Editorial Reviews:
Featuring poems by such celebrated poets as William Shakespeare, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Emily Dickinson, Carl Sandburg, and Langston Hughes--complete with biographical sketches of the poets, information on individual poems, and notes on poetic forms, this volume presents a glorious selection of classic poetry, chronologically arranged from the 17th century to modern day. Full-color illustrations.
In so many classic poetry selections, you'll find old favorites, but no information on the creators themselves. In Michael Rosen's hearty, well-designed, 160-page anthology--with strikingly diverse illustrations by the talented and chameleonic artist Paul Howard--readers will find a portrait and short biography of each poet accompanying his or her work. Not only that but the selections are arranged chronologically, from the 17th century to the modern day. William Shakespeare's "All the World's a Stage" from As You Like It begins the classic collection, then readers are introduced to William Blake, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Edward Lear, Emily Dickinson, Lewis Carroll, Langston Hughes, and many, many more. Poet, storyteller, broadcaster, and children's book author Rosen says of his treasury, "There are so many ways to enjoy poems. This book is a way of offering new insights into poems, poets, and the relationships between them. It also offers a springboard to children and adults wanting to find out more and explore the world of poetry." And illustrator Howard should take a bow for his successful efforts to explore different techniques and artwork styles that complement the moods and historical context of each poem so perfectly. We welcome the chance to revisit Lear's "The Jumblies," Longfellow's "Paul Revere's Ride," and other well-loved poems in such a beautiful package. (Ages 9 and older)
Customer Reviews:
 A Poetry Anthology for Thoughtful Children
This book is a children's collection of poetry. However, it appears that Michael Rosen has attempted to balance the chipper, happy poems of many children's anthologies with more intense, darker ones. The overall tone is fairly serious, though beautifully so. He combines such sweet verse as Skating by William Wordsworth, with more wistful or even death-filled ones, such as La Belle Dame Sans Merci by John Keats.
The book is written chronologically, from Shakespeare and William Blake to Langston Hughes and Judith Wright. He includes from one to five poems from each of his 40 or so collected poets, with a short, thoughtful biography of each.
The book is strikingly illustrated by Paul Howard, who alters his style and technique for each poem, aptly evoking the feeling and time period of each poem.
I would consider this as a readaloud for children ages 8+; younger children are likely to be disturbed by some of the darker selections.
This book is more newly published in paperback as The Walker Book of Classic Poetry and Poets . brilliant selection
Wisely chosen and beautifully illustrated,this book shows how entertaining and exciting poetry can be. It instantly held the attention of my six year old. He wanted to write a thank you note to Lord Byron! Classics Poems to Share with Your Children
Michael Rosen's collection of poetry refuses to talk down to children. He has selected classic poems from the seventeenth century to modern day, poems (and poets) that children will hear references to for the rest of their lives. From Shakespeare to Shelley to T. S. Eliot and many more, Rosen has gathered a mixture of beautiful, fun, and significant poetry, complete with biographical information about each of the poets, as well as information on individual poems and poetic forms.It is Paul Howard's lovely, intriging illustrations that will first grab your attention, however. His illustrations capture the mood of each poem and make them come alive for young readers. A must for children who love poetry and for parents who want to share poetry with their children.
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