Lullabies and Poems for Children

by Diana Secker Larson (Editor)

In this enchanting and comprehensive collection, the lullabies we all were rocked to sleep with, such as “Rock-a-Bye Baby” and “Hush Little Baby, Don’t You Cry,” mingle with traditional lullabies from around the world. Here are beautiful lyrics to sing or read to little ones, from Shakespeare’s lullaby for the fairy queen, Titania, to Brahms’s “Lullaby”; and from Gershwin’s “Summertime” to Langston Hughes’s lovely lullaby for a “night black baby.” Here, too, are poems for children that range from tender to nonsensical, from quiet to raucous–from Walter de la Mare to T. S. Eliot to Lewis Carroll, Edward Lear, and Ogden Nash.

Whether the intent is to soothe or to amuse, there’s something here for every mood, every child, and the child in every adult. A delightful, gift-perfect collection.

Genres: Poetry, Childrens

256 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 2002

Reviews

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been trying to explore difference genres, books that I don't typically pick up.
Poetry is one of those things that I've never really been into. The more popular poems, that everybody loves - those are the poems that I'm okay with. But regular poetry has never been appealing to me.
I thought maybe I would like poetry for children. So I picked this book up from the library. I was surprised at the number of poems, lullabies, and nursery rhymes that I recognized. A few new ones were interesting; but I can't say that I love poetry now.
I felt like this was a good collection though, I liked how it was organized.

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Everyman's Library series. It has an interesting combination of very old texts, familiar classics, newer items, and items from cultures around the globe. I wish there were more poems/ lullabies from non-European cultures in here, but there were a few speckled here and there. I like what I discover when I read these and I love how beautiful their covers and bindings are. I will continue to collect and read this series.

[Willow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good collection, but is text-only. Most of the best verses included we already have in beautiful illustrated treasuries which are greatly preferred when reading with my toddler. As a book of verse to memorize, or to read aloud to the littlest of infants who don't yet care about looking at pictures, this is great. It would be a wonderful book to read aloud to a little one in the NICU. 💕

[Chandra Miramontes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book of lullabies and poems, some of the lullabies are classic that every child knows, so it would be a favorite book for any child. The book is beautiful and would make be good to read with your child

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading these beautiful classic poems and lullabies to my daughter. This is a fantastic collection.

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5*
I'm not sure what I expected, but there just weren't that many highlights in this collection.

[Anna Keating · Rating 5 out of 5]

I use this book all the time with my kids. If you ever run out of lullabies or nursery rhymes or stories, it's such a beautiful and useful collection to own. I especially appreciate all the traditional songs.

[Emily Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book of lullabies and poems would work magic in a Pre-K class! They love to sing and to be read to. This would be a great thing to read before they lap down for nap. I would definitely use this in my classroom.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely little book that would make the perfect gift for parents or children. It has some great poetry in it as well as lullabies, and was just such an adorable product. Would highly recommend if it sounds interesting to you.

[Caithlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

got this book for Christmas to add to my classroom library! Cute poems and lullabies