Child Poetry

Who Really Cares: Childhood Poems, by Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Janis Ian, includes all poetry from earlier print editions of this early proof of what was to come from one of America's most talented songwriters as well as additional poems rejected by the original publisher as being too "controversial"; a new forward and afterword; and more. Though Ian is a prolific composer and world-famous for her music and performances, this is the musician's only book of poetry.

Each poem was done by yours truly. Enjoy.

Jennette finds a lost boy on the beach in Southern California. When she asks him who he is, he says that his name is "God". Security and social services can't find a mother or a father in the vicinity, and there are no reports of a missing child that match his description. Jennette offers to watch over the young boy for the weekend, and she is actually granted permission by the authorities to do so. The little boy takes the name Alpha because he says he likes it better than Omega.

Ocean Child is a magical tale of one girl's adventure at sea. She runs away from a troubled home, dresses as a boy, and stows away on a ship. She is finally fulfilling her dream of sailing the ocean, but she has no idea what lies in store for her! She is discovered by the ship's captain and crew, who are actually good, decent men, and the ship sets sail. Finding that she has stowed away on a "Questing Ship", she then has an encounter with dolphins that changes her life.

A new destiny is about to unfold. Upon receiving mysterious books from their dying grandfather, 13-year-old Kie Kinsely, and his younger brother, Max, learn of an invisible war that has been ranging for over 2,000 years. Accepting their place in this ancient war as the blade children, the two brothers gain the ability to see angels and demons that roam the earth. Together, along with their guardians, Kie and Max are sent to the spiritual world by a supernatural force.

A collection of new poems by Maggie Hess.

Although written from a child's perspective, this is not a kids' book but a series of funny, poignant, and sometimes disturbing stories about life in a late nineteenth-century Russian-Jewish village.

A wealthy farmer had two sons. One day, his youngest son told his father that he did not want to work hard anymore. He told his father that he wanted his inheritance so that he could explore the world. His father gave him his share of the money and his youngest son left the farm. The young man enjoyed the money until one day he found a piece of fabric he loved very much. What happened when he tried to pay for the fabric? What lesson was his father trying to teach him and his older brother?

With the same brilliant wit and hilarious realism that made Love Poems for Married People such a hit, John Kenney is back with a brand new collection of poems, this time taking on the greatest "joy" in life: children. Kenney covers it all, from newborns, toddlers, and sleep deprivation, to the terrible twos, terrible tweens, and terrible teens. A parent's love is unconditional, but sometimes that button can't help but be pushed.

Henry has been deaf from an early age. He's intelligent and aware of language, but by age six, he has decided it's not safe to speak to strangers. When the time comes for him to start school, he is labeled "unteachable." Because his family has very little money, his parents and older sister, Molly, feel powerless to help him. Henry's sent to Riverview, a bleak institution where he is misunderstood, underestimated, and harshly treated. Victor, a conscientious objector to World War II, is part of a Civilian Public Service program and arrives at Riverview to serve as an attendant in 1942.

Follow along as dinos travel over the river and through the woods to join together with family. They enjoy favorite activities, including a corn maze, a televised parade with giant balloon creations, and of course a football game! The dinos share in not one but two feasts - one for the carnivores and another for the veggie-saurs. Join in the fun as the dinos find much to be thankful for on this special holiday!

Limelight is a unique collection of slam poetry paired with inspirational writing techniques. With over 30 original poems in different forms, Raphael's work tackles current social concerns for his generation, such as sustainability and social equality, all while amplifying his uplifting message of hope. Solli’s book also contains 5 chapters on how to write and read poetry, how to manage stage fright and writer’s block, and encouraging tips on how we can all make tomorrow better than today.

In this story the child is invited on a journey to experience an everyday item in a new and exciting way. The item is the wheel and it is shown in a light that will encourage the child to play creatively with anything that has them attached. "The Skate Free” offers a standing invitation to the child. Journey to the tail of a rainbow's end and see what fantastical adventures await. In "The Skate Free" the child will experience a place where wheels are celebrated and enjoyed for the wonderful invention that they are.

In this story the child is invited on a journey into Nature where a discovery is made through observation, vocalization, and communication. The child discovers a ring who believes itself to be a wing. "My Name Is Wing" begins with a child in the great outdoors who notices something round in their vision. The child takes the opportunity to interact, ask questions, and listen actively. The child will learn that asking questions leads to fun adventures, interesting conversations, and positive outcomes.

The story invites the child into Nature where a unique adventure is experienced. The child and the main character, Mountain, get to know each other in this story. The child’s observations are voiced and received while Mountain does the same. “My Name Is Mountain” begins with a child who is curious about what they are encountering. It becomes clear that the child has questions regarding the information being shared. The child has the opportunity to use their words in a clear and concise manner.

In this story the child is invited on a journey where packing an imaginary suit case brings new meaning and adventure. It is a game for the child to engage in with “Pretend” as a character who is always available to join them. “The Case Suit” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will be invited to investigate what the narrator chooses to pack and travel with to any destination imagination can create. The destination is open-ended so the child will participate with curiosity and play.

In this story the child is invited on a journey where honest discourse and communication result in clarity. The child and the main character, Art Fine, get to know each other in the story. The child's observations are voiced and received while Art Fine does the same. "My Name Is Art Fine" begins with a child who is curious about who they are encountering. It becomes clear that the child has questions regarding the information being shared.

In this story the child is invited on a journey where the narrator must find courage to take on a new challenge. The Animal Kingdom characters of Bravery and Bolder are called in to assist and model strength for the child. "The Away Cast” plays on the meanings of the word "cast." It is used as term for the cast of a play and also as a to examine the idea of the fear related to being "cast out." The story unfolds with the narrator auditioning for a play even though it creates some anxiety and discomfort.

In this story the child is invited on a journey into Nature where a discovery is made with the help of the Animal Kingdom and a joyful celebration results. The child is curious and Nature, as in real life, does not disappoint. “My Name Is Light” begins with a child in the great outdoors who notices something bright in their vision. The child takes the opportunity to interact with a feeling of “light.”

In this story the child is invited on a journey where self empowerment is modeled through an interaction between the narrator and a fictionalized character known as the Catcher Dream. This is a story where the narrator models strength and courage once an uncomfortable matter is identified through self-assessment. "The Catcher Dream” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that they are individuals in charge of safeguarding their physical and emotional space.