“Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.”
– Robert Frost
Reading poetry can be an enriching experience for all ages, but understanding it takes time, patience and attention to detail. Help your kids learn to appreciate poetry and its importance in art and culture with the best poetry books for kids.
We’ve rounded up seven of these books you can find on Epic. Enjoy!
Sweetest Kulu
By: Celina Kalluk
Age Range: 0-3
When Kulu was born, the entire arctic summer came to greet and bless him. The sun warmed him, while the wind told him stories about the world and welcomed other creatures to meet him. Magical illustrations help readers connect with the poem’s theme, while repetition helps to tie the story together. Prepare to be enchanted by the majestic beauty of Kulu’s Arctic environment, and the lovely faces of the creatures who adore him.
Fly, Firefly!
By: Shana Keller
Age Range: 3-7
This poem is based on an event witnessed by nature writer and ecologist Rachel Carson (“The Sea Around Us and Silent Spring”), where a firefly attempts to join its “family” in the ocean.
In the poem, a lone firefly is swept away by the wind to the sea. Fortunately, two humans discover the firefly in distress and decide to help it. They save it and lay it in their palms, urging it to fly back to its rightful family in the trees.
Dream Song
By: Walter de la Mare
Age Range: 3-7
A poetic picture book about all the varying forms of light at the “shut of the day” conjures up a world of magic. It takes us on a dream song journey, complete with stunning illustrations. It’s incredibly immersive, and Monique Felix’s illustrations will ensure that your child is enchanted while reading this book. It’s a classic poem that shouldn’t be missed!
Flash and Gleam: Light in Our World
By: Sue Fliess
Age Range: 5 – 8
This book uses poetry to explore the various types of light that illuminate our world. Each is vividly depicted, from the sun to lightning, auroras to fireworks. The visuals are accompanied by simple rhyming phrases. It’s a reminder to experience the light all around you. The book’s theme is simple and deeply moving: light is everywhere. It’s up to us to see it and appreciate its worth.
Moose on the Loose
By: Kathy-Jo Wargin
Age Range: 6-7
A fun poetry picture book that’s sure to bring the giggles. With comic, colorful artwork and playful rhyming, we see just how funny it can be when the wildlife wanders indoors. The story asks open-ended questions, inviting kids to picture what they would do. Read this with your kids to activate their imaginations and encourage early rhyming skills!
The Collected Poems of Freddy the Pig
By: Walter R. Brooks
Age Range: 8-12
A great character in children’s literature, Freddy the Pig has dabbled as a detective, pilot, cowboy, and explorer—now he’s back as a poet. Through his verse, both heavy and light, he explores topics from the weather to facial features, marching songs to homesickness. Join Freddy’s poetic adventures and enjoy one of the best poetry books for kids.
The Raven
By: Edgar Allan Poe
Age Range: 11-12
A classic poem by one of the greatest poets of all time. A man works late into the night to avoid thinking about his lost love, Lenor, when he is joined by a mysterious talking raven. The man asks the raven questions, and the raven only ever has one response: “nevermore.” Published over 100 years ago, it’s still a favorite for older kids and grownups alike.
That’s it for our list of top poetry books for kids. For more books like this, check out our poetry collection. We hope you enjoy sharing the magic and beauty of poetry with your readers!
