Some Wonderful Books!

According to @readingpartners, reading poetry aloud to children is a surefire way to boost their literacy skills while adding loads of fun to storytime. Poetry helps early readers develop their understanding of rhythm and sound, spark creativity, and expand their vocabulary.

And what better time to highlight some fantastic poetry collections for kids than at the start of #NationalPoetryMonth?

The Smell of Wet Dog by my friend Barney Saltzberg is an absolute treat for dog lovers big and small. If there’s anyone who can somehow make you appreciate the actual smell of a wet dog, it’s definitely Barney—and I've yet to find anyone else who can do it quite like he can!

Jane Yolen's In and Out the Window is a true celebration of the wonder of childhood. Released just last year and illustrated by Cathrin Peterslund, this is the largest single anthology of Jane Yolen's poetry to date.

John Himmelman's brand-new book, The Boy Who Lived in a Shell, tells the story of a young boy named Ivo who is swept out to sea inside a giant moon snail shell. This illustrated collection of story poems captures Ivo's magical journey and is ideal for middle-grade readers and anyone who enjoys a poetic adventure.