Child Poetry

Adnan Zakir loves table tennis. He's also colorblind, left-handed, and has a fondness for the aviation alphabet. He's super close with his sister, Aaliyah, who is a great dancer and memorizer of Quran, and he loves his little toddler brother Rizwan, who only wants to grow up and play table tennis like his big brother. All Adnan dreams of is making it to the Ultimate Table Tennis Championship in Florida, and if he qualifies for the tournament, he knows he will get to spend the Eid holiday with his cousins!

Homer's epic poem in plain English, from the origin of the Siege of Troy, the deaths of Hector, Achilles, and Paris through to the Trojan Horse and the rescue of Helen, "the face that launched a thousand ships." Children and adults alike will enjoy this re-telling of this classic Greek legend of the Trojan War.

Mimi has a plan for her seventh grade year: play piano in the Young Artists competition at Carnegie Hall with her best friend, Lee; enjoy a good old Massachusetts snow day or two; and work in her community garden plot with her dad. But all that changes when her family’s Greek restaurant falls on hard times. The Laskarises’ relocation to Wilford Island, Florida, is a big key change for Mimi. Where does she fit in in this shell-covered paradise without Lee? Mimi is taken by the beauty of the island and alarmed by the plastic pollution she sees on the beaches.

A delightful book of owls for children takes young listeners on a journey through a sleeping city and countryside, all from the peaceful perspective of a family of owls flying through the night.

Twelve-year-old Isabel is the new kid in her San Francisco middle school. It’s the first time in many years that she’ll be living with her mother again. Mama's job in the US allowed Isabel and her grandparents to live more comfortably in the Philippines, but now Isabel doesn't really know her own mother anymore. Making new friends in a new city, a new country, is hard, but joining the gardening and cooking club at school means Isabel will begin to find her way, and maybe she too, will begin to bloom.

After a rocky first year, Anna’s family has settled into life in California—their small restaurant is even turning a profit. Then her parents make a shattering discovery: Their visas have expired. Anna’s world is quickly overwhelmed by unfamiliar words like “undocumented” and “inequality.” She longs to share with a friend the towering secret that looms over every aspect of her life, but her parents strictly forbid her from telling anyone.

A hilarious new audio collection from best-selling author and entertainer Andy Jones. The funniest collection of rap, rhyme, riddles and poems you've ever heard! An awesome new collection from the best-selling author of The Enormous Book of Hot Jokes for Kool Kids and The Fartionary.

Some of the most delightful poems ever written for children, brought evocatively to life in this wonderful new audio edition. Ted Hughes wrote an extraordinary body of work for children. This is a selection which includes original recordings made by the author himself as well as new readings by Juliet Stevenson and Michael Morpurgo.

This gorgeous collection of nature poems is an exciting celebration of the natural world and its wonders from Enid Blyton, the world's best-loved storyteller. From birds in May and August flowers to green trees in November and summer seaside walks, explore the enchanting worlds of animals, birds, trees and plants throughout the year in verse.

There was a young boy called Terrified Tim. Wherever he went, fear followed him. Will Tim find a way to overcome his fear? Listen to Calm Islands magical story told in beautiful rhyming verse and sounds that bring the story to life. Tim and his pet parrot embark on a journey through Calm Island, meeting friendly characters who teach the tools he seeks, to help ease his fears and worries. Through the story of Calm Island, Children (and adults) are introduced to the art of Meditation, Mindfulness and Breathing Techniques; building resilience and creating a state of calm.

Rob Ramsden's joyous and seasonal picture book follows the journey from tiny seed to fat, orange pumpkin - just in time for Halloween. This is the third in a series of stories which encourage young children to enjoy and appreciate the natural world.

In the Garden is a collection of four stories which encourage young children to explore and experience the natural world. These fully immersive audio stories include I Saw a Bee, We Found a Seed, We Planted a Pumpkin, and I Heard a Bird.

A little boy and girl find a seed, and decide to keep it safe. They play with it but it doesn't grow. What must they do to make it grow, and what will happen when it flowers and dies? The second in a collection which encourage children to relate to the natural world. Each title has a short and rhythmic text perfect to learn by heart and recite as a poem. Rob Ramsden teaches graphic illustration and animation in East Anglia to pupils from 5 years old to university level, and has exhibited his illustration and animation nationally and internationally.

A little girl hears a bird which is frightened away by some cats fighting. As she searches for her bird, she encounters many other intriguing animals and insects. Then, after sitting down to listen to and enjoy the sounds of nature all around, suddenly her bird comes back! his enchanting exploration of the sights and sounds of nature brings in themes of music, mindfulness and meditation, and will be appreciated by adults and children alike. The simple text uses poetry and repetition and will be a joy to re-read many times.

A little boy is surprised when he discovers a bee. At first he is frightened and reacts aggressively, but soon he comes to understand and love his new friend. The simple and rhythmic text is perfect to learn by heart and recite as a poem. This is the first in a series of stories which encourage young children to enjoy and appreciate the natural world. Rob Ramsden teaches graphic illustration and animation in East Anglia to pupils from 5 years old to university level, and has exhibited his illustration and animation nationally and internationally.

Acclaimed poet and Young People’s Poet Laureate Naomi Shihab Nye shines a spotlight on the things we cast away, from plastic water bottles to those less fortunate, in this collection of more than 80 original and never-before-published poems. A deeply moving, sometimes funny, and always provocative poetry collection for all ages. National Book Award Finalist, Young People’s Poet Laureate, and devoted trash-picker-upper Naomi Shihab Nye explores these questions and more in this original collection of poetry that features more than 80 new poems.

Anke’s father is abusive. But not to her. He attacks her brother and sister, but she’s just an invisible witness in a house of horrors, on the brink of disappearing altogether. Until she makes the volleyball team at school. At first just being exhausted after practice feels good, but as Anke becomes part of the team, her confidence builds. When she learns to yell “Mine!” to call a ball, she finds a voice she didn’t know existed. For the first time, Anke is seen and heard.

Born into the household of a wealthy slave owner in Cuba in 1797, Juan Francisco Manzano spent his early years by the side of a woman who made him call her Mama, even though he had a mama of his own. Denied an education, young Juan still showed an exceptional talent for poetry. His verses reflect the beauty of his world, but they also expose its hideous cruelty.

Written by an outstanding scholar in simple, eloquent language, this wonderfully contemporary retelling will draw youngsters in with superb dialogue, and vivid description. The skillful blending of Shakespeare's own lines with modern language enhances children's involvement and comprehension. There's background on Shakespeare and the play; answers to FAQs such as "Isn't Juliet too young to be married?" and a "Who's Who" of the characters. Young Reader's Shakespeare is a powerful visual and reading experience.

Stella and Luna know that their mama, Elsie, came from the Philippines when she was a child, but they don't know much else. So one night, they ask her to tell them her story. As they get ready for bed, their mama spins two tales: that of her youth as a strong-willed middle child and immigrant; and that of the young life of Mayari, the mythical daughter of a god. Both are tales of sisterhood and motherhood, and of the difficult experience of trying to fit into a new culture, and having to fight for a home and acceptance.