Poetry Books

I can't believe I found this book again!!! I read this in elementary school multiple times and memories of it have always haunted me through the years. I'm now 52 and have tried for decades to remember the name of this book to no avail. Tonight I did a Google search and typed in "children's classic fantasy underground world" ... and I found it again! As soon as I saw the title I remembered it. So, I'm ordering it tonight and can't wait to share it with my 9 and 10 year old children.

Another classic I've enjoyed through the years is "The Princess and the Goblin" by George Mcdonald.

This is a quirky and lovely book. The text is provided by Mr. Berton and the whimsical illustrations by his daughter Patsy. My children and I read this book over the course of a summer vacation and each one, ranging in age from 6 to 11, loved it. They couldn't wait for the next chapter. The four children in the book go on an underground adventure into a magical world of strange little people.
I especially loved how the brothers and sisters help each other and watch out for each other through it all.
Highly entertaining.

Like many of the other reviewers, this book was read to me by a teacher when I was about 9 or 10. It was magic! It is so cleverly written that it's easy for the reader to escape into the secret world under the playhouse themselves. Now that I'm a third grade teacher, I have read it to my classes and they, in turn, have also shown their appreciation for such a wonderful piece of writing! I'm so pleased to have found a copy for myself. It's difficult to come by in schools these days.

This book was read as a class project when I was 10 years old by one of my favorate teachers. Three years later, my sister had the same teacher and the same project. This became our favorate book, but we never saw a copy outside the classroom. We talked about it on occasion over the years and (we were now in our forties) my sister ran across it on Amazon and ordered copies for each of us. I received mine on Christmas morning (best present that year). We were able to enjoy reading it once again and pass it on to our children and hopefully our grandchildren when it's time. Highly recommended - it's a book you don't forget and those are rare indeed.

I read this story back in grade 4, and I never forgot how magical it was. Now, at the age of 19, I finally received it as a Christmas present from my sister. This story is by far one of the most magical stories I have ever read. It was fantastic, and completely unforgettable.

We first saw this book at our local Children's Museum. After reading it, I had to have this as part of our home library. The illustrations are so original, as is the funny story. It makes us laugh each time we read it together. Plus, the final soup is made of lots of different kinds of vegetables--a great healthy meal reinforcement for your preschooler.

My grandmother used to tell me this story and now I can pass that on to my grandchildren who unfortunately do not live in the same state. It's a wonderful story (with lines I still quote as an adult!) and terrific illustrations that will make you laugh right out loud.

The juxtaposition of the photograph-like mishmashed black and white backgrounds with the colorful illustrations of characters and key items make this book fun and interesting to look at. The twist on the nursery rhyme is hilarious and easy for children to identify with. My child loves to point out the different animals and vegetables and always laughs throughout the story (a lamb hanging out in the diswasher, etc gets lots of giggles). Makes vegetables fun.

We just love the cadence of the words, so fun to read. And the art is so unique, mixing photography with drawing of the characters. My 3 year old picks this one over and over. GREAT gift for a vegetarian friend! (the lady in the book gets so fed up going to Market and managing the animals and fish she has purchased, that she finally gives up and makes veggie soup for everyone~animals included) We are not vegetarians, and this book in no way was preaching Veganism...but it would be appreciated on another level by a Vegan I think. Just buy it...its great.

Anne Miranda made a fun story out of a small nursery rhyme.

The book keeps the rhythm of the old rhyme but you will have trouble keeping it as the artwork has many things to take you away from the story.

The pictures made my daughter stay on each page for a little while as she had to see what happened as each animal started to trash the old lady's house.

It's a great little book and I have had to read it every night. A couple times in fact.

When the Grass Was Blue is a great book to read on a yourney of discovery the truth about the time period of the Civil Rights Movement. Not the truth in terms of facts - dates, names, places.... But the thruth as a direct, emotional, and personal affect the movement had on commmon african-american families and individuals - especially a child. For me, as an 'english-as-a-second-language' speaker, the book was easy to read, clear and understandable at its basis. Author's use of a main character as a young african-american boy directly experiencing the Civil Rights Movement in the family of an active mother, ever-drunken father, and a desperate-slacker-brother, gave a greatly drawn objective prespective on the issue and a point of view of an innocent child...

Phillip is an unforgettable person. He enters a classroom and lights up the dreariest of mornings. He excites the most reserved student to open up their mind, look inside their experiences and discover language they never knew they had. With Phillip, creativity comes first. The exploration and the journey are the means by which he arrives at the poetry. When he teaches, he offers a very safe (but not too strict) framework in which students of just about any learning style can let their imaginations run free.

With this book, Phillip shares his innate gift with the rest of the world. His words are honest, emotional and memorable.

Phillip Shabazz's When the Grass was Blue paints a poignant picture of the life of Kathoor, as the title suggests, a young boy growing up in the Civil Rights Era South. Each line, each verse and each story provide the reader with a clear and colorful portrait of this young man-child's world. Shabazz brings this real and turbulent tale to light through the eyes of a child and the words of a poet. A brilliant read at the end of the day for any child, adult or both.

i really enjoyed this book. most of my family read it and they loved it. we all learned so much form reading the book. it put me and my cousins on a new path. By: Rachel

Mr. Shabazz came to your class for poetry week. We were so lucky to have him. He was amazing. He taught us that the best poetry comes either things we experoenced or the things we imagine. This book he worte took our whole class back to their childhood. We began to open up more than ever in our poetry. The way he writes paints a picutre for every reader to see. I recommened this book to all who truly love poetry that comes from the heart. By: Asia

I really liked this book, why because i could relate to some of the things that he was talkin bout in this book. this book made me want to write more and put my voice out there. When Shabazz came to iour classit felt like i connected with him for some reason this man knew what he was takin bout. I felt that i learned alot of things from this book. Who ever read this book i hope you enjoy it.... Gary

I really enjoyed this book. I could really relate to some of the poems written in the book. Maddison

This book was unlike any poetry book I've read. It illustrated a story that opened my eyes to my history and introduced me to a creative way of writing. Shaakira

As a parent and an educator, I have always been moved by the ability of children to speak truth. When the Grass was Blue is a poignant remembrance of family life and of the civil rights era as seen through the eyes of a sensitive, truth-telling boy. The juxtaposition of personal experience, family struggles, and the dreams of childhood to our national experience, political struggles, and dreams of social justice weave both histories, the personal one and the national one, into a single, colorful fabric. By getting the details right, Philip Shabazz, has created a seamless story that does everything good stories should do--it captivates, entertains, reveals, and, when the last poem is read, leaves the reader wanting to know how life turned out for this wonderful boy. Readers, like me, who are old enough to remember the 60's, will relive their own experience through these poems. Younger readers and children will enjoy an uplifting story and learn how it felt to grow up during these tumultuous times.

This lovely book of poems came into my life just as I am committing myself to spending the next twenty years as intelligence officer to the poor. We are going to create a global free public grid for early warning and decision support and free multilingual education "one cell call at a time," with a prioritization of needs able to influence three trillion dollars a year: the trillion that foundations give out willy-nilly; the trillion in corporate services that can profit from going green; and the trillion now spent on war that we can over time, through public education, redirect toward waging peace.

This volume is especially valuable to me not just for its open and peaceful thoughts, but because it was written in English, translated into French, and the facing pages offer the poem in French to the left and English to the right. I can think of no finer way to begin my long road back to mastery of the language of diplomacy, than by ensuring I read one poem a night, in both languages, for a very long time to come.

El Recuerdo (the Memory) is already a favorite within this volume.

See also the volume by Philip Levine that I have carried with me all these years that will now be joined by The Astonished Universe:
7 years from somewhere: Poems

If human emotions are the vibrations of the brain, then they will exhibit a resonance when encountering the words in this book.

If human thought is a river, it will seep over its banks when encountering the words in this book.

If reading poetry can bring momentary solace, it will find a restful equilibrium when encountering the words in this book.

If memory is fleeting it will absorb as a sponge when encountering the words in this book.

If the universe could feel astonishment, it would do so when encountering the words in this book.

Hélène Cardona's poems transport us to the realm of myth and spirit, where nothing is tangible yet everything is essential. In French or English, her words speak to our soul.

I LOVED this gem of a book! I especially liked the chapter Life in Suspension as I identified with the fleeting and random memories from my own childhood that came floating up as I was reading...
there is a unique 'sound' to each poem - clear and strong, but with a delicate, fragile echo.

This is a remarkable book of poetry. I am absolutely delighted and I highly recommend this magical read.

I have to get mine rebound. My sister and I have the one we used to read as kids and her kids and now mine beg for it everynight. Needless-to-say, it's in tatters!

My kids', and now my grandkids' favorite favorite favorite book.
I wish I could buy fresh new editions for all the children in my life...

I loved being read and reading this as a child, the funny poems and pictures are a delight. I still have the copy I had as a child and now enjoy reading it with my two daugthers, my older daughter loves the humor too. It is wonderful it is available in print again for families to love.

One of my favorite books as a kid; really made me want to visit New England. One of these days I have to buy myself a copy, but I really wish it was in print for new kids to enjoy.

I am so pleased to see that Amazon is offering this book. I grew up reading it and the rhymes are still so vivid. The illustrations by Wendy Watson are splendid and offer a wonderful glimpse into family life and life in small communities--quaint and old fashioned. It's a Garrison Keillor or Dylan Thomas type of world. The sweet and humorous pictures often contain little snippets of conversation (between the foxes) that illuminate the rhymes and make it that much more interesting a read, and there's always something happening in the background that makes it fun to pore over. I would highly recommend this for children 3-7. It's a warm book and perfect for a Fall day when the leaves are turning or Winter evening with a cup of cocoa.

I am a preschool teacher for four year olds. There is nothing better than having a group of children completely engaged in a book, laughing over it and finishing my sentences. This book was asked for again and again and is a class favorite. It is a great introduction to rhyme and poetry. I think we all have it almost memorized!

Recommended by a teacher and read by a teacher the first time to grandson. High marks and great interaction by grandson who's three.

i neice LOVES this book! a classic for me and now i can pass it on to her...aaahhhh!

"Giraffe and a Half", like all other Silverstein's books, belongs to my favorite book. Silverstein's rhymes and poems, songs and riddles work for everybody with a degree of imagination. I read it to my youngest brother so often that he began memorizing it... Another great book that I got for last Christmas is Why Some Cats are Rascals, Book 2 by B. Nowiki. Nowiki is totally different then Silvestein, but she also has a great gift of teaching us the best moral values while at the same time keeping the story captivating.

Read this to my Kindergarten students and before I got halfway through the book they were "helping" me read it! They ask for it often. What better recommendation could there be?!?!?!

I bought this book sight-unseen as part of Amazon's 4-for-3 promotion. When it arrived, my first thought was that it was way too sweet... "Oh Gag!" came to mind. However, I pulled it out a few nights later and read it to my baby girl at bedtime and liked it. I pulled it out again the next night, and the next. It quickly became one of our favorites. It is an especially nice way to end a day that didn't go so well - too much whining, too much stress, too much everything - this is a nice little book to share at bedtime to calm down, slow down, and relax.

My son thinks he is the boy in this book. This might be in part because I like to insert his name in the title and question that is asked in the book: How do I love you ______? I like to end with I love you ____. We own the board book version and it is a bedtime favorite. Our family discovered P.K. Hallinan (who does his own illustrations) when we purchased a copy of A Rainbow of Friends. Hallinan has written and illustrated several children's books; another of his books, similar to How Do I Love You? (though not quite as good) is ABC I Love You - this book has a brother and sister in it, so I can read it to my son and daughter together, and they can both be in the story. :-)

Reinforces the unconditional love between a parent and a child in a cute little rhyme. There have been times when my own kids have gone through one of the same things this kiddo goes through, and I quote part of the poem to them---for example "I love the way you act so brave when you fall and hurt your knee" or "and even though it may not show, i love you when you're bad." My kids love it, and I mean every word when I read it to them.

This book is so sweet. It makes me stop and appreciate all the little things about our boys that can drive us crazy.
"Even when you lose your shoes, I love you just the same," she says, and the picture shows a little boy in his church clothes with his pants rolled up like he played in the creek. I love cuddling with my little boys and loving on them while we read it.

Our 4 kids absolutely love this book, so do I! :)- This is a frequent request! What a cozy book!

Kate Milburn writes like no other modern day poet. When I slip into her first book, I feel as though I have landed in another time. A subtle phrase reminds me that she is modern, living in the same world we do, but her sensitive soul sees so much more than the rest of us. She responds, and conveys passionate depth through art, this is truly her greatest talent.

I loved the poetry found within the passages of this book. She guides us into her own spiritual journey, a generous artist indeed. Each verse is richly romantic, but I especially loved "Journey Beyond the Trees" and "Innocent Rosebuds." How sweet this poet is, how she carries grace to heights beyond a very successful life. I can't wait for her second book, I'm sure she will shine even brighter!

In her first book, Ms Milburn presents a delightful, sweet respite from a huried world. I really enjoyed this book. I was reminded of many of the romantics - Millay, Yeates and Byron as I journeyed through 70 unique poems. How generous of the author to invite us along.

Kate Milburn is blessed with many gifts,as evident in her poetry and her successful life. She possesses a true neo-renaissance spirtit! I can't imagine what she will do for an encore.

I recently received this book as a birthday present. I loved all the poems, especially those about nature. I found them to be very soothing, inspiring introspection. During the winter months "down under" we could use a little introspection. It is a great addition to my poetry library.

My ancestors were Irish, sent to Australia as punishment in the 1800s,we never looked back. So, knowing that Ms Milburn's next book will center on her Celtic roots has me (anxiously)waiting in the aisles.We Irish love our poets! Thank you for including this wonderful book at amazon.com. I'm planning to order copies for my cousins in Ireland and Scotland.

I really enjoyed reading this book. All the poems were unique, it was a wonderful read. I believe it will endure because the verse is so profound, without being too wordy.

My favorite part of the book was the introduction. Ms Milburn does not issue some introspective analysis for her work. She lends credit for her love of literture to her mother. As a child, through observation, she would watch as her mother with children in tow would find solace in reading by the sea. Any mother would be proud.

I had the pleasure of attending the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC in May. I had the opportunity to meet many writers from around the world. But my most lasting memory is of Kate Milburn. She spoke with such passion for her love of literture, art and beauty, that I was brought to tears of joy. She read from her first book and the audience was so taken with her, she ran out of books at the book signing table.

So I'm here at amazon.com to order some copies for friends and family. We Welsh love poetry and appreciate soul-searching verse. I shall place my copy of "I Only Ask For Yesterday's Encore" next to my copy of Dylan Thomas.

I know that Kate Milburn is a special poet, because I have committed many of her lines to my memory. I remember my English professor in college telling our class, that this is the sign of a poet for the times.

I relished reading this book, not only for the unique verse that captured my heart, but because it told a story. The story of a young woman, who seemed to write from a time long ago. A time when romance was imbued in everything and touched everyone on a grand and small scale. The surprising thing is that she is from a generation that seemed destined to remove all of that from the world. Fortunately, that did not happen, and Ms. Milburn spins hope for us all in her beautiful poetry.

This book should be handed out to every man,women and Child This book has inspired me in so many ways I can't simply explain.The Arthur of this book has shown me pure genius in his words and wisdom. I pray that one day that I can achieve a fraction of his wisdom and intellect.God has called on this man to continue his works and I can't wait to read the next one.May God continue to bless your soul Mr.Ivory.

Totally outstanding would be the best way to describe "The Ivory Tower," do hope to read more of Mr. Ivory's work in the coming future.

Gerald G. Morrison

As a fellow poet, I can definitely tell you that Mr. Ivory composes his work not just from his heart, but from way down deep in his soul. This is a brilliant work of art from a truly gifted spirit. I look forward to his next piece with great anticipation.

I have witnessed this man move mountains of fellow poets and this books is a condensed version of HOW & WHY he is able to do so!

From the day to day struggles of life 2 the awesome power stemming from above...JLIvory is a Tower to be reconned with.

The ability to Educate...listen...learn...Empower...Challenge...Applaud...Instill. This book is able to fill an individual with so much.

I owed it to myself as well as JL to let YOU KNOW That This BOOK must be included in all library's that hold beautiful inspiration! Not to mention that fact that this man can Relate to me!

Big Brother, Father figure, Nephew, Son...He is all!

I thank you for blessing me with your mind!

I have witnessed this man move mountains of fellow poets and this books is a condensed version of HOW & WHY he is able to do so!

From the day to day struggles of life 2 the awesome power stemming from above...JLIvory is a Tower to be reconned with.

The ability to Educate...listen...learn...Empower...Challenge...Applaud...Instill. This book is able to fill an individual with so much.

I owed it to myself as well as JL to let YOU KNOW That This BOOK must be included in all library's that hold beautiful inspiration! Not to mention that fact that this man can Relate to me!

Big Brother, Father figure, Nephew, Son...He is all!

I thank you for blessing me with your mind!

I collect children's books, and this one takes the cake! It's simple, fun to read, Adrianne Johnson does some Fantastic illustrations. Roger Eschbacher takes rhyming to a whole new level!

My son has been reading this book (OK, I've been reading it to him) ever since he was a "little kid" of 3 - now he's 5. His favorite kid is Bob with his knob. He (me son, not Bob) recently took it to school with him, and all the kids loved it. I can't wait to read "Road Trip." You go, Roger! XO

This picture book is full of senseless fun. Escabacher taps into the joys of being a wild and verbally restless kid filled with energy and meaningless chatter. With little delay, he turns those words into a winner for all ages. He uses the names of twenty-six kids of every age who together reveal the excitement of writing a poem based on their name. There's Kyle who meets a crocodile; Moss who doesn't know what to do with a ton of applesauce; Uz scooping up fuzz and Ty the human fly. Most of all there is Xerk who gets paid to lurk, he loves to sneak and do detective work. To complement the silly poetic text is Johnson's silly outrageous illustrations. Cartoon characters fill the pages making sure you see their simple silly faces. Some eyes closed some opened some with and without noses. The colors used might not entice younger ages, but silliness outweighs the color schemes. For ages 3 -7.

OK, I am confused. Do the "professional" reviewers not have kids? My daughter loved this book. We read it often (no offense to the author, I can't read any book every night and stay sane). She loves the rhymes and then we of course start a silly game where we have to make up a rhyme with her or her friends names. This is truely my only complaint. Have you ever tried to rhyme Jessica or Jacqueline!? Anyway, this book is a great vehicle for immagination. My daughters kindergarden class all made up rhymes for their names because of it. I really think the reviewers are out of touch with what kids like. Of course, how many times have you seen a movie that you and everyone you know loved, but the critics hated. Anyway, trust the kids, the book is great!

This clever and charming book gets two thumbs up from my husband and me. Having written and illustrated childrens' books ourselves, we're always checking out new releases. We found "Nonsense, He Yelled" to be original, whimsical and a lot of fun --and that's no nonsense!