Collected Poems for Children

This edition of the former Poet Laureate's children’s poems measures up at 250 pages - evidence of the seriousness with which Hughes considered his writing for children; his curiosity a perfect match for a young reader's innate inquisitiveness.

All Hughes readers might expect the crows, horses and sheep they encounter here, but the haggis/bagpipe hybrid might be more of a surprise!

The book's arrangement by age range – simpler verses for younger readers at the beginning leading to more sophisticated poems throughout the book – indicates a volume which will develop with its readers as they grow up.

Raymond Briggs' attentive illustrating complements the poems wonderfully – this is a valuable book to keep forever.