POETRY SUGGESTIONS FOR PRIMARYPoetry Collections

A Great Big Cuddle: Poems for the Very Young- Michael Rosen, illustrated by Chris RiddellTwo of the biggest names in children’s publishing, Michael Rosen and Chris Riddell, come together in a new poetry collection. The poems in A Great Big Cuddle fizz off the page with sound and rhythm, energy and laughter, as Rosen captures in the most remarkable way what it means to be very, very young. A child’s world with all its details and feelings – toys and games, animals and made-up creatures, likes and dislikes – is vividly conjured up in the most memorable, playful language, and Chris Riddell has produced some his most extraordinary pictures ever to bring this world to life. It's a book that will be enjoyed by the oldest grown-up and the youngest child – and a future classic.LLP says: A wonderful collection of poems- from those that explore what it’s like to be young to those that play with language, rhythm and rhyme. Wonderful for EYFS.

Wriggle and Roar- Julia Donaldson and Nick Sharratt

Are you tired of being you? Here's a whole bookful of things you can do! There are rhymes to make you wriggle and giggle, shrug and sigh, snap like a crocodile and slither like a snake. Julia Donaldson's verse jumps off the page and Nick Sharratt's snazzy illustrations add to the fun of Wriggle and Roar!.

Bright, bold and accessible, these rhymes are packed full of noises and actions, making them perfect for joining in.

LLP says: Young children will love reciting these rhymes and joining in with the actions!ALSO CHECK OUT: Shuffle and Squelch

Moon Juice- Kate Wakeling

Meet Skig, who’s meant to be a warrior (but is really more of a worrier). Meet a giddy comet, skidding across the sky with her tail on fire. Put a marvellous new machine in your pocket and maybe you’ll be able to fix all your life’s problems. Kate Wakeling’s first book of poems for children is full of curious characters and strange situations. The poems she writes are always musical, sometimes magical, and full of wonder at the weirdness of the world.LLP says: A fantastic collection of poetry with wonderful writing suggestions for children at the end too!

POETRY SUGGESTIONS FOR PRIMARYApes to Zebras- An A-Z of Shape Poems- Roger Steves, Liz Brownlee, Sue Hardy-DawsonThis gorgeous collection of animal poems from Roger Stevens, Liz Brownlee and Sue Hardy-Dawson will entrance and delight in equal measure. Featuring a full alphabet of animals, birds, and insects, with the odd extinct or imaginary creature thrown in, these beautiful shape poems are a perfect way to introduce children to poetry. Some funny, some serious, there is something here for everyone.LLP says: Shape poems are a great way to introduce children to poetic form. These are fantastic to share with the whole class or for children to dip into.

The Rainmaker Danced- John Agard, illustrated by Sitoshi Kitamura

From nature and science to identity, prepare to be transported on a journey through past and present. This collection from John Agard, winner of the Queens Medal and the Eleanor Farjeon Award, explores the wonders of the world - inviting your child to ponder life's questions with lots of fun along the way!LLP says: Wonderful thought-provoking poetry for children to explore and think about.

The Lost Words- Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris

All over the country, there are words disappearing from children's lives. These are the words of the natural world - Dandelion, Otter, Bramble and Acorn, all gone. The rich landscape of wild imagination and wild play is rapidly fading from our children's minds. The Lost Words stands against the disappearance of wild childhood. It is a joyful celebration of nature words and the natural world they invoke. With acrostic spell-poems by award-winning writer Robert Macfarlane and hand-painted illustration by Jackie Morris, this enchanting book captures the irreplaceable magic of language and nature for all ages.

LLP says: This isn’t just a book- it’s an art object. The illustrations and poetry are incredibly evocative of nature.

POETRY SUGGESTIONS FOR PRIMARYZim Zam Zoom- James Carter, illustrated by Nicola ColtonWant to travel in a rocket? Search for a grumpy dragon? Make your very own monster? Visit a higgledy-piggledy farm? Well, hop into Zim Zam Zoom - for fun and adventures galore! Colours, animals, space, music, fairytale fireworks...! Here is a collection of poems especially written for performance. With delightful illustrations by a talented new illustrator, this is a brilliant introduction to poetry for young children.LLP says:Funny rhyming poems which children will love to share.

Rhythm and Poetry- Karl Nova

Rhythm and Poetry (otherwise known as RAP) is by Hip Hop artist and poet Karl Nova. The beauty of rap lyricism and Hip Hop influenced poetry is displayed with wit, humour and positivity. His approach is to meet young people where they are and engage them with the style and attitude they are familiar with. This collection reflects on his journey of growth from childhood to adulthood through the lens of Hip Hop culture.LLP says: A wonderful collection where each poem is accompanied by a short description/story or statement by Karl Nova, a feature which really helps children to gain an understanding of the poem.

A Kid In My Class- Rachel Rooney, illustrated by Chris Riddell

"He's not scared of nothing. Nobody. Never. Nah. Which means that he is. Tough Kid. Not tough enough. I know - I once met his dad." They're all here...every kid in the class has their own poem. The pushy one, the shy one. The whizz kid and the daydreamer. The best friender and the kid who runs in his wheelchair. The tough kid, the poet. And not forgetting the class hamster.LLP says: A charming collection of school-based poems, illustrated wonderfully by Chris Riddell.

Overheard in a Tower Block- Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Kate Milner

Gazing at the stars from five storeys up, smelling the bins from five storeys below. Overheard arguments, overheard laughter. A disappearing father and a Mermaid-Queen mother; statues that sing for flesh and blood; bullies who kick you under the table; perfect red trainers - and the things that lurk in the library...LLP says: An incredible moving collection with an over-arching narrative of growing up in the city.

Poetry Anthologies

POETRY SUGGESTIONS FOR PRIMARYPoems to Perform- chosen by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Clare Melinsky

In Poems to Perform, Julia Donaldson has chosen poems with performance by children in mind, and her notes and ideas on performing them are included in a special section at the end of the book.

The poems range from classics by Edward Lear, W H Auden and Eleanor Farjeon to contemporary work by Michael Rosen, John Agard and Clare Bevan. Illustrated throughout with exquisite, expressive lino-cuts by Clare Melinsky, this is a book for teachers, parents, children: anyone who loves great poetry.

LLP says: This is a must-have for teachers as it’s full of suggestions of wonderful poetry for children to perform. It’s also great for children to dip into and work together to develop their own independent performances.

A Poem for Every Day of the Year- compiled by Allie Esiri, illustrated by Zanna Goldhawk

A Poem For Every Day of the Year is a magnificent collection of 366 poems compiled by Allie Esiri, one to share on every day of the year. It is bursting at the seams with familiar favourites and exciting new discoveries. T.S.Eliot, John Betjeman, Lewis Carroll, William Shakespeare and Christina Rossetti sit alongside Seamus Heaney, Ted Hughes, Carol Ann Duffy, and Kate Tempest. This soul-enhancing book is the perfect gift that will last the whole year, with a little bit of magic to read every day.

LLP says: A beautiful collection for pupils to delve into or to share daily with a class.

ALSO CHECK OUT: A Poem for Every Night of the Year

101 Poems for Children: A Laureate’s Choice- chosen by Carol Ann Duffy, illustrated by Emily Gravett

Carol Ann Duffy, appointed Poet Laureate in 2009, has chosen her favourite poems for children for this stunning collection of classic and modern verse, exquisitely illustrated by multi-award-winning illustrator Emily Gravett.

Featuring such classic poems as 'The Owl and the Pussycat' by Edward Lear and Lewis Carroll's 'Jabberwocky' alongside Edwin Morgan's 'The Loch Ness Monster's Song' and 'Balloons' by Sylvia Plath, 101 Poems for Children Chosen by Carol Ann Duffy: A Laureate's Choice is a delight for children of all ages and a pleasure to read aloud.LLP says: A fantastic anthology full of classic poems as well as more modern poetry.

POETRY SUGGESTIONS FOR PRIMARY

Verse Novels

Love That Dog- Sharon CreechSuitable for KS2

Slowly Jack learns the pleasures of writing poetry as Miss Stretchberry encourages him to tell his own story through verse. What emerges is a moving and memorable story about a boy and his dog and his growing passion for poetry.

LLP says: This is a wonderful verse novel that takes the form of Jack’s poetry journal. A fantastic representation of how a child goes from being a reluctant poet to writing his own poetry to reflect what is happening in his life.ALSO CHECK OUT: Hate That Cat / Moo

Cloud Busting- Malorie BlackmanSuitable for UKS2Despite his Mum's insistence, Sam doesn't want to be friends with Davey, he thinks Davey's a first class, grade A, top of the dung heap moron. But one day Davey saves Sam's life and a bond is formed between them. Sam is still embarrassed to be seen with Davey, but little by little he has to admit, when it's just the two of them, Davey is a lot of fun. But then something terrible happens to Davey. . . Told in verse, in first person, this is the touching story of an extraordinary friendship, that changes two boys lives for ever. An uplifting tale that truly sings out.

LLP says: A wonderful story about friendship where each chapter is written using different a different form of poetry.

POETRY SUGGESTIONS FOR PRIMARYInside Out and Back Again- Thanhha LaiSuitable for UKS2Inspired by the author's childhood experience as a refugee--fleeing Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon and immigrating to Alabama--this coming-of-age debut novel told in verse has been celebrated for its touching child's-eye view of family and immigration.

LLP says: A really heartfelt story of holding onto the past and moving on.

Forget Me Not- Ellie TerrySuitable for UKS2Astronomy-loving Calliope June has Tourette syndrome, so she sometimes makes faces or noises that she doesn't mean to make. When she and her mother move yet again, she tries to hide her TS. But it isn't long before the kids at her new school realize she's different. Only Calliope's neighbor, who is also the popular student body president, sees her as she truly is--an interesting person and a good friend. But is he brave enough to take their friendship public?LLP says: A stunningly written verse novel which really delves into issues such as bullying, neurodiversity and loneliness.

Booked- Kwame AlexanderSuitable for UKS2Twelve-year-old Nick is a football-mad boy who absolutely hates books. Football, family, love, and friendship take centre stage as Nick tries to figure out how to navigate his parents’ break-up, stand up to bullies, and impress the girl of his dreams. These challenges – which seem even harder than scoring a tie-breaking, game-winning goal – change his life, as well as his best friend’s. This energetic novel-in-verse by the poet Kwame Alexander captures all the thrills and setbacks, the action and emotion of a World Cup match.LLP says: This is an exciting verse novel which really plays with form to help match Nick’s moods. Perfect for football fans!ALSO CHECK OUT: The Crossover

Other Books Featuring Poetry

POETRY SUGGESTIONS FOR PRIMARYBook- John AgardQuirky and humorous, part poetry, part reflection, this is the story of the book told by none other than Book himself! This extraordinary character begins by reminding us of his origins in oral story and clay tablets, then ponders on papyrus, parchment and paper, and on being a scroll who finally gets a spine. We see him lovingly illuminated by monks in medieval monasteries, then witness the massive changes brought about by the invention of the printing press, and the coming of paperbacks and e-books in the 20th century.LLP says: A combination of art, prose and poetry which comes together to tell the story of how books have developed over the years.

A First Book of Nature- Nicola Davies, illustrated by Mark HearldFrom beachcombing to stargazing, from watching squirrels, ducks and worms to making berry crumble or a winter bird feast, this is a remarkable book – part poetry, part scrapbook of recipes, facts and fragments – and a glorious reminder that the natural world is on our doorstep waiting to be discovered. Mark Hearld's pictures beautifully reproduce the colours of the seasons on woodfree paper, and Nicola Davies' lyrical words capture the simple loveliness that is everywhere, if only we can look.LLP says: A beautiful combination of poetry, prose and illustration. Pupils interested in nature/animals won’t be able to resist this beautiful book.ALSO CHECK OUT: A First Book of Animals / A First Book of the Sea

Come All You Little Persons- John Agard and Jessica Courtney Tickle

Come little bird person, come little bee person, come little tree person - little persons from all over the world join together to celebrate the dance of life and love in this stunning poem from John Agard. Stunningly illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle, this is a book that both little persons and big persons will treasure and pore over for a lifetime, and is a true poem of our time.LLP says: A wonderful picture book based around a lovely poem- perfect for EYFS and Year 1 pupils to read and share.