Must-Read Poetry Books for Kids

One of the earliest collections of children’s poetry, A Child’s Garden of Verses has been cherished for over a century. Stevenson captures the wonder of childhood in simple yet profound ways. From the joy of swinging on a swing to the frustration of going to bed before sunset, his poems feel as fresh today as when they were written. His rhythmic and musical writing makes this a perfect read-aloud book. If you want a poetry collection that evokes nostalgia while still delighting young readers, this is it.

If you’ve ever heard of “Wynken, Blynken, and Nod,” you already know Eugene Field’s work. This dreamy, lyrical poem is a bedtime favorite, filled with whimsical imagery and a soothing rhythm that lulls children to sleep. Field’s poetry often feels like stepping into a fairy tale, making it an essential part of any child’s introduction to poetry.

Before Winnie the Pooh, there was When We Were Very Young—a delightful collection of playful, imaginative poems. Milne’s poetry is lighthearted, witty, and filled with the same warmth and charm that made Pooh famous.

His poems bring everyday childhood moments to life, often with a humorous or whimsical twist. Whether it’s the adventures of a little boy named Christopher Robin or the nonsense words of a “biffalo-buffalo-bison,” Milne’s work is simply unforgettable.

No list of must-read children’s poetry would be complete without Shel Silverstein. Where the Sidewalk Ends revolutionized children’s poetry, proving that poems could be silly, subversive, and wildly entertaining.

Silverstein’s unique style—wacky, absurd, and sometimes a little dark—makes poetry irresistible to kids. His iconic poem about Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout, who refuses to take the garbage out, is just one example of how he turns everyday situations into exaggerated, laugh-out-loud stories. If you only read one book of humorous children’s poetry, this might be the one.

A beloved Canadian classic, Alligator Pie is filled with bouncy, sing-song rhymes that make it an absolute joy to read aloud. Dennis Lee’s poems are short, punchy, and packed with energy, making them perfect for younger children.

The title poem is so catchy that many Canadian children memorize it before they even learn to read. Its irresistible rhythm makes it one of those books that kids will want to hear again and again.

Jack Prelutsky, America’s first Children’s Poet Laureate, has an unmatched ability to make kids giggle with his inventive wordplay and hilarious scenarios. His poems are zany, often filled with impossible creatures, absurd situations, and surprising twists.

His book Be Glad Your Nose Is on Your Face is a perfect introduction to his work, as it includes lots of the very best poems from his many, many books. Prelutsky’s ability to capture the absurdity of childhood makes this a must-read.

For fans of funny poetry, Colin West is an absolute gem. His poems are short, sharp, and wonderfully ridiculous. The Big Book of Nonsense is packed with clever wordplay, quirky characters, and rhymes that stick in your head. And calling it a “big” book is no exaggeration. This collection contains more than 200 funny poems with full-color illustrations by Colin himself.

One of his funniest pieces describes a boy named Norman Norton whose nostrils are so powerful that they suck up everything in sight! If you love silly, unpredictable poetry, Colin West’s work belongs on your shelf.

If you’re looking for a single, go-to collection of children’s poetry, this is it. With over 500 poems from classic and contemporary poets, this anthology is an absolute treasure trove.

Prelutsky’s selections include everything from Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson to nonsense rhymes and modern humor. Whether you want a touching nature poem or a laugh-out-loud limerick, this book has it all. It’s perfect for dipping into anytime.

This collection of poems for two voices is a fantastic way to make poetry interactive. Designed to be read aloud by two people, the poems are structured so that children and adults can take turns reading.

Hoberman’s playful writing makes reading poetry a shared experience, helping kids develop confidence in their reading skills while having fun.

This bilingual collection of free-verse poems is a joyous celebration of spring, nature, and cultural heritage. Alarcón’s playful, imaginative language brings everyday moments to life—from the vibrant colors of tomatoes laughing in the garden to heartfelt reflections on family traditions.

Presented in both English and Spanish, this collection is perfect for bilingual readers or anyone exploring Latino culture. The accessibility of the poems, paired with their humor and whimsy, makes them resonate with children and adults alike. Alarcón’s work beautifully bridges cultures and highlights the magic in everyday life, making it an essential addition to any child’s poetry library.

This heartfelt collection of 16 poems explores the theme of gratitude through a variety of poetic forms, including haiku, free verse, and rhymed poetry. Each poem captures a unique perspective on what it means to give and receive thanks, from small, everyday moments to more profound expressions of appreciation.

Grimes’s thoughtful and accessible language makes the collection engaging for young readers, while the themes encourage mindfulness and empathy. Children will find the poems relatable and inspiring, whether they are thanking a friend for kindness, a teacher for guidance, or simply reflecting on the beauty of the world around them. The collection’s universal theme of gratitude makes it a timeless and meaningful addition to any bookshelf.

If you think poetry is just words on a page, Wet Cement will change your mind. This book features “concrete poetry,” where the words take the shape of what they describe. A poem about a tree, for example, might be arranged in the shape of a tree.

These visual poems turn language into art, making this a fun and engaging way to experience poetry in a whole new way.

Mirror Mirror introduces an entirely unique form of poetry: reversos. Each poem tells one story when read top to bottom and a completely different story when read bottom to top.

This clever format makes kids think about how words and perspectives can shift meaning. If you’re looking for poetry that doubles as a brain teaser, this book is a must.

I had to include one of my own books! The Armpit of Doom is packed with silly, laugh-out-loud poems designed to get kids excited about poetry. My goal has always been to make poetry fun, surprising, and just a little bit mischievous so that kids can’t stop reading.

The Armpit of Doom is the first of a series of six collections (so far!) of my funniest poems. Why not start at the beginning and read them all? If you love goofy humor, unexpected twists, and poems that demand to be read aloud, this book is for them!