Poems for newborn to the very old (but really for children)

New Zealand Poets and Illustrator

Paula Green editor, illustrated by Jenny Cooper

A Treasury of NZ Poems for Children
Random House 2014  $37.99hb 288pp
ISBN 978 1 7755 3356 6
Themes: Poetry for children

What a week it has been for handing and enjoying truly beautifully produced books. For me it started with Gavin Bishop’s Teddy One-Eye (Random House) went on to Julie Leibrich’s Little Book of Sonnets (Steele Roberts) and yesterday, to end the cycle, I found, in my post box,The Treasury of NZ Poems for Children. This last has the luxury of not one, not two but three bookmarks – a necessity because who could choose from this treasure box, just one poem to mark? Paula Green has gathered a delectable collection of poems from classic poets like Margaret Mahy and James K. Baxter (yes, The Little Ships is included) to several poems by children - one only 6 years old.

From Elena de Roo’s opening poem, Words to the last piece in the book, Joy Cowley’s Haere Mai ki te Moe we are spoilt for choices. And. Every poem is most generously illustrated by Jenny Cooper.

Recommended for everyone from newborn to the very old.