I’ve decided to join the supportive, poetry-loving Poetry Friday community and share some of my favourite children’s poets and poetry titles.
I’m kicking this series off with one of my all-time favourite books of poetry:
Tyrannosaurus Was a Beast by Jack Prelutsky.
Now this, ladies and gentlemen, is how you do poetry. At least, that’s how a much younger, dinosaur-obsessed me felt when I discovered this classic collection of dinosaur-themed poetry.
That’s right.
Dinosaur-themed poetry.
In Tyrannosaurus Was a Beast, Jack Prelutsky celebrates the world of dinosaurs in all its toothy, scaly glory.
Tyrannosaurus was a beast,
that had no friends to say the least.
It ruled the ancient out of doors,
and slaughtered other dinosaurs.
Now THAT is a poem that kids can get behind!
Writing poems about dinosaurs might seem a bit odd, but what better way to get kids excited about poetry than to introduce them to poems on subjects they’re already passionate about? As a child I would’ve had no interest in poems about flowers or trees, and sweet little poems about sweet little children would’ve put me to sleep.
But poems about dinosaurs that slaughtered other dinosaurs? Holy cow, how exciting is that?!?
These poems aren’t just a great way to get kids excited about poetry – they’re also deceptively educational!
When it comes to poetry and kids, never be afraid to think outside the box, and try to let the children’s natural passions and interests be your guide.
Poems about dinosaurs. What will they think of next? Tune in next week to find out! 😉
Nice to visit your blog, Jane! Looking forward to more of your fave poetry books. 🙂
Thanks for visiting, I’m looking forward to sharing and learning with this great community!
I have a book called “Bone Poems,” which is another dinosaur poetry book! Dinosaurs and poetry are like peanut butter and jelly. Or maybe peanut butter and bananas?
Hurray, I’m so glad that there are books like this that can help kids discover poems that speak to them and engage them! Poetry is just a means of expression, there are no limits to what subjects and emotions can be expressed.
Great to see you here, Jane! Welcome! I just saw an announcement on FB about a new dino book coming that you might love, Jane. Remember this one by Diana Murray coming next year: Doris The Bookasaurus! Thanks for reminding me of Prelutsky’s book. I imagine my granddaughters will love it.
Oh, I’m adding that to my book wish list! Books and dinosaurs – sounds like my perfect mix!!
Dinosaurs and poetry seem like a great mix! So many dino-loving kids, why shouldn’t they get poems?
Exactly! I think it’s so exciting for kids when they realize that the only limit to poetry is the imagination!
Welcome to the PoetryFriday community, Jane. I like your enthusiasm!
Thank you! I’m nothing if not enthusiastic. 🙂
Welcome to Poetry Friday! Thanks for sharing a wonderful book and a poem with definite kid appeal. We’re glad you’re here.
Thank you for the warm welcome, this is such a friendly and welcoming community of poetry lovers, I’m delighted to be participating and spreading the joy of poetry! 🙂
Welcome to Poetry Friday! This book has been worn down almost to the point of replacement in my classroom!
Wonderful! It’s definitely a classic, I’ve never forgotten that T-Rex poem, even after all these years! 🙂
I lovelovelove Jack Prelutsky’s poetry books – we did a poetry/novel-in-verse reading theme a few years back and I featured most of his poems. So fun!
How wonderful! I love the joy and laughter that Prelutsky brought to poetry – growing up I always thought Poetry with a capital P could only be serious and depressing, but poets like him helped me find the happiness and the sense of humour that poetry can celebrate as well.
Sounds like a great poem to snag the young boys, mid-jog. That’s how I remember my boys at that age, circling me, always moving.
Oh yes, always in motion! That’s another reason why this collection of poems is so great – each poem is just a little tidbit, perfect for quickly sharing with rambunctious kids! 🙂
That is ideal. It can be hard to keep their attention.
You can’t go wrong with Jack Prelutsky… or dinosaurs! Nice to meet you, Jane— I’m looking forward to more of your faves.
Thank you so much, Michelle, I can’t wait to share and learn with this warm and welcoming community!
Jack Prelutsky is such a blast – he has his finger on the pulse for sure! Thank you for this…and welcome to the Poetry Friday community. It’s wonderful you’re here, and I look forward to visiting and learning more about your faves.
A belated welcome, Jane! Have you found the book “Bone Poems.” It’s a little more science-oriented than Prelutsky’s book, but filled with fun poems (and facts) about dinosaurs.