kirsten Hall (Honeybees)
44. Locomotive by Brian Floca (Trains)

Tips for Encouraging Kids to Enjoy Poetry

Even children who say they dislike poetry may simply not have found the right style yet. Here are a few ways to make poetry more enjoyable:

• Read poems aloud together
• Let children choose favorite poems
• Encourage memorization of short verses
• Create poetry-inspired art projects
• Write silly rhymes as a family
• Plan a poetry tea time
• Use poetry during bedtime reading

Our Family’s Top Five Favorites

Okay, it’s hard to narrow it down, but we voted and here are our top favorite poetry books for kids. Leave yours in the comments!

1. Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson
2. The New Kid on the Block: A Hilarious Poetry Collection by Jack Prelutsky
3. My Dog May Be a Genius by Jack Prelutsky
4. Collections of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies by Julie Andrews
5. A Childs Book of Poems by Gyo Fujikawa

Final Thoughts on Poetry Books for Kids

Introducing children to poetry early can create lifelong readers and creative thinkers. The best poetry books for kids entertain while also helping children understand language, emotion, and imagination in new ways.

From classic collections by Robert Louis Stevenson to illustrated anthologies, there’s a poetry book for every reader. By making poetry a regular part of reading time, we as parents and educators can help our kids discover the joy of poetry.

Find More Books:

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125+ Best Chapter Books for Girls Ages 6-18

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60+ Chapter Books for 1st Graders

What are your favorite poetry books for kids?