Here's a Little Poem: A Very First Book of Poetry

by Jane Yolen (Compiler), Andrew Fusek Peters (Compiler), Polly Dunbar (Illustrator)

This exuberant celebration of poetry is an essential book for every young one’s library and a gorgeous gift to be both shared and treasured.

Sit back and savor a superb collection of more than sixty poems by a wide range of talented writers, from Margaret Wise Brown to Gertrude Stein, Langston Hughes to A. A. Milne. Greeting the morning, enjoying the adventures of the day, cuddling up to a cozy bedtime — these are poems that highlight the moments of a toddler’s world from dawn to dusk. Carefully gathered by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters and delightfully illustrated by Polly Dunbar,  Here's a Little Poem  offers a comprehensive introduction to some remarkable poets, even as it captures a very young child’s intense delight in the experiences and rituals of every new day.

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books, Childrens, School, Nonfiction, Anthologies

112 pages, Hardcover

First published January 31, 2007

About the author

Jane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.

Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was never a lover of poetry, though I think had I been exposed to more of it growing up I would be. In an endeavor to make sure my kiddo has the opportunity to love everything (and perhaps love them more myself), I picked this one up from the library on recommendation from Charlotte Huck's Children's Literature.

The kiddo is in LOVE and requests "po-oms" quite enthusiastically. Highly recommended as a poetry collection for toddlers/pre-k. My little is not quite two and eagerly listened to all 100 pages of poems in a sitting then immediately asked for more. This collection includes classics such as Robert Louis Stevenson and Langston Hughes, children's favorites like Margaret Wise Brown, and A.A. Milne, and many other names both recognized and new to me. I love to see authors I know from vastly different walks of literature, like Margaret Mahy, do something that resonates in a completely new way. Polly Dunbar's illustrations are both charming and captivating--little's favorite is the Ricketywick train. It is these colorful and fun illustrations that bring a trove of diversity to this book from poems that could easily have been one note.

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will be a great addition to the library and as a resource for National Poetry month. The poems are great for younger children.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a lot of poetry collections for babies/toddlers, but this is the best. The very best! Jane Yolen is one of the greatest geniuses of the world.

[Dawn Keys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful collection of poems is written for young children, but can be appreciated by all ages. I would read these poems to the primary grades, pre-k to 2nd grade.

This is a collection of poems from a variety of poets. It engages a young child's interest in common subject matter that relates to their lives. The illustrator, Polly Dunbar, does an awesome job of complementing the poems and making them come alive. I love for instance, the poem, "My Sister" by Margaret Mahy. The illustrator draws her as a kite because she is "remarkably light". The children will be able to picture this poem in their own imaginations.

The vocabulary in these poems are simplistic enough that they will engage young children. They will also challenge their imaginations and many of them will draw them in with humor. Most of them are pretty short too, so that will meet the young readers attention span.

I would use this with my primary grades when I do my poetry unit. This is a great book that introduces a variety of poets and types of poetry. It is also nice that the children will most likely understand the poetry in this collection. Sometimes it is harder for them to interpret poems in collections meant for older readers.

[Kristen LeBlanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Here's a Little Poem" is a collection of poetic pieces collected by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters, both of whom have poetry included within the collection. Each separate poem included has corresponding illustrations that were created by Polly Dunbar. Not all of the poem rhyme and the length of each varies between single to double-page spreads. Poetry with similar subject, or content, matter are carefully placed across from each other and those illustrations match both pieces. For example, "Candles" by Wendy Cope and "Happy Birthday" a tradition British street rhyme, are paired and surrounded by a full-page illustration showcasing a birthday party scene. Something else to mention is how the book is sectioned off by relatability to poems about one's self, where a reader might live, and what is possibly seen when they go outside. Being that this a "collection" of poetry with varying structures, formats, etc., an educator can pick and choose what to read from "Here's a Little Poem" to their class, while also having the book readily available as good fluency practice for younger readers just starting to read on their own.

[Zina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun little book of poems. Some of the poems are written my some well known writers. The poems have rhyming, some have repetition, and they all have beautiful pictures that enhance the views and vibes of the poems. The topics are very random but they are topics that kids would have view points on. I think this is a great first book of poetry and toddlers and some older kids would love it.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's a Little Poem is a wonderful collection of poetry for young children. When I was teaching preschool I often found it difficult to find books of poetry, other than nursery rhymes, that my students enjoyed. They loved the poems in this book! Many of the poems are short, so they can keep the attention of very young children. The shortest poem in the book is about ice cream, and simply says, "Lick, Quick".
This collection of poems contain many topics children can relate to. Including topics such as, growing, bed time, saying no, ice cream, and sitting on your favorite stair. This book is ideal for children Preschool age.

[Grace Laperuto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Yolen's Here's a Little Poem: A Very First Book of Poetry is a great depart from traditional nursery rhyme type poetry books for youngsters. Sometimes it's refreshing to take a break from Mary had a Little Lamb and Humpty Dumpty! The pictures are cute and the poems are rhythmic and memorable. They are fun to read to little ones, and they love hearing and reciting them.

I would definitely keep this in my future preschool classroom and read one or two a week. They encourage language development and are a great foundation for early readers!

[Jaimee Huskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of poems for a very young child. This would be fun to read one or two a day. They are short simple and cute. They have some picture to go along with each poem. The word play is different on each page as it goes along with each poem. I think this i a great introduction for a child to learn about poetry at a very young age. I think it is a must read. They are so sweet and perfect for little ones.

[Child960801 · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love this one. The art is beautiful and engaging and the poems are short, sweet little things, just right for my preschoolers. Our favourite so far is "The No-No Bird,"

[Julie G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous introduction to collected poetry for kids.

[Relyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is intended for a very young audience, but it actually appeals to both second and third graders. Nearly every one of my students loves this book.

[Carrie Gelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this collection! Some of my favourite poets included here.

[Rosie Gearhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute poems! Cute Pictures! Great first poetry book.

[B. Bollinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a HUGE book of poetry for your little ones, but it is wonderful! I have loved reading these to classes; grades pre-K through 2nd grade, usually first thing in the morning to start their day. It is a great way to incorporate poetry into their lives at a young age and begin teaching them very early on that poetry is beyond nursery rhymes and Mother Goose. It also is a wonderful way to show them variations of poetry that does not have to be all rhyme words or very happy thoughts.
This book of poetry is about real, daily life things. There are poems about rain and singing, dancing, and even about screaming NO. It is all very realistic, child relatable, poems. You can use these poems to talk about emotions and feeling with your students as well.
This is a WOW book because it is a great way to start the day with your kids and help them begin conversations. The illustrations are beautiful and the poems are spot on.

[Habeeba Pasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children’s Books in Children’s Hands [CBCH] (2019) recommends the collection or anthology of poems by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters entitled, “Here’s a Little Poem: A Very First Book of Poetry” (2007) where more than 60 poems are arranged by topic (CBCH, 2019). The grade for the text is Preschool to 3 with a reading level of 4-8 years. Vocabulary varies throughout the text with vocabulary of the first poem including little, we, do it, shall, foot and shoe. Most of the words throughout the poems are sight words. The theme reflects self-awareness.

I heard the text through a read aloud on YouTube and I was also able to see the words as well. The setting changes per poem which includes being outside or at home. Poems are centered around a child’s exploration of their environment or themselves, what they want or do not and their interactions with their parents, family, or pets.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know we're not supposed to use this word, but I have to: this book is ADORABLE! I really love children's poetry. I love when it is written from the perspective of a kid, especially when they are talking to their parents. And you know that the poet writing it is not a kid as they write it, they are probably a parent themselves and thinking about their own kid. <3 At first I thought it would be too simplistic, but they are seriously darling. For me, I remember there were certain illustrations of my favorite books which were my favorite. My mom and I had inside jokes about those illustrations. These ones by Polly Dunbar have the potential to be those for other kids! They are quirky and cute. The one on page 39 of the grandpa might be my favorite. The way the kids are so tiny and he looks so content. Also the one of the two little kids on page 71. And the rain on 72 and 74. And page 94. I also like how this physical book is large and the illustrations cover the whole page. It's great for little kids and great for reading aloud so that everybody can see. I would love love love to read this to kids. They'd probably pick out their favorite poem and illustration. They could memorize their favorite poem. That would be a great idea for a kindergarten class. (Favorites: Cat Kisses by Bobbi Katz, Happy Birthday - traditional British street rhyme, Your Birthday Cake by Rosemary Wells, Bananas and Cream by David McCord, Beach Time by Marilyn Singer, April Rain Song by Langston Hughes, Night Bear by Lee Bennett Hopkins, Sleepy Song by Clare Bevan, Silverly by Dennis Lee, No Need to Light a Night-Light by Anonymous, The Early Morning by Hilaire Belloc). I DEFINITELY want to buy this book.

[Meghann Sniffen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awards the book has received (if any): none
Appropriate grade level(s): pre-k - 2nd
Original 3-line summary: Here's a Little Poem is a good book filled with poems for young children. Unlike many other poem books, it strays away from the classics and has poems where children can learn from.
Original 3-line review: This book is okay, after reviewing the other poem books I kind of started to see a repetition between them and how they all have a similar point. They all go to the point in which you can see children growing up.
2-3 possible in-class uses: has poems for everyday use so you could use this for morning and leaving poems.
-has a lot of poems that talk about real topics that relate to children

[Edna Velasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claudia Lewis Award (2008)
Pre K-Kindergarten
This poem explains everything about things that children relate to such as having a baby brother. It also provides poems from different authors. It has a variety of poems which children can learn from.
I like this story because I realized that each poem has a connection between each other.Also, having many poems helps children learn more about what occurs during life while growing up and how it is relatable. It is a great idea for children to understand how they can learn more about poetry.
1. Have the children create a classroom poembook
2. Have children write something that is personal to them
3. Look at the poems with the class and talk about unfamiliar words and put it on a word wall chart

[Samantha Beaujour · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. Claudia Lewis Award.
2. Pre k- Kindergarten.
3. The poem that I choose was "Baby Fingers" this is an amazing poem explaining everything about what babies do with their fingers. "Baby tickles teddy bear." Great for kids to think back to when they were babies.
4. Many of the poems are short, so they can keep the attention of very young children. This collection of poems contain many topics children can relate to including, growing, bed time, saying no, and ice cream.
5. The class can look at the poems and talk about the words that they do not know and add them to their word wall, bring in a photo of them as a baby or a toddler and write about it.

[Ena Kanai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this this book when I was still young, from my parents. I liked it very much, and I still do. The pictures are cute, and the poetry is fun to read.
I think this book is a great book for young children, and I recommend parents to read this to their child. There are many poems about babies, and it actually is really really really really cute. I still love to read this when I feel a little sad, or frustrated. It some how calms me down.

I remember that this book was my first poetry book I've ever read, and I really liked this, so I looked for a little more poetry books, but this was the only one i loved.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silverly

Silverly,
Silverly,
Over the
Trees,
The Moon drifts
By on a
Runaway
Breeze.
Dozily,
Dozily,
Deep in her
Bed,
A little girl
Dreams with the
Moon in her
Head.
-Dennis Lee
-----------------------
A Circle of Sun

I'm dancing.
I'm leaping.
I'm skipping about.
I gallop.
I grin.
I giggle.
I shout.
I'm Earth's many colors.
I'm morning and night.
I'm honey on toast.
I'm funny.
I'm bright.
I'm swinging.
I'm singing.
I wiggle.
I run.
I'm a piece of the sky
in a circle of sun.
--Rebecca Kai Dotlich
--------------------------
Late Last Night

Late last night
I lay in bed
Driving buses
in my head.
--Michael Rosen

[Tiffani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yolen and Peters have meticulously selected an exuberant collection of poetry that will bring joy to young readers as they experience their first taste of poetry. This compilation of more than 60 poems includes titles such as “Your Birthday Cake” by Rosemary Wells, “Soggy Greens” by John Cunliffe, and “Jam on Toast” by Gareth Owens, along with many other exquisite poems composed by talented writers. Dunbar has produced beautiful illustrations that bring the poems to life for readers both young and old. It would make a great addition to any preschool or early elementary library.

[Lily Li · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read this book to my 4yo, it's like a meditation time to me, like being cuddled by a warm and soft blanket with snowing outside (this is also the true scene when we read it). The poems are fun and beautifully illustrated. Most of them are rhymed. It's for sure very delicately selected by Jane Yolen. Some are really touching my heart. Borrowed it from the library, but I'll buy one to keep, too.

[Celeste Bittner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book to give to children as one of their first books, or to read to them at night. This book has a collection of poems, ranging from things they could be curious about like jam and using their first word over and over again. There are some poems about the beach, their daily routine activities, and about families. A whimsical, wonderful little collection of poems.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of poems for young children. There are 60 poems. One of them is by A.A. Milne. It is elaborately illustrated. It is a nice collection that includes some for bedtime and for other part's of the day.

[J.R. LaMar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming book of children’s poetry. As with all collections from various poets some were better than others but as a whole it was enjoyable. The illustrations were bright, colorful and really added to the fun of reading this book.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK

Wonderfully well illustrated in soft pastels with animated figures and whimsical fonts by some amazing authors- GREAT to read one or two with a little one or two

HIGHLY recommend this

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun picture book with cosy illustrations and a fine collection of short poems that read aloud well. Many are only snippets of the full poem so I didn’t grab any. It I can see this being a fun book to share with little kids.

It’s a bit long for a picture book but sometimes that’s ok

[Sidney Carnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is great when introducing poetry to children. It has over 60 simple and little poems that are easily comprehendible. You could easily read this to a 4-year-old and read some to a sixth-grader too. There are poems for all ages in this book.