Let's Celebrate!

You may have already heard that April is National Poetry Month, and did you know that this week is National Library Week? I'd say that was cause for celebration, so head on down to the Nesmith Library and borrow a book of poetry!

It's never too early to start your kids on poetry. Most of us do it without even thinking about by reciting nursery rhymes and counting rhymes like "Five Little Monkeys."

J. Patrick Lewis, the current U.S. Children’s Poet Laureate, has some simple advice to offer to parents, "Children will not gravitate to poetry, poetry must be brought to them. Surround your home with as many books--and kinds--of poetry as you are able." My advice is to visit the library often and each time you come, borrow a different book of poetry to share!

If you're starting from the beginning, here are a few nursery and other rhyme books for the littlest listener:

Beaton, Clare. Playtime Rhymes for Little People. [J 398.8 BEA]

Collins, Heather. Out Came the Sun: A Day in Nursery Rhymes. [JP COL]

Jay, Alison. Red Green Blue: A First Book of Colors. [JP JAY]

Pocketful of Posies: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes. [JP POC]

This Little Piggy Lap Songs, Finger Plays, Clapping Games, and Pantomime Rhymes. [J 398.8 THI]