Around the World in Eighty Poems
Selected by: James Berry
Illustrator: Katherine Lucas
Publisher: Chronicle Books, 2002

This collection of poems spans the globe, containing poems from more than fifty countries--from Norway to Papua New Guinea to Israel. The poems cover many topics, have lots of different formats, and appeal to a broad age range of children. Soft pastel illustrations accompany each poem.

Flicker Flash
Author: Joan Bransfield Graham
Illustrator: Nancy Davis
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1999

This unique book of poems is a collection of concrete or shape poems about light. Each poem is shaped like a different light source and celebrates that particular form of light. From "Sun" to "Spotlight" to "Birthday Candles," these poems will intrigue adults and children alike.

Laugh-eteria
Author: Douglas Florian
Illustrator: S. November
Publisher: Puffin, 2000

You and your child will laugh out loud at Florian's outrageous poems. Simple pen and ink drawings help make these hysterical poems come to life. If your child enjoys this collection, try Florian's other collections, including Bing Bong Boing and Insectlopedia.

The Random House Book of Poetry for Children
Selected by: Jack Prelutsky
Illustrator: Arnold Lobel
Publisher: Random House, 2000

First published in 1983, this anthology celebrates the word with 572 poems about a wide variety of topics that appeal to children. Authors include Nikki Giovanni, Judith Viorst, William Carlos Williams, Shel Silverstein, and Emily Dickinson. This book is sure to become a classic in your home.

Sweet Corn
Author/Illustrator: James Stevenson
Publisher: Greenwillow, 1995

This collection of poems will challenge children's ideas about what poetry can be. Complimented by simple illustrations, these poems celebrate ordinary experiences, such as eating sweet corn in the summertime, going on a family trip, and having a lemonade stand. If your child likes this collection, try others by the same author, including Popcorn, Corn Chowder, and Candy Corn.