Unfortunately, I didn’t read a lot of children’s poetry this year.  Not sure how that happened, but it’s something that I want to remedy in 2013.  At any rate, here are the top five poetry books that I loved this year with links to my full reviews:

 

I, Too, Am America by Langston Hughes – Hughe’s gorgeous poem is married with the story of the African-American Pullman porters in Bryan Collier’s extraordinary illustrations.

Last Laughs by J. Patrick Lewis – Dark and fiercely funny about dead animals, perfect for Halloween but worthy of reading all year round.

 

North: the Amazing Story of Arctic Migration by Nick Dowson – A striking mix of poetry, art and science tells the story of this unique ecosystem.

Outside Your Window by Nicola Davies – Explore nature through the seasons in this vibrant book of poetry illustrated with collage art that speaks to the beauty of nature.

A Strange Place to Call Home by Marilyn Singer – Another wonderful combination of poetry, science and art, this book explores habitats that are dangerous and unusual.