Read-Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young by Jack Prelutsky (Selected by), Jim Trelease, Chaffin (Illustrator), Marc Tolon Brown (Illustrator), Jim Trelease (Introduction)

From the Publisher

First published in 1986 and just as fresh and relevant today, this widely acclaimed, child-friendly poetry anthology is now being reissued with a striking new jacket. In his introduction to this book Jim Trelease, bestselling author of The Read-Aloud Handbook, writes, “No one better recognizes the essence of the child-poetry connection than poet and anthologist Jack Prelutsky. . . . Here are more than 200 little poems to feed little people with little attention spans to help both grow. Marc Brown’s inviting illustrations add a visual dimension to the poems, which further engage young imaginations.” The poems are by 119 of the best-known poets of the 20th century.

Publishers Weekly

More than 200 poems and rhymes have been assembled by Prelutsky in this large, satisfying volume. An obvious love for all things childlike is present in selections by Myra Cohn Livingston, Ogden Nash, A. A. Milne, Else Holmelund Minarik, Karen Gundersheimer, George MacDonald, Robert Louis Stevenson and many, many others. Brown's pictures spill over with robust children, woeful or willful animals, and not-very-scary monsterswearing sometimes sheepish, other times exuberant expressions. Page after page of winter rhymes, pet poems and bedtime fancieshere is a book that could inspire a lifetime love of the lilting tones of favorite poets. An introduction by Jim Trelease makes the case for reading aloud; one need go no further than this volume to be convinced. (3-8)

Publishers Weekly

A reissue of Read-Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young, edited by Jack Prelutsky, illus. by Marc Brown, gathers more than 200 poems. Of the original, first published in 1986, PW wrote, "Page after page of winter rhymes, pet poems and bedtime fancies, here is a book that could inspire a lifetime love of the lilting tones of favorite poets. Brown's pictures spill over with robust children, woeful or willful animals, and not-very-scary monsters wearing sometimes sheepish, other times exuberant expressions." (Mar.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature

Published more than 10 years ago, Read-Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young has just been reissued. Jack Prelutsky selected the poems, and the beautiful illustrations are by Marc Brown, who also created the new cover. In his introduction to the collection, Jim Trelease writes, "The poets represented in this volume have not forgotten what it was like to be three years old.... Reading such poems aloud allows us to visit with the child within each of us, and each visit gives us a better understanding of the child in our lap or in our classroom." The 200 poems highlight all of the ordinary and special events in children's lives. It is a treasure for young and old. 1997 (orig.

Children's Literature

For more than twenty-five years Jack Prelutsky has been a forerunner in what he refers to as the children's poetry "renaissance." He has compiled anthologies such as Read Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young where he draws on many current writers who he believes are some of the best children's poets who ever lived. Prelutsky believes even harried working parents can take time for a daily poetry break to share with their children" the music of language. Poems can show us the beauty of our language and how things can be expressed. That's especially important now in our age of computers, video games and quick fix entertainment. Besides rhyming poetry is fun! This collection will indeed be fun.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2 For this collection of over 200 poems, Prelutsky has selected and combined joyous, sensitive poems just as he did for older children in The Random House Book of Poetry for Children (Random, 1983). As with the previous anthology, this is no stale collection of copyright-free material. The poems included are by such traditional poets as Dorothy Aldis and A. A. Milne, as well as by more contemporary poets such as Karla Kuskin, Dennis Lee, and Prelutsky himself. All are lively, rhythmic poems that young children will enjoy. The freshness of the collection and the content of the poems make it more accessible than books such as A Very First Poetry Book (Oxford, 1984). Brown's bright pastel illustrations effectively use framing, action, and cheerful creatures to echo the light tone of the book. The poems are arranged with others of the same topic and include popular concerns of small children, such as animals, bath time, dragons, and play. Teachers and librarians will appreciate poems about seasons, months, holidays, and special events that can be easily incorporated into story hours and classroom life. An added bonus is Jim Trelease's delightful introduction urging adults to read poetry aloud to young children. Titles, authors, and first lines are indexed. Barbara Chatton, College of Education, University of Wyoming, Laramie

Product Details

• Reading Group Guide

Reading Group Guide

1. The first few years of a child’s life are extremely important to their emotional and intellectual growth. Reading to your child during these vital years is an essential tool to provide a nurturing and language-enriched environment. In Read-Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young, I have selected short poems with wonderful sounds to keep even the youngest child entertained while acknowledging their short attention spans.

2. Make reading a daily practice–a special time for both of you to look forward to. It could be during the afternoon to provide quiet quality time, or perhaps right before bedtime to calm the child after an active day. Find a special place in your home to sit together while you read–snuggling together while listening to a parent read makes the child feel safe, loved, and happy.

3. Read through the whole book to become familiar with the poems before choosing which ones to read to your child. This will help you pick the perfect poem that relates to the day, the weather, or an upcoming event–for example, read a poem about animals before visiting the zoo.

4. Choose rhythmic poems and vary your tone to keep the attention of very young children. While they may not understand the words yet, they will respond to the sounds. As your child gets older, begin to encourage your child to repeat the words you read to them. Point out the pictures that relate to what you are reading. If they start enjoying a particular poem you may look into other books by that poet.