The Oxford Illustrated Book of American Children's Poems

by Donald Hall

Book Overview

American children's poetry began with Native American cradle songs, moved on to a rhymed alphabet, blossomed in the 19th century with "A Visit from St. Nicholas," expanded widely in the 20th century, and continues with vigor into the new millennium. Some of the best of these poems, however, have been neglected or forgotten. This collection, edited by acclaimed children's author and poet Donald Hall, returns to us the forgotten treasures of American...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195123735
• ISBN13: 9780195123739
• Release Date: December 1999
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 10.1" x 8.1"
• Age Range: 6 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 7

Customer Reviews

overall a great book to read aloud

I'm reading this book aloud to my children and overall it's very nice. I like that the poems are in chronological order, though some of the modern ones are a bit odd. Many of the older poems are classics and very familiar. Some of the older poems also have 'dark' content that may be upsetting for very young children. I tend to have to skip over a line or two every few poems.

Great book of poetry your children will love

I bought this book to go with an American History cirriculum and we read a poem every couple of days. Under the author of each poem is the date in which they lived, so I can say stuff like, "oh look, this woman wrote this poem during the time when Abraham Lincoln was president" and it helps tie everything together for everyone. Also, the poems are great fun and not boring at all. It is a really good way to show kids that they can enjoy poetry.

I love about 75% of the poetry

I bought this book in a pinch because I was going to Europe and wanted something fun and new to read to my 3 and 5 year olds. They have their favorites, but I am still looking for another.