The Folio Book of Children’s Poetry

by Lesley Barnes (Illustrator), Penelope Lively (Introduction)

The Folio Book of Children’s Poetry is an eclectic and thought-provoking collection chosen to amuse, entertain and challenge young readers – from classic Wordsworth to the inimitable Dahl.

Genres: Poetry

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 17, 2018

About the author

Lesley Barnes is an award winning illustrator and animator based in Glasgow. Her distinctive, bright and joyful work spans the worlds of fashion, music, children’s literature, film and product design. Lesley has created exclusive product ranges for both the V&A and the Tate Museums in London. Other clients include Scottish band Belle & Sebastian, Clinique, Glamour Magazine, The Sunday Times Style, Random House, The Folio Society, Puffin Books, and children’s magazines Anorak and OKIDO. She is the author and illustrator of three children's books.

Reviews

[Freddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible design and illustrations and paper quality with some amazing playful children’s poems including blockbusters like Matilda by Hillaire Belloc and The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear as well as other ones I hadn’t heard of. It is a great present for children for these reasons.

But I docked a star because there were also a lot of poems (including by big names like Dickens and Keats) which were hard to read even for an adult, with lots of clumsy words put in only because they rhymed and the poems generally talking unimaginatively about animals and plants and nature.

I do not like poetry generally. This is book reminded me why that view is both right and wrong.

[Arunima Coomar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a joyous poetry collection, filled with some of my favorite poems, both old and new! I know where I will turn to, should I ever need a dose of whimsy and nostalgia!

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of poems was a joy to read, and the illustrations are absolutely delightful!