Sue Hardy Dawson's Poetry Book Review - A Children's Poetry Top Ten

My Top Ten Christmas List

 

Back in 2002 when I was first published children’s poetry was really struggling. There were very few anthologies coming out and as the new kid on the block, there was little chance if any of a collection. An awful lot has happened since then and though not without the championing of the great and the good in children’s literature the last few years have seen both a resurgence and a bumper number of new collections and anthologies. And this year, despite its many trials, has been no exception. So here, in no particular order, are a few of my favourites so far.

1. This Rock That Rock, Dom Conlon illustrated by Vivian Schwarz, publisher Troika Books. If you are a fan of the moon and/or poetry, this is the book for you. Very accessible and yet there’s a lot of depth too. This is a wonderful collection, a must for every child and classroom. For space travellers of all ages, great to perform and join in with or sit quietly and enjoy contemplating.

2. Riding a Lion, Coral Rumble, illustrated by Emily Ford, publisher, Troika Books. I adore this book, Coral Rumble’s poems are delicate and beautifully crafted, yet accessible. Some are poignant, many are fun. They deal with deep emotions on many levels. And the illustrations are gorgeous.

3. Bright Bursts of Colour, Matt Goodfellow, illustrated by Aleksei Bitskoff, publisher Bloomsbury. Matt admits to being a people watcher and he gives us a wonderful insight into a child’s eye view, there’s lots of humour but also plenty to tug at your heart. Wonderfully understated and something for everyone.

4. Belonging Street, written and illustrated by Mandy  Coe Otter-Barry Books. Clever, quirky, emotive, dreamy and fun with lots of poems that could easily be used as models for writing. Coe takes us on a journey which is always surprising and refreshing.

5. Dear Ugly Sisters…, Laura Mucha, illustrated by Tanya Rex, Otter-Barry Books. A lovely first collection, enhanced even more by the downloadable version read by the poet with wonderful sound effects too. Very interactive and fun but also has some thoughtful poems.

6. The Girl Who Became a Tree, Joseph Coelho, Kate Milner, Otter-Barry Books. This is definitely a book for older children/young adults. Kate Milner’s illustrations are beautiful and dark and match so well the themes in the book. Overall the narrative is achingly beautiful.

7. National Trust: Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright, ed. Fiona Waters, illustrated by Britta

Teckentrup publisher Nosy Crow. A big bold coffee-table book for all the family. Poems from the very famous to the new with gorgeous illustrations. A lovely gift for Christmas and to share in the classroom.

8. The Magic of Mums, Justin Coe, illustrated by Steve Wells, publisher Otter-Barry

Books. This is Justin’s follow up to The Dictionary of Dads. It is fun and refreshing and looks at mums of all kinds from the real to the imaginary. It makes a fabulous

mother’s day presents too.

9. The Problem with Problems, Rachel Rooney, illustrated by Zehra Hicks, publisher, Random House Children’s. Ok so it’s more of a picture book than a poetry book and yet it is also undeniably good poetry. Such a simple idea, beautifully executed. Just one of those books I wish I had written. A good way in for PSHE but also a lovely book to curl up with before bedtime.

10. Barmy Ballads, written and illustrated by Colin West publisher Matador. Colin is the master of humorous poetry. Well-crafted and so funny children and adults alike will love these tales. Especially love Sir Stinkalot, Invisible Isobel and the Dreamer's Favourite Hat. All are accompanied by West's wonderful illustrations. Great for joining in and a feast of brilliant language explore.

Finally here are a couple I’m looking forward to with great anticipation are: Saturdays at the Imaginarium by Shauna Darling Robertson and illustrated by Judith Wisdom, Troica Books and Lost Spells, by Rob MacFarlane and illustrated by Jackie Morris, published by Hamish Hamilton .

Sue Hardy-Dawson’s a poet and illustrator. Her debut collection, ‘Where Zebras Go’, Otter-Barry Books was shortlisted for the 2018 CLiPPA. Her second, ‘Apes to Zebras’ Bloomsbury, co-written with poetry ambassadors, Roger Stevens and Liz Brownlee won the NSTB Awards. Sue loves visiting schools, has worked with the Prince of Wales Foundation, ‘Children and the Arts. As a dyslexic poet, she loves encouraging reluctant writers. Her second solo collection ‘If I were Other than Myself’ Troika Books was published in February 2020.

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