A poem is about whatever the poet wants it to be. There are poems about clouds, poems about animals, poems about love, war, and paintings. We love to read silly poems, poems about animals, and poems about feelings.  

We have collected a few books of poetry about each of these topics, as well as some poetry books we like to read and rhyming songs we like to listen to. 

Choose a poem topic that interests you and check out the books about it on Hoopla. At the end of each section, you’ll find ideas for writing poems of your own. 

Super Silly School Poems by David Greenberg and illustrated by Liza Woodruff 

This goofy back-to-school poetry collection shows that anything can be turned into a funny poem. From recess secrets and show-and-tell mysteries to wild homework excuses and an escaped class pet, these silly poems will crack kids up.

Rhyming Words (Sequoia Children’s Publishing) 

Fun pictures and simple words pair up in this charming book. Kids will find themselves rhyming in no time.

Haiku, Ew! by Lynn Brunelle and read by Book Buddy Digital Media 

Poems don’t have to be about birds and flowers and love. These poems sure aren’t! These are about whale farts, lobster pee, and lots of other disgusting nature facts. All in classic haiku form.

Behind the Staffroom Door written and read by Brian Moses  

Moses is known for his funny poems, like “What Teachers Wear in Bed” and “An Alien Stole My Underpants.” This laugh-out-loud book includes those and more, including new poems. 

Hope Is the Thing with Feathers by Emily Dickinson and illustrated by Tatyana Feeney 

Emily Dickinson’s famous poem “Hope is the thing with feathers,” written in 1861, is brought to life in Tatyana Feeney’s illustrations. A sweet, simple introduction to a delightful, hope-filled poem.

Poems About Animal Adventures by Brian Taylor and read by Sally May 

Celebrate the special bonds families have with animals. This collection is not only about dogs and cats, but animals of all types. Filled with facts and silly phrases to make kids laugh and think about animals in a new way.

Honeybee written and read by Naomi Shihab Nye  

What would we do without honeybees…or each other? In 82 poems and short pieces, Naomi Shihab Nye reflects on loved ones, the planet, conflict, memory, and the air we share. A comforting and hopeful book.

Favorite Poems of Childhood edited by Philip Smith 

A collection of beloved poems that children, and their parents, have read for generations. Includes Lewis Carroll’s “The Walrus and the Carpenter,” Edward Lear’s “The Owl and the Pussy-Cat,” Eugene Field’s “Wynken, Blynken and Nod,” Robert Louis Stevenson’s “The Swing,” and more. 

Poems for Children by Helene Barnes with photos by Vernon Barnes 

A unique, photo-illustrated poetry book kids can easily read on their own, even as early as second grade. It’s written in modern language and covers fun, relatable topics like pirates, friends, dreams, and animals. 

Grace Notes: Poems About Families written and read by Naomi Shihab Nye  

This beautiful collection honors family and community with 100 previously unpublished poems. Nye reflects on her childhood, schooling, and loved ones who shaped her life.

No Matter What by Erica Bostick and read by Bostick and Nicole McDaniel 

This thoughtful book of poems explores tough topics like friendship loss and big emotions, while also uplifting children, boosting confidence, bringing joy, and helping them grow stronger and more resilient.

Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke and read by Edward Finch 

This classic book shares 10 powerful letters from Rilke to a young writer, offering advice on poetry, creativity, and life. Written from 1903–1908, they’re thoughtful, honest, and full of insight about emotions, art, and what it means to grow as a person and artist.

Picture Yourself Writing Poetry by Laura Purdie Salas and read by various readers 

Anything on Earth (and beyond!) can inspire a poem. This fun book explains how pictures can lead to poetry.

Thomas & Friends Nursery Rhymes  

This album is a lot of fun for kids. It turns classic nursery rhymes into Thomas & Friends songs, like “Pop Goes the Diesel,” “Thomas Found a Little Lamb,” and “Twinkle, Twinkle Sodor Sky.” It might inspire little listeners to make up songs of their own.

CoComelon Nursery Rhymes  

Kids’ favorite tunes sung by kids’ favorite character, CoComelon! Includes classic rhyming songs like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and call-and-response songs like “Old MacDonald Had a Farm.”  

The Wiggles: Apples & Bananas: A Wiggly Collection of Nursery Rhymes  

Sorry, Mom and Dad, The Wiggles are the most-fun singing adults of all time. This album collects classic nursery rhymes that are familiar to lots of kids in North America, like “The Wheels on the Bus,” and it also includes some favorites from the Wiggles Australia, like “I’ll Tell Me Ma” and “Fa La Ninna.” 

Disney Junior Music Nursery Rhymes Vol. 1  

If you can think of it, it’s probably here: “Pat-a-Cake,” “Ring Around the Rosie,” and “Rock-a-Bye Baby,” covered by Disney friends.

Did you write a poem? Please share it with us on our Facebook page. Then, congratulate yourself for creating your first poem!