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Magic Poetry: Illustrated Children's Verse for Ages 3-103
This collection of children’s poetry spans over a forty year period. Taking a break from serious writing, I remembered some of the songs and poems I wrote as a young teenager. I thought I’d share them here with you now. They may not be ‘classics’ by no means but I hope your children or grandchildren will find fun in reading them.
The one thing about poetry, I believe, is that it’s everlasting. Words are beautiful and uplifting if they are used in the right way. I hope that by sharing this collection of poetry, it will introduce young minds to a world of endless opportunities. Imagination is like the Universe...endless in its possibilities.
I hope that this work will encourage young minds. I also hope that exploring the mystical realm will ignite creativity to encourage future writers to astound us with their imaginings. It starts with a few simple words.
The one thing about poetry, I believe, is that it’s everlasting. Words are beautiful and uplifting if they are used in the right way. I hope that by sharing this collection of poetry, it will introduce young minds to a world of endless opportunities. Imagination is like the Universe...endless in its possibilities.
I hope that this work will encourage young minds. I also hope that exploring the mystical realm will ignite creativity to encourage future writers to astound us with their imaginings. It starts with a few simple words.
84 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2015
18 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Píaras Ó Cíonnaoíth
143 books204 followersPíaras Ó Cíonnaoíth is an Irish author and poet whose work spans both children's literature and adult fiction. His writing radiates optimism and imagination, bringing stories to life that captivate young readers while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit.
With extensive expertise in mental health and counseling, Píaras holds a Higher Diploma in General Counseling Skills and specialized diplomas in Psychology and Mental Health Studies, including focused work on crisis intervention and suicide prevention. This background, combined with decades of life experience, infuses his work with deep emotional intelligence and understanding.
Based in Southern Ireland, where he lives with his son David and beloved dog Max, Píaras finds profound joy in crafting stories and poems that touch readers' hearts. "Writing for children has brought countless hours of happiness to my life," he reflects. "My greatest hope is that these stories will spark the same joy and wonder in my readers."
His academic credentials and professional training in mental health underscore his unique ability to create narratives that not only entertain but also nurture emotional well-being and positive development in young readers.
With extensive expertise in mental health and counseling, Píaras holds a Higher Diploma in General Counseling Skills and specialized diplomas in Psychology and Mental Health Studies, including focused work on crisis intervention and suicide prevention. This background, combined with decades of life experience, infuses his work with deep emotional intelligence and understanding.
Based in Southern Ireland, where he lives with his son David and beloved dog Max, Píaras finds profound joy in crafting stories and poems that touch readers' hearts. "Writing for children has brought countless hours of happiness to my life," he reflects. "My greatest hope is that these stories will spark the same joy and wonder in my readers."
His academic credentials and professional training in mental health underscore his unique ability to create narratives that not only entertain but also nurture emotional well-being and positive development in young readers.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 1, 2021
I am grateful to Píaras Ó Cíonnaoíth for a complimentary copy of this wonderful book. Magic Poetry is so much needed in this time of stress and turmoil, for it not only heals and relaxes our mind and soul but also brings us back to the time where everything was much more innocent, careless, and beautiful.
In childhood, just like in this book, everything is possible. Fairies, dragons, elves, goblins, gnomes, unicorns, mermaids, witches . . . they are as real as our imagination is vivid. And the simplicity of nature, like observing the tree or enjoying the kitten play, is never so intense and amazing when observed them through the senses of a child. Happy with their room full of toys. Or, in this case, happy with the book full of endearing poems adults will also secretly love.
This is my honest opinion, not influenced by the author of this book or anything else but my inner experience of, for a moment, awoken child.
In childhood, just like in this book, everything is possible. Fairies, dragons, elves, goblins, gnomes, unicorns, mermaids, witches . . . they are as real as our imagination is vivid. And the simplicity of nature, like observing the tree or enjoying the kitten play, is never so intense and amazing when observed them through the senses of a child. Happy with their room full of toys. Or, in this case, happy with the book full of endearing poems adults will also secretly love.
This is my honest opinion, not influenced by the author of this book or anything else but my inner experience of, for a moment, awoken child.
June 17, 2019
My name is Ellie and I'm 12. I loved these poems. Sometimes poetry can be hard to understand, but these were beautiful and easy to read. I liked how they made me feel like I had been transported to their magical world. I especially liked the poems about the fairies. I just felt so warm and happy and calm when I read them!
November 19, 2016
This collection of children’s poetry spans over a forty year period. Taking a break from serious writing, I remembered some of the songs and poems I wrote as a young teenager. I thought I’d share them here with you now. They may not be ‘classics’ by no means but I hope your children or grandchildren will find fun in reading them.
The one thing about poetry, I believe, is that it’s everlasting. Words are beautiful and uplifting if they are used in the right way. I hope that by sharing this collection of poetry, it will introduce young minds to a world of endless opportunities. Imagination is like the Universe...endless in its possibilities.
I hope that this work will encourage young minds. I also hope that exploring the mystical realm will ignite creativity to encourage future writers to astound us with their imaginings. It starts with a few simple words.
Rating: 3/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: cute and fun; full of fantastical creatures; some of the rhyming felt a bit stiff or forced to me; I wish there had been more "moral" poems; love the graphics/illustrations
Huge thank you to Píaras Ó Cionnaoith for sending me a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read of or opinions on this book.
This is a super adorable, super fun collection of fantastical children's poems. I really adored and appreciated the illustrations/graphics that separate each poem and give a "glimpse" into the character coming up--they helped to break up the pages and to keep the flow moving, if that makes sense?
I do wish, though, that a bit more story-telling had been put into the poems. Several of them seem to be saying the same thing-- how excited about the fantastical creatures the poet is, and that's great! But I felt as if a lot of the poems introduced a character in very simple ways and then ended without telling a story or leaving me with anything to think about. Don't get me wrong, I know this is a children's book/a collection of children's poetry, but that doesn't mean there can't be poems with stories or morals! Just look at Shel Silverstein, for instance--his poems are super quirky and sometimes very wild, but they all make a statement of some kind. Dr. Seuss is much the same way.
"Nobody can control their color
No spots or stripes or how much taller,
We love you spotted as you are. "
I did have fun taking a walk through this author's world. There were a few poems scattered throughout that seemed to be making a moral statement or passing along a lesson, and these proved to be some of my favorites. Several of the poems, though, didn't present the creature in question in any new or inventive ways, instead calling upon the more well-known lore, which was disappointing--they felt a bit like pieces of cardboard, to me, plopped onto a page without really being colored in as individualized, unique characters.
While the rhyming was sing-songy and fun, I also felt like a lot of it came off as stiff or forced. Several times, I came across poems that changed up the meter or rhyme scheme so much, I couldn't figure out what rhythm to read them with--I imagine, if I'd been reading this to a child, it might have sounded a bit awkward or mismatched.
Overall, this was a cute read with a ton of adorable illustrations, but I'm not sure I enjoyed it as much as I'd been hoping to going in. While there are a ton of characters and creatures covered, they didn't really stand up on their own--they felt a bit stiff and unnatural, instead of leaping to life off the pages. I was, in the end, left feeling slightly disappointed, though there were several poems scattered throughout that I might revisit in the future. Still, I recommend this to readers with young children, lovers of fantastical/mythical creatures, and poet enthusiasts of all ages!
October 26, 2016
These illustrated children’s verses, for ages 3 – 103, include the author’s poems written from a range of ages not too dissimilar. Wisely pointing out that the love of rhyme and rhythm starts in childhood, the author hopes to “introduce young minds to a world of endless opportunities.” Bright child-friendly pictures of dragons, princesses, fairies, elves and more, accompany each rhyme. Simple stories are told, of the smallest elf fitting through a hole to rescue a toy, of teddies gone missing, or maybe of dragons seeking their mothers. Meanwhile simply rhyming descriptions accompany pictures of unicorns, puppets and wizards.
The rhythm and rhyme can be a little awkward at times, but there’s an old-fashioned feel to this book, taking me back to those big childhood hardbacks of fairytales spread across the floor – perhaps to a time when I too saw that “There were mermaids in the sea swimming with grace/With a big fin for legs and a beautiful face…” A gentle breeze, a gentle wind, a gnome and a bunny who sat side by side… Magic Poetry offers a pleasingly magical collection, simple and sweet, with images that will spark any small child’s imagination.
Disclosure: I was given an ecopy and I offer my honest review.
The rhythm and rhyme can be a little awkward at times, but there’s an old-fashioned feel to this book, taking me back to those big childhood hardbacks of fairytales spread across the floor – perhaps to a time when I too saw that “There were mermaids in the sea swimming with grace/With a big fin for legs and a beautiful face…” A gentle breeze, a gentle wind, a gnome and a bunny who sat side by side… Magic Poetry offers a pleasingly magical collection, simple and sweet, with images that will spark any small child’s imagination.
Disclosure: I was given an ecopy and I offer my honest review.
March 31, 2016
This is a wonderful book of poetry for children! The rhymes are sweet and imaginative and the poems flow happily and gracefully. The descriptive imagery offers great opportunities to engage children with the world around them, from fairy filled forests to the toys in their rooms. A lovely book to pique a child’s imagination and fill their world with wonder.
The writer obviously has a great love and understanding of children. The poems are full of magical creatures, sounds, and colors that allow the adult reading them to the little one the ability to teach and entertain. This book will be treasured by all who read it, adults and little ones alike. A joyful, playful read that sings from the pages!
The writer obviously has a great love and understanding of children. The poems are full of magical creatures, sounds, and colors that allow the adult reading them to the little one the ability to teach and entertain. This book will be treasured by all who read it, adults and little ones alike. A joyful, playful read that sings from the pages!
October 4, 2016
Amazing! A beautiful collection of children’s verses and illustrations. I’m not going to lie, one of my personal favorites was ‘Laura the Leprechaun’ awesome! It’s good to see when an author and illustrator have worked closely together to come up with a book which reflects creativity and dedication. My daughter and I very much enjoyed reading through the different verses and accompanying illustrations! Beautiful!
August 26, 2015
I just loved these poems! They are delightful and unpretentious with a musicality sure to engage both reader and child. Reading this book brought me back to the magic of my own childhood when unicorns, fairies and teddy bears were as real to me as my best friend.
January 30, 2021
Magic Poetry is a book of lovely poetry and beautifully executed illustrations that do each poem justice. This is indeed a magical universe, filled with creatures that harken back to old fables: Leprechauns, dragons, mermaids, fairies, elves, unicorns, pixies, goblins and wizards. Other creatures come from nature: butterflies, kittens, and tigers. Some creatures state they are mean, but the depiction in both words and images renders them lovable:
I am an ugly goblin, with google eyes and a hairy face.
I drool and I growl, and I never leave a trace
The poet, PÍARAS Ó CÍONNAOÍTH, is eager not only to flesh out this world of wonder and imagination but also to make readers—both young and young at heart—find joy in the taste of words.
I was curious to know the name of the wonderful illustrator but could not find her credits. Beautiful work depicting the magical creatures in a way that adhere to the words.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I was gifted this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I am an ugly goblin, with google eyes and a hairy face.
I drool and I growl, and I never leave a trace
The poet, PÍARAS Ó CÍONNAOÍTH, is eager not only to flesh out this world of wonder and imagination but also to make readers—both young and young at heart—find joy in the taste of words.
I was curious to know the name of the wonderful illustrator but could not find her credits. Beautiful work depicting the magical creatures in a way that adhere to the words.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I was gifted this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 8, 2019
This is a rhyming poetry book for children. Children from ages 3 to 103. This wonderful book contains poetry children, no all, who read will enjoy. I know I did. The illustrations are cute and lively in front of each poem. The Poems are simple enough for the small yet unique enough for us no matter how old.
Some of the poems are: I am a Goblin. I am a Mermaid. I am a Pixie
Timmy the Elf. He was the smallest elf but became the most important.
Dali the Dragon She was alone in her cave by the sea, then she wasn't.
I found this wonderful poetry book on a website with free books for an honest review.
Some of the poems are: I am a Goblin. I am a Mermaid. I am a Pixie
Timmy the Elf. He was the smallest elf but became the most important.
Dali the Dragon She was alone in her cave by the sea, then she wasn't.
I found this wonderful poetry book on a website with free books for an honest review.
March 21, 2019
I got a free copy of this book on my Kindle, and liked it so much I requested a paperback copy for my granddaughter! She's an adorable 5-year-old, and I think she'll like the poems very much. They'll be easy for her to read, and she'll love the illustrations! I can't wait to give it to her!
October 19, 2016
Dali the Dragon lives alone by the sea…
…but not for long. She is joined by a family of small dragon children, beautifully pictured before the poem. This book of children’s poetry by Piaras ó Cionnaoíth is delightful and provided much entertainment and laughter for the visiting grandchildren of my best friend. We viewed it on my iPad and it was perfect – though a traditional paper copy would make a great gift. The five-year-old ran about the house creating rhymes and poetry about the cat for the rest of the day. It inspired her creativity!
There are 35 poems, each illustrated with a color drawing that brings the poem to life. A favorite, as mentioned above, was the ending poem My Little Kitten. “I am so smitten with my little kitten” the poem begins, and this title represents an opportunity to reflect on the joy that our little cats bring us, often without our noticing. It plays on the fact that the cat may play at being ferocious, but, at heart, they only want us to rescue them and keep them safe from the world of mice and bigger creatures that don’t belong in our cat’s safe haven.
One of my favorite things about this group of light hearted and delightful poems is the positive and uplifting message each poem delivers. The book reminds me that I live in a world full of delights as in the poem I Am a Pixie: “Litter ears and little wings, I laugh and dance all day…I love to fly and play.” It makes me realize how easily I forget the simplicity and ease of happiness. It reminds me to cherish those moments when I walk out my front door and think how fresh the day is, how delightful the breeze…our lives are not all politics and problems…we live in each moment in a small sphere of wonder. This wonder is abundant in Píaras’s poems.
I highly recommend this volume. You will not regret your purchase, for it will make a bright light in your day, a boost to each footstep, and serenity will accompany you and your children (or students, or friend’s grandchildren, or simply friends) through the moments of your life. As the title implies, this poetry is magic.
…but not for long. She is joined by a family of small dragon children, beautifully pictured before the poem. This book of children’s poetry by Piaras ó Cionnaoíth is delightful and provided much entertainment and laughter for the visiting grandchildren of my best friend. We viewed it on my iPad and it was perfect – though a traditional paper copy would make a great gift. The five-year-old ran about the house creating rhymes and poetry about the cat for the rest of the day. It inspired her creativity!
There are 35 poems, each illustrated with a color drawing that brings the poem to life. A favorite, as mentioned above, was the ending poem My Little Kitten. “I am so smitten with my little kitten” the poem begins, and this title represents an opportunity to reflect on the joy that our little cats bring us, often without our noticing. It plays on the fact that the cat may play at being ferocious, but, at heart, they only want us to rescue them and keep them safe from the world of mice and bigger creatures that don’t belong in our cat’s safe haven.
One of my favorite things about this group of light hearted and delightful poems is the positive and uplifting message each poem delivers. The book reminds me that I live in a world full of delights as in the poem I Am a Pixie: “Litter ears and little wings, I laugh and dance all day…I love to fly and play.” It makes me realize how easily I forget the simplicity and ease of happiness. It reminds me to cherish those moments when I walk out my front door and think how fresh the day is, how delightful the breeze…our lives are not all politics and problems…we live in each moment in a small sphere of wonder. This wonder is abundant in Píaras’s poems.
I highly recommend this volume. You will not regret your purchase, for it will make a bright light in your day, a boost to each footstep, and serenity will accompany you and your children (or students, or friend’s grandchildren, or simply friends) through the moments of your life. As the title implies, this poetry is magic.
December 29, 2016
Absolutely wonderful!
This is an amazing collection of poems you can read over and over to your kids as well as to yourself! The book is really wonderful and childlike. It is not the simplicity of the poems but the author’s magical way of showing the mind of a child. All the rhymes are inventive and funny with cute illustrations to go with them. The poems are about imaginary creatures and characters kids really love, like dragons, mermaids, unicorns, teddies, fairies, etc. My daughter makes me read The Happy Mermaid, My Teddy and Unicorn over and over again!
This hilarious book will keep your children entertained and encourage them to dream.
This is an amazing collection of poems you can read over and over to your kids as well as to yourself! The book is really wonderful and childlike. It is not the simplicity of the poems but the author’s magical way of showing the mind of a child. All the rhymes are inventive and funny with cute illustrations to go with them. The poems are about imaginary creatures and characters kids really love, like dragons, mermaids, unicorns, teddies, fairies, etc. My daughter makes me read The Happy Mermaid, My Teddy and Unicorn over and over again!
This hilarious book will keep your children entertained and encourage them to dream.
February 29, 2020
I enjoyed this magical journey into leprechauns, mermaids, fairies, and dragons, all creatures that stir a child's imagination. The poems sent messages about being different and dreaming. My favorite poem was Dali the Dragon because it conveyed story, emotion, and surprise. I wanted to see more like this one, to lift this collection beyond just rhymes, and possibly evoke more parent child interaction. The illustrations were lovely and colorful. The rhymes were written as a child might speak so I believe they would enjoy hearing them read aloud.
January 2, 2017
What a magical book any kid will enjoy, especially as a bedtime story book !
The beautiful mystical poems are all about good and kind creatures, like Dali the Dragon and Sherrie the fairy , who was afraid of cows, and all their little friends.
In a world of terror and violence it is good to know that there is a magical world our kids can visit just before closing their eyes at night.
The beautiful mystical poems are all about good and kind creatures, like Dali the Dragon and Sherrie the fairy , who was afraid of cows, and all their little friends.
In a world of terror and violence it is good to know that there is a magical world our kids can visit just before closing their eyes at night.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews