These read-along selections offer a wide range of poetry for many different ages, old and new, serious and humorous. Even those students who are indifferent to poetry will be captivated by one or more of these outstanding stories in verse.

The Dragons Are Singing Tonight - Prelutsky

Students from kindergarten through grade 5 will be enthralled by this unusual collection of poems about dragons. First they will be drawn in by the superb, imaginative, humorous illustrations, then they will be delighted to read and reread the rollicking rhymes about various dragons. They will laugh at such poems as "A Dragon is in My Computer" and "I have a Secret Dragon Who is Living in the Tub", as well as the many others presented here. After reading these poems, students will want to write their own paeans to ever-popular dragons.
Not available (CDE)

Drummer Hoff – Emberley

Winner of the Caldecott Medal, this is a retelling of an old folk tale in which seven soldiers build a magnificent cannon together and then "Drummer Hoff Fires It Off".

The illustrations are woodcuts, vibrant with wild colors and intricate patterns, building to the final extravaganza of color and design, the glorious blastoff! Children will be eager to repeat the rhymes in this brief book. This book is useful for reinforcing sequencing skills and attention to details.

Not available (CDE)

Hiawatha – Longfellow

Susan Jeffers has chosen a stirring excerpt from Longfellow’s epic poem to illustrate with her carefully researched, finely drawn paintings. All ages will want to open this book when they look at the steadfast face of the young Hiawatha that graces the cover. Excerpt begins with the famous words: "By the shores of Gitche Gumee" and concludes with "a call to pause and listen to this Song of Hiawatha." The exceptional paintings give us a sense of Hiawatha’s wonder and delight in nature and of his special bond with all animals, "Hiawatha’s Brothers". Book is an uplifting experience that will foster interest and respect for the wisdom and beauty of Native American culture as well as serving as a fitting introduction to this classic poem.
Not available (CDE)

In 1492 – Marzollo

This rollicking rhyming introduction to American history is sure to be popular with primary children. Bouncy verse enhanced by bright watercolor illustrations, this book will certainly make children remember the date and some facts about it. A page of background information about Columbus leads off the book.
Not available (CDE)

Madeline – Bemelmans

Several generations of children and adults alike have enjoyed Madeline’s antics and can recite bits and pieces of these rhyming adventures featuring Madeline, Miss Clavell and others. Bemelman’s colorful illustrations add immensely to the fun. Children will relish the opportunity to get to know Madeline and share her many adventures. Big book format includes a helpful Teacher’s Guide.
Fiction, Grades K-2 (CDE)

Madeline in London – Bemelmans

Madeline is back again, this time touring London and adopting a horse. The wild adventures are again told in catchy rhymes that will be gleefully repeated. Teachers can use this book as an opportunity to give some background information about both Paris and London. Students will want to know more about Madeline’s adventures.
Not available (CDE)

Noisy Nora – Wells

Children will thoroughly enjoy this humorous story of the young mouse Noisy Nora who makes more and more noise to attract the attention of her busy parents. The realities of hectic modern family life are addressed in an amusing fashion. Rosemary Wells’ illustrations bring this sweet story with a universal message to lively life. Book is not only a good story but can serve to reinforce sequencing and recall. Children will want to hear and read it more than once!
Not available (CDE)

A Pizza the Size of the Sun – Prelutsky

All ages will enjoy this sizable collection of humorous poems. Book will foster appreciation for all poetry, serious and comic. Even "poetry phobics" will be drawn in by titles such as "Rat for Lunch", "When I am Full of Silence", and "I Sailed on Half a Ship".
Not available (CDE)

This Land is Your Land – Guthrie

Splendid is not a good enough word for this glorious book filled with the gentle spirit of Woody Guthrie as well as full of the marvelous primitive paintings of K. Jakobsen. All ages will find much to ponder and savor in the complete text of this beloved song as well as in the paintings. Book is an American history lesson wrapped in song. Included in the book is a tribute to Woody by Pete Seeger as well as a photo biography. The paintings themselves contain places and people important to Woody.
Folklore, Poetry, Grades K-5 (CDE)

Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin! – Moss and Priceman

This Caldecott Honor Book uses colorful full-page illustrations to introduce children to ten important musical instruments. The numerous humorous details in each illustration illuminate the rhyming text. Book can be used in a variety of ways: as an introduction to these ten instruments, for chorale reading, for counting practice, for memory improvement and for recall activities. Best of all, children will enjoy meeting Zin!
Fiction, Grades K-2 (CDE)