The Kingfisher Book of Family Poems [Hardcover]

Belinda Hollyer (Compiler), Holly Swain (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Kingfisher Book Of

Today's children experience many different types of families in their own as well as in their friends' lives. This exuberant collection includes more than 150 poems from some of today's best poets to reflect the enormous diversity of modern family life. Poems about individual family members are deftly interwoven with themes of belonging and togetherness, family feuds, shared memories, play, loss, and love. Holly Swain's delightful illustrations add sparkle and charm throughout. Bubbling with attitude and affection, this is a true celebration of families everywhere and a perfect collection to share.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 6-Hollyer's excellent collection offers a broad range of works including classic pieces by Ogden Nash and Langston Hughes, humorous favorites from Jack Prelutsky and Shel Silverstein, and poems from newer voices such as Janet S. Wong and Benjamin Zephaniah. Eleven sections cover aspects of family life from new arrivals in "Lucky to Be Little" to the nonhuman members of the family in "Mother Doesn't Want a Dog." Each poem is well placed and perfectly suits its category. A significant number of British poets are represented. Throughout the book, quirky, cheeky, black-and-white line drawings complement the poems. This is a fine extension to such works as Anna Currey's I Want Another Little Brother (2001) and Mary Ann Hoberman's Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, Brothers (1993, both Puffin), and a joy to read.
Laura Reed, Kitchener Public Library, Ontario, Canada
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Gr. 3-5. Loving, angry, raucous, tender: the 159 poems in this lively anthology are about all kinds of families and all kinds of feelings. There's nothing romantic or preachy here. In one poem brothers and sisters drive each other crazy; in the next an only child longs for a sibling. A kid bonds with her dad while they work together on the family car; a klutzy dad wrecks everything he tries to fix. Charles Causley's "Family Album" is hilarious ("If only we could choose our relatives"), filled with portraits kids will recognize--from the aunt with slobbery kisses to the uncle who always tells the same war story. There are also a few quiet moments of sorrow and loss ("Mom doesn't live with us any more"), and a grim scenario of a kid who can't sleep while her parents fight. Stepkids, adopted kids, foster kids, all are a part of the intimate mix. So are pets. The design is just right for reading aloud, even to preschoolers: the paper is thick, the type is spacious, and small, wry ink drawings are scattered throughout. From Jack Prelutsky and Eloise Greenfield to Janet Wong and X. J. Kennedy, editor Hollyer has brought together many of the best children's poets, who celebrate family relations and show that "no one's family is exactly like anyone else's." Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Kingfisher; 1st edition (March 20, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0753455579
• ISBN-13: 978-0753455579
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #802,053 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)