Greetings from the Children’s Department! Since we can’t currently meet with you in person, we wanted to make sure you still had plenty of ways to keep your brain happily occupied, and ebooks are a great way of doing that. Whether you’re dipping your toes into the world of electronic reading for the first time, or just looking for something a little different, poetry might be exactly what you need! With less text than a typical novel, poetry still contains writing that packs a punch, with the bonus that the bite-sized stories can be enjoyed in little bursts or from the first page to last. Our ebook collection (Overdrive & Hoopla) has funny poems, creepy poems, sweet poems, and more. There’s something for everyone, whether it’s during April for National Poetry Month, or any other time of year. We hope you’ll give poetry a try.
Love That Dog by Sharon Creech (4th-7th grade)
This wonderful novel-in-verse (a style of writing where a narrative is told through poems instead of prose) is one of Creech’s most beloved books.
Jack hates poetry, but his teacher insists on constantly giving his class poetry assignments. Readers will see his early efforts, his improvements, and his eventual love for this writing form as he learns that poetry might be the perfect way to finally find his voice. I’m pretty certain that you’ll fall in love with Jack and poetry in general, so be ready to seek out the sequel as well- Hate That Cat.
Ebook: Hoopla & Overdrive
Audiobook: Hoopla & Overdrive
Lizards, Frogs, and Polliwogs by Douglas Florian (2nd-5th)
Are there any animal lovers out there? Douglas Florian is famous for his humorous and interesting poems that take nonfiction topics and make them fun! This collection focuses on reptiles and amphibians, from the familiar (like the gecko and the rattlesnake) to the exotic (like the glass frog and the skink). Maybe you could even tie this book in with a nature walk- though hopefully no rattlesnakes will cross your path!
Ebook: Hoopla
When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for all Seasons by Julie Fogliano (K-3rd)
Explore the seasons with this lovely collection of poems and pictures that will remind you that there is always something to look forward to just around the corner.
Ebook: Overdrive
Splish Splash by Joan Bransfield Graham (K-3rd)
Splish Splash is a collection of concrete poems (also known as shape poetry), a type of writing where the appearance of the poem matches or reflects the topic of the poem. For example, a poem about a sprinkler is written on the page as if the words themselves were shooting out of a sprinkler. This book is creative and fun -- just as enjoyable to look at as it is to read.
Ebook: Hoopla
Lullaby and Kisses Sweet: Poems to Love With Your Baby edited by Lee Bennett Hopkins (babies & toddlers)
Looking for some poetic stories to share with the littles? This adorable collection contains poems from a variety of authors touching upon baby-themed topics such as family, firsts, and bedtime. The words and illustrations lend themselves perfectly to quiet, cuddly, storytimes.
Ebook: Overdrive
Forgive Me, I Meant To Do It by Gail Carson Levine (4th-6th)
This naughty and amusing collection of poems is for the mischievous among us. Featuring fairy tale and folklore characters, Levine uses a famous poem called “This is Just to Say” by William Carlos Williams to create an array of false apology poems, where the characters are cranky and funny and entirely “sorry, not-sorry.”
Ebook: Hoopla
Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich by Adam Rex (3rd-5th)
If the title alone isn’t enough to entice you to borrow this slightly gross but definitely funny poetry book, then I’m sure the subtitle will be enough to seal the deal; the full name of this book is Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich: and Other Stories You’re Sure to Like, Because They’re All About Monsters and Some of Them Are Also About Food. You Like Food, Don’t You? Well, Alright Then.
I mean, come on! Who could resist that?! If you’re anything like me, you’re going to want to read the companion book as well: Frankenstein Takes the Cake: Which is Full of Funny Stuff, Like Rotting Heads and Giant Gorillas and Zombies Dressed Up As Little Girls and Edgar Allan Poe. The Book We Mean- Not the Cake.
Ebook: Hoopla & Overdrive
The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary by Laura Shovan (4th-7th)
In this verse novel, readers will spend a year with the 18 students in Emerson Elementary’s last 5th grade class before the school is torn down. Each student has a unique voice, different poetic styles, and various relatable problems -- not least of which is trying to find a way to save their beloved school.
Ebook & Audiobook: Overdrive
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein (2nd & up & up!)
Ask any kid who their favorite poet is, and the answer will probably be Shel Silverstein. This classic, which has been around for more than 45 years, is still as popular as ever. Silly, irreverent, and a lot of fun to say out loud, these poems will likely be a hit with the whole family.
Ebook: Hoopla & Overdrive
Mirror Mirror: a Book of Reverso Poems by Marilyn Singer (3rd-6th)
This book is filled with poems based on well loved fairy tales that offer another perspective on familiar tales. In fact, all of these poems give you both sides of the story -- literally -- because they are meant to be read from top to bottom, then bottom to top! You need to check out this very cool collection!
Ebook: Overdrive
