"A generous collection with a distinctly upbeat tone, this gives a taste of the best poets writing for children over the last several decades. Lobel's drawings imbue the whole with action and graphic images as inventive as the verse. Successfully geared to meet home, school, and library needs."--(starred) Booklist.
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
The Random House Book of Poetry for Children was recognized upon its publication in 1983 as an invaluable collection--a modern classic--and it has not since been surpassed. Five hundred poems, selected by poet and anthologist Jack Prelutsky, are divided into broad subject areas such as nature, seasons, living things, children, and home. The poems of Emily Dickinson, Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Frost, Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni, and Gwendolyn Brooks populate the book's pages, while Lewis Carroll, Edward Lear, Ogden Nash, and Shel Silverstein ensure that the collection delights even the most reluctant readers of rhyme. Playground chants, anonymous rhymes, scary poems, silly verse, and even some sad strains are carefully indexed by title, author, first line, and subject. With illustrations of cheerful, round-faced children and animals on every page, Arnold Lobel (a Caldecott medalist and creator of the Frog and Toad series) unifies the diverse poems to form a satisfying whole; Lobel can draw anything and make it funny--or poignant, if he chooses. This collection, one of the most varied and complete around, will carry any budding poetry lover through childhood and beyond. (Ages 5 to 11.)
From the Inside Flap
"A generous collection with a distinctly upbeat tone, this gives a taste of the best poets writing for children over the last several decades. Lobel's drawings imbue the whole with action and graphic images as inventive as the verse. Successfully geared to meet home, school, and library needs."--(starred) Booklist.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
44 of 47 people found the following review helpful
By "papierman"
Format:Hardcover
Jack Prelutsky has compiled another great anthology of children's poetry. This anthology basically covers the best children's poetry of all time (except for late 80s-90s poems). You'll find some Mother Goose and Lewis Carroll, thus expanding this anthology beyond the 20th century.
The only drawback (and reason why I didn't give the book 5 stars) is the illustrations. Most of the illustrations are traditional monochrome drawings. While they are well done, they are not as colorful or as imaginative as the illustrations in Prelutsky's "The 20th Century Children's Poetry Treasury."
Have fun reading.
27 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By nickunt
Format:Library Binding
Wonderful, just wonderful, this collection of children's poetry sparkles and adds life and verve to any classroom. From the opening stanza of "The Boy What Done A Poo" and the haunting reworking of Goldstein's "Ahhh, I'm telling Miss of you" this anthology will thrill children of all ages, and grown ups too!
(I must point out, however, that the inclusion of controversial poet Sean Hickey's "Bang Bang You're Dead 50 Bullets In Your Head" might cause younger readers some concern).
(I must point out, however, that the inclusion of controversial poet Sean Hickey's "Bang Bang You're Dead 50 Bullets In Your Head" might cause younger readers some concern).
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
As a middle school reading teacher, I host an annual Poetry Reading Competition open to all 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. For the past several years, this book has been a prize, in addition to plaques for the first and second prize winners. The best review for this book is that the children use it, read it, and often select poems from it for their entry pieces. Even better, perhaps, is that I have had thanks from many parents for awakening an interest in poetry in their children, boys and girls alike. This volume of poetry offers a full range of poems, for short to long, humorous to sublime, and in a wide range of topics. While it is just one of a wide selection of books and poets I offer my students, it is one of the most versatile. Whether teaching rhyme scheme, simile and metaphor, slanted rhyme, figurative language, or stress, this is also an invaluable part of my teaching arsenal.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Almost new condition
A really nice book that no one seems to have ever read. The only indication that it was pre owned is the inscription on the first page. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Dorothy Finkel
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good for the rocking chair
A generous mix of favorites of all shapes and sizes. Well bound, nice paper and ink. Clever illustrations. Just about the right size to hold and share with your little one(s). Read more
Published 2 months ago by Gregory S. Morris
4.0 out of 5 stars
Includes some really good poems
There is an all-inclusive range of poetry for children presented here. Around twentyfive percent of the poems are wonderful and magical. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Bleys A.
5.0 out of 5 stars
This Poetry Was Music to My Students' Ears
Most young children love poetry, especially for its musical qualities, rhythm, imagery. And with famed children's poet Jack Prelutsky as editor, add "fun, funny, witty, and wise. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Daniel L. Berek
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding!
Excellent book ensured to delight any child or adult. Poems cleverly categorized and though the illustrations fail to qualify as "high art" they are sure to spark the imagination... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Geoff Breitling
3.0 out of 5 stars
The Random House
I loved this book of poetry. If you are a teacher of have a young child this book is a must have.
Published 18 months ago by Candie
5.0 out of 5 stars
A blast from the past
Love, love, love this book. Had it when I was young and learned to read with it. Don't know what happened to that copy, but I'm so happy I found another!
Published 22 months ago by Sarah from NY
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent!
This book has been around since before I was born. One of my first memories is reading this book on a city bus with my grandpa. Read more
Published 23 months ago by teacher
5.0 out of 5 stars
FUN!
This is a FUN book. It's not your typical "Mother Goose" rhymes. They are witty and funny and the illustrations will delight.
Published on April 24, 2011 by Juli A. Ethington
5.0 out of 5 stars
Childhood Favorite
This was a childhood favorite for me. In fact, I remember Jack Prelutsky visiting my elementary school when I was in fourth grade. I had him autograph my copy. Read more
Published on September 24, 2010 by arrtx
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