Poetry Books

I gave this book/CD to my daughter for her 6th birthday party. After the party while she played with the neighbors I was exhausted and just wanted to take a nap. Before I did though I put this 68 minute CD of poetry on and found it to be very entertaining and relaxing. 29 of the readers are the poets reading their own words.

Now my daughter has been listening to it every night before bed and often I play it early in the morning to gentle wake her before kindergarten.

There are some classic recorded poems here such as "The Raven" by Poe, "Jabberwocky" by Lewis Carroll, "The Tyger" by William Blake and "Casey at the Bat" by Earnst L. Thayer.

There are also some very nice multicultural poems recorded such as "Eagle Poem" by Joy Harjo, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" by Langston Hughes, and perhaps my favorite poem in the collection "Okay, Brown Girl, Okay" by James Berry which is reassuring, touching, and can speak to everyone about what it's like to be different among other people.

Not all of the poems are included on the CD--some are just included in the book. Familiar poems and poets in the book only are "from Macbeth" by Shakespeare, "The Tale of Custard the Dragon" by Ogden Nash, "Frodo's Song in Bree" by J.R.R. Tolkien, "The Land of Counterpane" by Robert Louis Stevenson, from "The Bed Book" by Sylvia Plath, "Wynken, Blynken, and Nod" by Eugene Field, and "Letter to a Bee" by Emily Dickinson among many others.

In all there are 95 poems. Some of them recorded and/or published for the first time. The illustration are delightful and done by three different artist with different styles. They are Judy Love, Wendy Rasmussen, and Paula Zinngrabe Wendland.

This book/CD combo is a winner. It's very educational, fun, and will be enjoyed by the whole family.

My child is 3 1/2 and loves this book, as do I. While she's not into the CD YET, she loves sitting w/me and exploring the poems which are neither too complex or too simple. There are classics and more modern works and they've done a wonderful job finding an assortment that represent various ways that poetry is used in other literary works (ex. excerpts from Macbeth and "Lord of the Rings"). I'm not a poetry expert, so I love that there are poets and writers of whom I recognize such as Robert Frost, Nikki Giovanni, Sylvia Plath, Edgar Allen Poe and that it introduces me and my child to others who I don't recognize. A great way to introduce poetry to your kids.

This book is fantastic. I've used it in the classroom with first, third, fourth and sixth graders -- because of the high quality of the poetry, it holds up to the scrutiny of middle schoolers and keeps the attention of six year olds. Hearing the poets read their own work gives the children an introduction to reading their own poetry out loud.
We use many of these poems as writing prompts for our own poetry in the classroom. The resulting poems are exiting, high-quality pieces the children and parents treasure. I would also recommend the Kenneth Koch-edited books "Rose, Where did you Get That Red? Teaching Great Poetry to Young Children" and "Talking to the Sun". The former gives lesson ideas, while the latter is a beautiful anthology of poetry paired with great works of art from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

My 5-year old daughter LOVES this book. She listens to this CD over-and-over again. A lot of the poems are fun to read aloud, too. My daughter was a fan of Shel Silverstein -- but, this collection is a fun way to inspire an interest in a variety of poetry...I highly recommend this book.

Poetry speaks to children indeed. Although this book is actually meant for younger age lkie my 7-year old sister, my two older brothers (11 and 12) seem to also enjoy it, especially the CD recording. I highly recommend Poetry Speaks to all kids in the age group from five to ten. For slightly older kids I highly recommend Why Some Cats are Rascals, Book 2 - a collection of touching stories from the world of cats.

Delightful stories of the Hundred-Acre Wood and all of its lovable characters. Pooh and friends have quite a few adventures (or misadventures) in this collection of Winnie-the-Pooh stories. The stories remind me of childhood, making them special each time I reread them. I wouldn't even be able to choose my favorite chapter in this book -- each one is full of wonder, laughter, and Pooh.

The charming and timeless story of Christopher Robin, Winnie-the-Pooh, their friends and their adventures. I truly enjoyed this more than I thought I would. After all the years working at TDS where we had the Disney version of Winnie-the-Pooh shoved at us from all directions, I'd taken to having a distinctly soured view of the bear and all his friends.

It occurred to me one day that I had never actually read the original, and thought maybe I should give that a chance, and am glad that I did. It's a simple and direct story, and proved to be a joy to read.

What does it say of a reader who, as an adult, reads 'Winnie the Pooh' for the first time - and - and - feels it one of the best novels he ever read.
So pristine, so perfect - would I have appreciated it as a child? Who knows (I was too busy feeding my literary hunger with comics). Anyway I have my copy of 'Winnie the Pooh' on the top shelf of my book case, next to the others I consider great (Ulysses, 1984, Great Expectations ...) for all to see.
And who can contest that for "I am a bear of very little brain, and big things bother me".

My 2 1/2 year old loves this! It is soooo much better than letting her watch tv as this uses her imagination. I'm very happy I bought this.

This book was such a sweet little something to come home to at night. This book isn't just for kids, but for adults too! relax and enjoy!

I'm sharing this review with the intention of being particularly helpful to parents of toddlers and preschoolers. I found that having a very young child with the attention span to sit through chapters of a novel left me scrambling a bit to find novels that were appropriate in theme and content for her age. I am reviewing each novel we have read or tried in the hopes of being helpful to other parents in the same situation.

We read Winnie-the-Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner, When We Were Very Young and Now We Are Six by A.A. Milne in this collected volume, moving from one book right into the next until we'd completed the entire volume. This was a great beginning for us because it is a glossy-paged, color illustrated version. Moving into novels from picture books is a transition, so having pictures in full color was still very much expected by my daughter when we started reading this at two and a half years old. The edition is something of a monster, a heavy lap book, but it was well-suited for bed-time. Well, with the exception of the extremely long chapters - you'll definitely need to start the bedtime routine early. But another thing that makes this book an ideal transition book is the fact that each chapter is a self-contained story. You can read any of the chapters in any order without upsetting the plot line of the novel (as there really isn't one). This is good because Meridian was accustomed to picture book length stories that move through a plot line in a relatively short period of time. This way you can read a story as a chapter, but still have the continuation of the larger work to introduce the idea of reading longer works of fiction.

The material was the perfect transition into novels in it's fantastical tour of the imagination through the eyes of stuffed animals come to life. At this time I don't think my daughter really got the concept that these were all just imaginary stories going on in the head of Christopher Robin as he played with his toys. To her Tigger, Pooh, Piglet and friends were almost more real than Christopher Robin who comes and goes from time to time. It's neat to think that when she rereads these stories in a few years, she'll discover a whole new layer. I don't think we could have found a better match for the level of suspense needed than we did. Though we're now reading books that are far more suspenseful than these are, it was perfect to start out with these gentle stories which so expertly navigate young readers through the concept of emotional characters (gloomy Eyeore, grouchy Rabbit, cheerful Piglet, etc). At her age, my daughter was just beginning to really explore emotion and give name to it. Seeing it in characters on the page could have been overwhelming, but Milne doesn't over-do it. He really understands that what constitutes catastrophe to young readers need only be something as small as a balloon popping prematurely. In fact, the only edit I did in the entire course of reading the book was to eliminate the part where Christopher Robin used a gun to pop a balloon. We don't do guns as toys, and it was easy enough for me to have him throw a rock. But now, so many months after completing these and so many books later, I can say what value there is in having a book you can just read from the page without having to worry about acquisition of inappropriate language or attitudes.

For those who already know these tales and poems and those who have never been introduced to them THIS is a sublime edition of A.A.Milne's work. I regret the Disney's works on Winnie the Pooh. THIS is the "real deal"known a the Classic Pooh. The colored illustrations by Ernest H.Shepard make it even more delightful! Also included are the two books of enchanting poetry. This anthology should be part of everyone's library young and old and revisited often!

This is a wonderful colletion of all the tales of Winnie the Pooh....I have had a copy for more years than I care to disclose, but recently bought a copy for my secretary's new daughter....It is a classic and something all children should grow up with, even today!
May Winnie the Pooh remain in your heart forever!

It doesn't matter which Winnie story or poem one loved most when growing up. They're all here to share with new generations of children and grandchildren, together with the the original art work (albeit colorized).

Personally, I'm rather fond of the poems--especially "Rice Pudding" and "The Mirror," from When We Were Very Young. But of course all the favorite Pooh Bear stories are here, too, one of my favorite being "In Which Pooh Goes Visiting and gets into a Very Tight Place."

This is 557 pages of pure delight, and at used prices, it's hard to imagine finding a better value for a gift, or simply for reliving a bit of childhood fun with your family.

Words cannot express the joys to be gained from reading Milne, over, and over, and over....

I have reviewed all of the books in this collection individually, and let me say that trying to read only one of them without reading the other three is like digging up only one leg of a completely intact Tyrannosaur skeleton - neglecting buried treasure when you know for sure it's there. Who would do such a thing? Who COULD do such a thing? And imagine how much worse it would be if the skeleton were that of a Heffalump instead of a Tyrannosaur! Even the frightened little Piglet would come hunting you down.

This is a wonderful book any child should have in their collection. The book can become part of a yearly tradition celebrating their birthdays!

I bought this book for my son to read to him on his birthday. It is a lovely book that my three year son enjoyed very much. We will be making the reading of this book a yearly tradition!

I just love all Dr Seuss books! This one is just as good. I'd never heard of it but when I saw it I had to get it for my son. I got it for his 1st birthday party for everyone at the party to sign like a yearbook and give him wishes for when he's older since he won't remember the party. We love the book too though!

I bought this book for all 3 of my children for birthdays.
We read it every year on their birthday--it is an amazing book.

I highly recommend for birthday gifts or just because you love Dr. Seuss!

Because I had put off buying a gift until the last minute, I was able to order the books and they arrived 2 days before the birthday party. I consider that great service. The 2 and 3 year olds loved it and it made me happy to know I got something they would enjoy longer than a few days. The Dr. Seuss Birthday books were a hit.

Janet Riehl's keen and feeling observations about life, living, death, and caretaking paint indelible images that hold the space.

Riehl needed courage and stamina to compose Sightlines--and for that, I applaud her. I can say that her poems are haunting; their rereading quality earns them the status as art.

Sightlines is a major project. I appreciate the way you have honored members of the community through the event of your sister's passing. It's really a brave and loving history of the people in that part of the country, many of whom would not recognize their own connection and the worth of those ties without your efforts. I hope there are well worn copies in the museums, libraries and schools of Illinois. Way to go!

Janet Grace Riehl beautifully shares the empowering process of writing oneself through life transitions that "take us up hard." By offering us a glimpse into her heart as a poet, she encourages us to slow down, notice, and navigate our shifting terrain with grace and love. Her most intimate memories and ordinary moments become for us a kind of map; a compass created when pen touches paper.

"Sightlines: A Poet's Diary" invites us to consider how we would all do well to note the stories within - those gifted to us and those we create for ourselves. Janet Riehl rides the edge of her creative spirit, illustrating how to be in the moment and hold out for the meaning that acts as a healing balm for the soul.

Bernadette Rose Smith, author Bernadette's Pages: An Intimate Crossroad

"The raw rip of sudden death/stanched with time, is less jagged now./Tears flow in different paths,/sometimes just wetting my eyes/instead of gushing down my cheeks/like a flooded stream." In the wake of her sister's unimagined, unexpected death, Janet Grace Riehl shares the anguish and pain, the humor and joy of a family's captured memories. "Sightlines: A Poet's Diary" includes reflections by her father of his double loss; his mother died seventy years earlier in another car accident. Pathos is the paint filling in the wide spaces of love and loss in this remarkable collection of poems. Riehl struggles to understand and accept not just the loss of her sister but the increasing fragility of her mother's life; as her mother forgets her life, her bodily functions embarrass her and Riehl becomes the caretaker of a once independent caregiver. Past and present merge along familiar lines where poetry is a fifth generation heritage and words and images heal the suffering. A farm family with deep roots in the Midwestern landscape, death is not a stranger but neither is it friend. Instead, it is event, ending and new beginning: "The rain falls outside, not inside./ A new day is dawning./ And I am in it./ As my feet hit the floor,/ my old age rises to meet me." Riehl's gift of insight, and her willingness to send it out into the world in the form of her poetry, is a gift that honors her sister's life and her family's traditions.

Janet Grace Riehl's book of personal poetry was full of delightful surprises and moving passages. It was truly a meditation on family, relationships, and loss. Yet, it was also uplifting and funny. As I read, I found myself drawn into this remarkable family's rich history and amazing versatility. It is truly an art to make the reader feel what the author felt when she was writing, but Ms. Riehl did that. Her words moved me to tears and made me laugh. That's what poetry is all about.

A fun read for humans of all ages and their four-legged friends alike. Uniquely written from the dog's perspective. A must-have for Boston Terrier lovers!

A fitting tribute to the Boston Terrier, a remarkably personable, intelligent, loving, and lovable breed of dog-person. My Boston thoroughly enjoyed his brush with fame when he played a little game of ball with the book's "author" during a visit to Mickey's Onancock, VA home.

I find that I share this book more between friends than any other book I have owned! The photos, limericks and insights into everyday life through Mickey and Winnies' eyes are wonderful! This book is a must for Boston Terrier owners or those researching the breed for a companion. Other breed lovers should read it also! My Boston Terriers give it a paw's up also!!!

Took a great sense of humor to write this book as it is written as if the dog is telling the story!

This was a very cute book, it is very rare that I come across a book about Boston's that is so interesting. I received this book as a gift and it was the best Christmas Gift last year. To read about the similiarities that the Boston Terrier's in this book had with my own was so facinating. I shared this book with many of my friends, this is definately a winner!!!!

I first found Gooberz over 10 years ago at a local bookstore. Since then I have purchased 3 more copies for loved ones.

It's quite random, not for those wanting a straight Point A to Point B story, but that's really the glory of it. No matter who you are, how or where you grew up, there's a part of Gooberz that will call to you and make sense to you. After all, life is quite random, no matter how much we want it to be otherwise.

Whenever I feel lost or just want to "go back to a happy place" I read some Gooberz.

It has been awhile since I have lost myself in the treasures of this book.I know my review may sound strange to some, but if you are a Linda Goodman fan you may understand. Linda Goodman both shaped and changed my life. Having gone through a very traumatic time in High School living with a drug addict and alcoholic, with very little love and attention I found a true comfort in the writings of Linda Goodman. I bought this magical book when I was 18, lost and scared, and her sorrow and pain her poetic magic, honestly made me feel that I was not alone. There are not words to describe this book. This is where I may sound a little odd, but it isn't like a book really but a journey. I am not kidding about this, I sware to you that the book will transform itself to your life. I know this doesn't make sense and I wish I could fully articulate what I mean, but it truelly does. I remember one thing that truelly stood out, was I was reading a passage, about how life is a Carousel and we go round and round. I was reflecting on it, that seemed to have meaning to me. And I remember my high school boyfriend, absolutely having nothing to do with that book, not even knowing I was reading it said to me out of nowhere, "You know life is a carousel, we just keep going round and round." Now this isn't something people tend to state everyday. It is not a typical statement at all. This is only one of many, many magical things that happened when I was in the book. It is now many years later, and the book is on my shelf, forever a part of me, a treasure that saved me at a time when I thought nothing could. I grew up, got married, went to college, got a respectable job, but the magic of Linda Goodman forever lives in my heart.

I can't believe I only just found this book. I started reading Linda's books when I was about 12-13 or so. I'm 35 now. For years I longed for Gooberz, which she hinted at in Love Signs, to be published, and now finally I've found it, after having forgetten Linda for so long.

I just wish I could give this book more than five stars.. :(

Thing is, I've barely even started it yet(just finished the first Canto) and the magic is already working on me.

Ok, here's a game(none to serious) I suggest playing. See how far you can get before this book makes you cry. Clearly I will never be a winner. I teared up before I even finished the credits. I hadn't even started on the Prologue! And believe me, it takes a lot for a book to move like this.

Everything everyone here has said so far is true, this really, truly IS a magical book. I wish I could buy a copy for everyone..

Love to you, Linda, wherever you are now.. Xx

After reading the less than glowing review of "Gooberz," I realized that we are not all reading the same book. We put into the book as much as the book "puts out" to us.

It *is* everyone's story and I think that's scary for some. It saved MY life when I was in high school and then I bought it for all of my closest friends. I continue to have a relationship with Linda Goodman to this day, even in the Spirit realm. This book touched a lot of lives. Just go to www.linda-goodman.com and you will see hundreds, thousands of Linda Goodman lovers gathered together for a common purpose.

I wish more people would read "Gooberz" ... not because it's about "new agey stuff" or because she compares a woman in a restaurant to Madame Butterfly, but for the sheer fact that it's humanity. This book is about humanity, besides love found, lost, then found again.

Trust your Higher S-elves. Read this book.

I too searched for this book, but until recently could not find it. I suppose, "when the student is ready the teacher will come!" This book is without a doubt the most magical, deep, & unique book you will ever read. Just remember that if you do find yourself with this book, there is a reason you did. You must know that you should open your heart & your "third eye" to such profound truth. It is amazingly universal in its Oneness with the reader. A TRUE love story.

* Thirst, Mary Oliver. The tone of this beautiful collection of poems is set in the first line of the first poem, entitled Messenger: "My work is loving the world." It is obvious in this collection and in the larger body of her work throughout her life that her work is loving the world deeply. And it is in this same spirit that, after the death in 2005 of her beloved longtime partner Molly Malone Cook, has led her back to the church she disengaged from many years ago. Her journey has always been a spiritual one. In her poems about Jesus, God, faith and sacraments it is clear that for her, rdeengaging with the church is part of loving the world. A line in her poem "A Beautiful Striped Sparrow" says it best: "as they promised,/ God, once he in your heart,/ is everywhere--"

Though her path is different from mine, and though it may be off-putting to some, I deeply appreciate and respect each of these poems. I look forward to seeing more from her as she continues her work of loving the world.

The poems in this volume are poignant and touched me deeply. I read from it almost daily and find something each time to relate to and discover.

This is a phenominal book of poetry that both the novice and seasoned poetry reader will enjoy. The poems are filled with palpable imagery and the rhythmic genius that I have come to expect and crave from Mary Oliver.

From one of the foremost poets writing in the English language, this is a superb collection of poems reflecting the concerns of loss, faith, beauty and the human condition.
Buy it, read it, savour the power of a writer at her peak.
Beautiful, beautiful work.

I so loved this collection of Mary Oliver's poetry. This is my first introduction to her work and I found it amazing. I was so moved by her poem, "When Roses Speak, I Pay Attention." I read it over and over to let it really sink in.

Easy to order. Arrived on time.
A funny book for us old folks. I have ordered copies for my aging friends.

This is a great gift for all your friends turning 50!
Lets them know exactly what to expect in the coming years.
No one could say it better than Dr. Suess.

I first saw this book while visiting friends in a retirement home. When I got home I immediately ordered it from Amazon and placed it on my coffee table. If you are even on the verge of getting older, you will understand Dr. Seuss' adventure to the doctor's office, and appreciate the humor he injects concerning the many tests, etc. one sometimes must tolerate as we age.

The family has given this book to friends for years as a gift on their 60th birthday. It is a fun look at the aging process and brings laughter from all who have received the book. Usually we have the friend sit on our laps and we read it to them as we would a child. Great stuff..

What more can be said? There will never be another Dr. Suess. I'm never disappointed when it comes to Dr. Suess. And Amazon has great service, by the way.

I am just now rediscovering poetry. I've always enjoyed it as a teenager, so I bought three books by word-of-mouth this year. I can't say this one was my favorite, but it is a classic! I am sure the effect of Cummings at the time was great, but I strongly suggest that readers take in the writers of our day. This book is a great starting point, but it only gives you a history of what's going on with more contemporary poets.

Cummings is one of the best American minor poets. He invents a language, a style a way of saying things all his own. And he does this in memorable lines and with his own kind of beauty. "What of a much of a which of a wind " " There's a hell of a universe ,next door. Let's Go" " I sing of Olaf, glad and big " " Nothing not even the rain has such small hands" The style is magnetic and there is a most individualistic celebration of life and love.
Appealing. But without the largeness of Whitman or the mind of Dickinson or the music of Stevens,it is not at the very highest level.
And also sharing with Pound and Eliot, and to a lesser degree Hemingway and Fitzgerald the Anti- Semitism of his time which makes it therefore almost impossible for me to read the stuff with uncritical joy as I would like to.

I got this book in a used bookstore that was owned by a "former hippie"...is there such a thing, I always felt once a hippie, always a hippie...I didn't even ask for him to recommend it to me, he just looked in my eyes and said, "Hey, man, do you want to read something great?"

I read the whole book from cover to cover in the bookstore and I knew I had to have it as part of my collection. When the old hippie put the book in a bag he just smiled at me as if to say, "I told you so..."

So now I'm telling you, you who is looking for something crazybeautiful in which to pour your lovelyeyeslikemine over. Carry this book with you. Go to the local coffeehouse with pen in hand and make notes in the margins. Talk to Mr. Cummings as though he was right in front of you, because in a way, he never died. He is still very much alive and he especially loves new seekers of his words.

There are certain things that one must read before they exit the planet and this is one of them. You may not go crazy over it as much as I did, and if you weren't the least bit impressed I suggest that you make an appointment with the doctor and see if you have a pulse.

This little book is de-light-full and will work its magic in you if you let it.

This sweet little volume is a great introduction to Cummings' work...perfect as a gift to someone who's expressed an interest in him. The small, thin size makes it MUCH more portable than a 20-pound "complete works" volume!

I was determined to hate e.e.cummings. The quirks of his spelling and punctuation alone seemed to me to be contrived and overly pretentious and I felt instinctively (without reading it) that his poetry must be some sort of grand put-on. I am even today still not completely convinced he did not suffer some form of mild to severe brain damage (perhaps progressive) that increasingly affected his later writings. However, once I was introduced to the man through this excellent collection, I could no longer deny the stunning originality of his poetry or the gorgeous music of his lyrics, particularly when read aloud (most effectively and rewardingly to an adoring female audience of one). I have been converted into an admirer through this collection.

100 SELECTED POEMS is a fine and concise introduction to the works of this nonconformist poet. There is a sampling of his very best poems and enough variety to sway all doubters. This collection wisely (I feel) avoids the more terrifyingly eccentric typography of some of his more notorious efforts, though some of the later poems in this collection push the envelope far enough to be discomforting (but in a good way). No collection of American poetry would be complete without e.e.cummings, and this book rattles like a fragment of angry candy.

Jeremy W. Forstadt