Child Poetry

Voices in the Air is a collection of almost one hundred original poems written by the award-winning poet Naomi Shihab Nye in honor of the artists, writers, poets, historical figures, ordinary people, and diverse luminaries from past and present who inspire her and us. Full of words of encouragement, solace, and hope, this collection offers a message of peace and empathy.

Will the stag escape the hunters? Did the lion eat the mouse? And why exactly did the fox invite the stork round to share a meal? Find your own answers to these questions as you engage with the stories retold here by Leon Conrad in the rich oral storytelling tradition. Enjoy Leon's virtuosic readings of the poems.

Learn about sharks from the comfort of dry land. These are terrifying and amazing fish. Did you know the brown shy shark hides its eyes under its tail when it's afraid? Who knew a shark could be so cute?

This rediscovered classic from the 1930s tells nine imaginative stories about trains, cars, and other machinery with human personalities. All nine stories are featured and children will delight in these tales of a lazy automobile, a runaway elevator, a hungry steam shovel, and other endearing machines.

Did you know that Paul Laurence Dunbar originated such famous lines as "I know why the caged bird sings" and "We wear the mask that grins and lies"? From his childhood in poverty and his early promise as a poet through his struggles to find acceptance as a writer and his tumultuous romance with his wife, to his immense fame and his untimely death, Dunbar's story is one of triumph and tragedy.

Author Daniel L. Walker has written many poems about difficult times he experienced in his life. His debut poetry novel 2015 Mary Ballard Award Nominee titled: God's Rain talks about his personal demons, his marriage to co-author Teirra Walker, and dealing with rumors that his father allegedly molested a family member. Just as life began to look promising he would face tragedy with the untimely passing of his wife Teirra N. Walker.

Роман Сеф (1931–2009 гг.) — детский поэт, драматург, сценарист и переводчик. Склонность к сочинению стихов пробудилась в будущем поэте ещё в раннем детстве. Став старше, Р. Сеф пронёс любовь к стихосложению, не смотря на то, что сменил множество профессий. Под наставничеством К. Чуковского, который очень высоко оценивал талант поэта, Р. Сеф стал писать стихи для детей. В книгу Ключ от сказки вошли такие знаменитые произведения поэта, как: "Чудо", "Я сделал крылья и летал...", "На свете всё на всё похоже...", "Храбрый цветок", "Необычный пешеход" и многие другие.

This third book by the team that created the New York Times bestselling How to Read a Book and How to Write a Poem celebrates the magic of listening to the song that echoes inside you, and letting your music ring out.

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.

In this story the child is invited on a journey where blocks are the destination. Block play is such an incredible opportunity for children to learn on so many levels that the author felt a book dedicated just to them was important. “The Blocks Building” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will be invited to explore why blocks are so engaging and perfect for the world of pretend. Block play is about freedom of thought, choice, and unknown outcomes.

In this story the child is invited on a journey to a magical enchanted forest known as a glen. The narrator’s excitement about the discovery of this special place rings through each step of the journey and will immediately engage the child. “The Glen of Way Back When” offers a standing invitation to the child. It is a playful place where skipping to peace is always available to the child. The narrator states this plainly at the end of the book for the child to absorb.

In this story the child is invited to experience their sleep-time ritual with the comfort of Nature nearby. It is a remarkable combination of relaxation yet imagination igniting prose. “The World Small” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that no matter where they are on the planet, Nature has common elements. She is always available for discovery and wonder. In the story Nature is personified as a unifying presence to our planet.

In this story the child is invited on a journey to a town where there is a last snow. The season of winter is fully embraced as a strong element to demonstrate the natural occurrences of endings and beginnings. This book is designed to support the child who is learning how to cope with the emotions that accompany endings. "The Snow Last” offers a standing invitation to the child. Journey to the tail of a rainbow's end and see what seasonal adventures await. In "The Snow Last" the child will experience a place where an end is a reality.