Our favourite poetry books (younger children)

The poems are such fun to read out loud and say together that they feel like new classics that will be said and passed down the generations. And the charming llustrations make this a book to get out night after night, day after day.

Beautifully illustrated poems for young children by two Children’s Laureates

Can you touch all the different textures? A sweet touch-and-feel book, with braille and British Sign Language words too, perfect for babies and toddlers. 

Welcome to this whistle-stop tour of Jamaica – from A for Ackee to Z for Zinc.

This beautifully designed picture book with exquisite illustrations explores a variety of shapes relating to Islamic objects and practices. It is perfect to share with children at home or in the classroom.

An exciting, action-packed introduction to poetry for younger children. Perfect for reading out loud, at bedtime, playtime or at school.

With Quentin Blake’s instantly recognisable illustrations, this picture book contains 12 funny poems by John Yeoman: one for each month of the year, with suggested activities. A lovely, funny book that captures the fizz and farce of close family life.

How To Be a Tiger is the first collection for younger children by multi-award-winning poet George Szirtes – and it’s a treat that will make little ones laugh, think and wince.

There is a poem to appeal to everyone in this thoughtful and fun collection

Legendary poets John Agard and Grace Nichols, both originally from the Caribbean, have compiled a lovely book of poems featuring their own work alongside eleven others, forming a generous ​‘Caribbean Dozen’ of wordsmiths.

This accessible collection of poems is fun and thoughtful and an ideal resource for teachers. The focus here is on poems that sound great read aloud, so be sure to sing them, chant them and enjoy the way they sound.

Joseph Coelho has written the brilliant poems in this book to help children spread happiness. 

Famous children’s poems and lesser-known gems are featured in this imaginative, funny and engaging collection of poems for footie fans.

A vibrant poetry collection that is perfect for Key Stage 1, or ages 5 and above. Packed with poems spanning the silly, the thought-provoking and the emotional, there is something for everyone to enjoy here. 

A stunningly original collection of accessible poems from the witty and wry to more thought-provoking and wise.

A fully illustrated, fun and funky collection of 60 poems to help boost reading and spelling or to enjoy as shared reading.

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 wistful, and full of wonder.

Featuring a range of children’s poets and traditional verses from cultures around the world, this is a great collection for older primary kids.

Sometimes we all need a bit of a positive boost, and this book of 50 poems packed with positivity and happiness is just the ticket.

A collection of 80 John Agard’s poems for younger children taken from eight previous books.