HomeDiscoverChildrens articlesThe best poetry books for childrenChildren's reading listsThe best poetry books for childrenWith a plethora of puns, ludicrous wordplay and completely ridiculous rhythms, these ten books – from the fantastic to downright hilarious – are a great introduction to verse for aspiring poets. Puffin teamFacebookPinterestTwitterEmail Over To You! by Roger McGough (2022) Roger McGough, author of Poetry Pie is back again with another phenomenal collection. As always, he takes readers on an inspiring literary journey. From writing poetry for the first time and mastering haikus, to a lonely starfish and a librarian due to retire, young poets will love the wit and wordplay in Over To You! A Songbird Dreams of Singing by Kate Hosford & Jennifer M. Potter (2019) Kate Hosford’s beautiful poems are interspersed with interesting facts about how animals sleep. Did you know sperm whales sleep vertically? Or that chimpanzees make pillows out of leaves? And what about flamingos who sleep on one leg to conserve energy? A Songbird Dreams of Singing is the perfect poetry book to share together at bedtime. Cloud Busting by Malorie Blackman (2004) For fans of novels but those wanting to get into poetry, this could be the book for you! Cloud Busting follows the unlikely friendship of Sam and Davey. Sam is the class bully and spends his time picking on the new boy Davey. But when Davey saves Sam’s life, the pair end up bonding through the magic of words and rhythm. This funny and sad story is told entirely through verse. Kings and Queens by Eleanor and Herbert Farjeon (1932) This funny anthology contains a poem about every British monarch, from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II. Meet the ruthless and murderous Henry VIII, or laugh at the dull reign of Queen Anne. This book has been a classic for decades and will delight children and adults alike. Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl (1982) Revolting Rhymes is Dahl’s shortest and most comical children’s book. Turning traditional verse on its head, this reinterpretation of classic fairy tales such as Cinderella and Snow White is completely gruesome and downright daring. You won't find an ordinary 'once upon a time' in this compilation... Funky Chickens by Benjamin Zephaniah (1996) Benjamin Zephaniah writes poetry of all flavours. From humorous to solemn, he touches on issues both amusing and important. Between the pages of Funky Chickens you’ll meet the likes of The Hip Hop Cop and The Grand Old Duke of York while touching on issues of racism and environmentalism in a variety of amusing poems. Hugely entertaining and well worth a read. Gargling with Jelly by Brian Patten (1985) Brian Patten is one of Puffin’s favourite poets, and Gargling with Jelly is one of his best collections! This anthology is both amusing and outrageous and will introduce you to a variety of characters who you’ve never met before. From naughty children to ghosts, you are sure to find something new at every turn. Michael Rosen's Book of Very Silly Poems by Michael Rosen (1996) From festering food and riotous relatives to wondering whether you can pick your nose with your toes, Michael Rosen’s hilarious collection of nonsense poems will delight readers young and old. A great one for those who are new to poetry. Silly Verse for Kids by Spike Milligan (1959) Spike Milligan is an old favourite. Any child will recognise The Ning Nang Nong and many will remember a whole pile of Milligan’s other poems. Dip into this collection if you want some absurd, hilarious, and side-splitting verse. Just don’t blame us if you go a little mad inside…
