Children's Literature @ NYPL

For the Love of Poetry

Alligator Pie

As a librarian it is hard for me to admit that the poetry section has never been one of my favorites.  Parents and teachers are often scandalized when I admit this to school groups.  I always tell kids that it is okay if they are not fans of a certain genre or literary form as there is something in the library for everyone.  You never know when you will find something, like a silly poem about boogers, that will tickle your funny bone and get you excited about reading.  

Although the overanalyzing and dissecting of poems during my school years spoiled poetry for me somewhat, I have always tried to keep an open mind.  I have attended poetry jams at library conferences, learned about fun programming and listened to the advice of literary greats.  Many years ago, I had the honor of attending a lecture given by Ashley Bryan during which he told the audience that poetry has to be read aloud with feeling in order to be properly savored and enjoyed.  I keep this in mind every time I share a poem with an audience.  

When I look at the poems that I share with kids, they fall under three main categories: funny, disgusting and about food.  I should not be surprised by this as the only poem I remember enjoying as a child is called "Alligator Pie" by Dennis Lee (Alligator Pie. Toronto: Macmillan, 1974).

"Alligator pie, alligator pie,
If I don't get some I think I'm gonna die. 
Give away the green grass, give away the sky, 
But don't give away my alligator pie.

Alligator stew, alligator stew..."

"Alligator Pie" set me on the path to find my all-time favorite poem to share with kids - "Booger Love."  This poem and another called "Chocolate Maniac" can be found in a collection entitled Giant Children by Brod Bagert.  I recently recommended "Booger Love" to a friend who wanted to know what she should read to her son's 2nd grade class.  While her son thought it might be a bit too much, the rest of the class loved it.  It is totally gross and it gets kids' attention which is the point.  We want kids to get excited about poetry.  Maybe a poem about bodily functions or moldy food will open up a child's mind to a world of possibilities.  They may not grow up to be die-hard poetry fans, but being able to respect and simply enjoy poetry in its various forms would be fantastic.

Here is a list of the top 5 poetry collections that I share with school groups.

Giant Children

Giant Children by Brod Bagert; illustrated by Ted Arnold

As mentioned above, "Booger Love" and "Chocolate Maniac" are two favorites.  "Booger Love" comes with a great warning.  The glue from the perfume inserts in magazines make for a good prop to go with this poem.  If you peel off the glue and roll it up,  it looks like a booger.  I like to gross the kids out first and then move on to chocolate.  In order to regain control of the class, I ask them if they like chocolate.  The mention of food usually gets the attention back on me.  

If Not For the Cat

If Not for the Cat by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Ted Rand

Each poem can be read as a short riddle about an animal.  I like hiding the images until after the kids have tried guessing what animal the poems are about.  The poem about the jelly fish stumps them every time.  

 

Monster Goose

Monster Goose by Judy Sierra; illustrated by Jack E. Davis

I have used this collection so much that I know "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Slug" by heart.  The children often comment on the fact that I am reciting the poem and not reading it. "Mary had a Vampire Bat" is also popular with students and teachers.  Show and tell anyone?

 

Once I Ate a Pie

Once I Ate a Pie by Patricia MacLachlan; illustrated by Katy Schneider

So who can say no to pie? Or dogs?  Kids can completely relate to these poems.  I often ask kids if they have a cat or dog to get them warmed up.  I love the poem about the guilty dog who ate the family's pie.  I also really like that one about the yappy dog as it allows me to make the most annoying barking sounds. 

 

A Poke in the Eye

A Poke in the I selected by Paul Janeczko; illustrated by Chris Raschka

Concrete poetry is always popular with children.  It is hard to find a one word poem about a cat intimidating.  "Tennis Anyone?" is as fun as it sounds and looks like a game of tennis when read aloud.  

 

If you are interested in more poetry titles here is a reading list.  Hopefully, you will find something that will strike your fancy.  Do not forget to read aloud and with feeling.  

For more inspiration, please listen to some NYPL librarians as they read excerpts from their favorite poems during our 30 Days of Poetry.  Join me on April 13 as I read from "Booger Love."