Module 4 Book Reviews: Poetry

The 20th Century Children's Poetry Treasury by Jack Prelutsky

Bibliography

Prelutsky, Jack, selector.  1999.  The 20th Century Children's Poetry Treasury.  Ill. by Meilo So.  New York, NY:  Alfred A. Knopf.  ISBN:  0-679-89314-8.

Review

This cheery anthology of over 200 poems from 20th century America is a collection that Jack Prelutsky feels represents the "scope and variety of children's verse."  Poem selections from each decade - mostly from the last half of the century - cover topics such as food, seasons, animals, music, and secrets.  Works from authors Ogden Nash, Robert Frost, Carl Sandburg, Kristine O'Connell George, Douglas Florian, Dr. Seuss, Nikki Grimes and many others span the pages along with comical watercolor illustrations.  An introduction from Prelutsky praises the renaissance of poetry in recent years and anticipates its continued popularity in the years to come.  This publication includes an Index of Titles with the year of original publication, an Index of Authors, and Acknowledgements of previous publishers.  A thorough 85 page compilation - this book provides an easily manageable foray into the world of poetry - for leisure or research.