Good Poetry for Catholic Kids 

On By binzeoIn Book List

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Children need to hear poetry and rhymes from a very young age in order to learn the rhythm and flow of the English language. Additionally, exposure to poetry from a young age can help foster a lifelong appreciation for this form of literature. As children get older, hearing and memorizing longer poems forms important neural connections in the brain.

I like to start my toddlers off with a charmingly illustrated book of nursery rhymes such as Nursery Rhyme Treasury or Ring O’ Roses: Nursery Rhymes, Action Rhymes, and Lullabies, both illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Another good option for a wealth of nursery rhymes from around the world is Volume One of the My Book House Series, which is very popular in my house.


When they are a bit older, 2 or 3, my kids love Shirley Hughes’ Out and About: A First Book of Poems, which has original poems organized by season. Of course, you also get the benefit of Hughes’ distinctive, detailed illustrations which accompany each of her poems. Her other poetry collection, Rhymes for Annie Rose is fun for fans of Alfie and Annie Rose, and celebrates sibling play and mundane family life.


Our four year old loves Robert Louis Stevenson’s poems in A Child’s Garden of Verses. These poems were intended for children, written with simple themes and commonplace similes that children will readily grasp, but many are still mini masterpieces. They make great first exercises in memorization. This particular edition features gorgeous illustrations by Tasha Tudor.


Favorite Poems Old and New: Selected For Boys and Girls is a wealth of poems in one book- over 700! Great for finding a poem to memorize for an older child, this book is handily organized by subject.

The Harp and Laurel Wreath is a gold standard poetry memorization book for Catholic kids. With selections organized by classical learning stage, there’s something for everyone from Pre-K through High School.


Pied Beauty: A Children’s Book attempts with some success to make a wonderful poem by Gerald Manley Hopkins accessible to young children. Breaking the poem down line by line, this book offers imagery and word definitions to help your children understand.

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Check out more of my book lists for Little Catholic Kids!

Good Catholic Books for Catholic Preschoolers and Kindergartners 
Good Books for Catholic 3 to 4 year olds 
Good Books for Catholic 4 and 5 Year Olds

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  1. Pingback: Great Books | Regina Mater - Catholic Educational Community in Austin Texas

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