ISBN: 1-4022-0329-2
Hardcover • 112 pages
$19.95 US/$27.95 CAN

Editor: Elise Paschen
Series Editor: Dominique Raccah
Advisory Editors: Billy Collins, Nikki Giovanni, X. J. Kennedy
Illustrators: Judy Love, Wendy Rasmussen, Paula Zinngrabe Wendland

Those in the know are talking about
Poetry Speaks to Children!

“...one of the most anticipated audio-poetry releases of the fall”
     —The Wall Street Journal

“This entertaining dip into many archival recordings will likely be a family treasure”
     —STARRED review in Publishers Weekly , Nov 14, 2005

“Poetry Speaks to Children is great to see. I’m glad that you’ve taken the charge to draw the very young to poetry. I sincerely believe that the younger a child is when they find poetry, the more likely they will love poetry for life.”
     —Dana Gioia, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)

“[a] wonderful new anthology [that has] broken new ground...”
     —Nancy Pearl , librarian and author of Book Lust and More Book Lust

“…an excellent introduction to a whole lot of poetry, from Shakespeare to Nikki Giovanni, from Kipling to Naomi Shihab Nye. The poems are short and long, rhymed and not, famous and little-known. Every single one of them is appealing... The accompanying CD is a wonder...Sure to please teachers, parents and children who might not yet know how much they need poetry, and how much they will love it.”
     —Kirkus Reviews, Nov 1, 2005

“As a producer I get many books across my desk—Poetry Speaks to Children stood out from the rest. It is a fantastic book for kids! I have even read it to my little boy and he loves hearing the soothing poetry. The included CD is an added bonus to an otherwise delightful book. A must have for parents to introduce their kids to poetry.“
     —Rick O'Connor, Producer “The Steve Cochran Show“ WGN Radio 720 AM

What Booksellers Across the Country Are Saying…

“Here’s the perfect holiday gift for the family. Including most of my favorite poets, Poetry Speaks to Children puts the parent and the child on more equal footing through the use of illustrations and the spoken word. Truly a joy to have in one’s library!”
     —Roberta Rubin, owner, The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, Winnetka, IL

“On each page I found a gem—to sit with quietly or read aloud. Thank you for reminding me again, in this crazy, busy time, to stop and enjoy...”
     —Valerie Lewis, Owner, Hicklebee’s, San Jose, CA

“I gave it to a woman who works here, has two daughters eight and four, and I often give her books to try with her daughters and report back to me. They thought it was wonderful. Went through every single page. Listened to CD and she said they'd recommend it to all their friends. Hot dog!”
     —Ruta Drummond, Children’s Book Buyer, Borders Group, Inc.

“I was most impressed at the originality, breadth and engaging nature of the selections. Of course one could expect no less when Billy Collins, Nikki Giovanni & X. J. Kennedy made the selections—three who are keeping poetry relevant and thriving. Both my three year-old daughter and ten-year-old grandchild will be receiving this book for Christmas. I think it appeals to all ages (mine included). Congratulations to all.”
    —Lyn Roberts, general Manager, Square Books, Oxford, MS

“Poetry does speak to children. This book and CD will put a smile on your face and a song in your heart. I can’t think of a better gift for the holidays or just because.”
     —Rona Brinlee, Owner, The Bookmark, Atlantic Beach, FL

“What a splendid gift to give a child—the fun of reading poetry on the page and the experience of listening to their favorite poets. This book is such a special treat!”
    —Karen Rosenthal, children’s department manager, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison, CT

Poetry Speaks to Children offers “an invaluable way to experience the music of verse, and to teach the most important lesson about poetry: Let’s hear it! The true magic of poetry is revealed when you share poems aloud.”
    —Claire Moore, children’s book buyer, BookPeople, Austin, TX

“What a terrific and entertaining compilation of poems and the recordings bring them to life.”
     —Tracy Taylor, manager, Elliott Bay Book Company, Seattle, WA

“ Poetry Speaks to Children is like a party book of poems, with a built-in play list!”
     —Lisa Schmitt, manager, Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis, MN

“A wonderful collection of poems—some familiar, some not familiar. To be able to read it and listen to it at the same time is a great bonus for children and grown-ups alike.”
     —Pat Lupoff, Children’s Book Buyer, Cody’s Books, Berkeley, CA

“What could be better than bringing the voices of Roald Dahl and Langston Hughes to life for your children? The joy of poetry is in language, and this book delivers that joy in two warmly satisfying doses—a feast for your family's eyes AND ears.”
    —Alison Morris, children's book buyer

What Parents Are Saying…

“When I found Poetry Speaks to Children, I bought it for my sons (five and eight) in the hope that I could spark their interest in poetry. Playing the CD seemed like a good way to introduce it to them without taking away from their beloved bedtime stories. I never thought they'd like it as much as they do... I am amazed by what they remember. My younger son cited two lines from the first poem, “Dig In” after only hearing it twice and talks constantly about the Jabberwock. I can't recommend this enough!”
     —Julia Harris

“My four and six-year-old really enjoy when I read to them from the book, but what they listen to all day is the CD! Since the book arrived, the CD has been playing non-stop. Who would have thought that poetry would replace Disney songs? I am thrilled.”
    —M. Levine

“I left this book on the family room table planning to give it to my four-year-old. However, he found it before I could give it to him and was completely captivated. He LOVED it! ... This book is an incredible gift for children and hopefully will reignite an interest in poetry for all ages. You can't go wrong with buying this book; the illustrations are enchanting and the CD is wonderful. An incredible book for children.”
—Timothy E. Ursiny

“A great mix of poems that our children loved to listen to, following the spoken word on the CD along with the illustrations. I came home from work one day to see my three-year-old quietly listening and following along—not a common site to see him this concentrated. The color illustrations are great and the voices varied. Recommended for long car rides.”
    —S. Brainerd

“I just received the Poetry Speaks to Children you sent me. Wow! Amazing book, and so needed. I'm so excited to bring it into class tomorrow and share it with my students.”
    —Melanie Koss, young adult lit professor at Northern Illinois University

“I got to flip through it [Poetry Speaks to Children] a little bit before my eight-year-old grabbed it from me. She absolutely loves it and I am glad to see it. As I said I am a lover of poetry myself and love the idea behind the book.”
     —Faith Johnson, Parents for Christ

“The illustrations are absolutely delightful with each one expressing the content of the poem to the reader. As my children grow older and more independent with their schoolwork, studying poetry is something that we enjoy doing TOGETHER!”
     —Kris Price, HomeSchoolers Web-Ring Association