Underneath My Bed: List Poems

Underneath My Bed: List Poems
By Brian P. Cleary
Illustrated by Richard Watson
Millbrook Press, 2017. Informational.

Too many books of poems for young readers never take the time to explain what makes a poem a poem or teach kids how to write their own. This book, the latest in a series from Brian P. Clearly, does both -- while remaining a book of poems and not a book on poetry. Most kids are probably not familiar with what makes a list poem, but this book gives enough examples for kids to realize that poetry doesn't always need to sound like Dr. Seuss or follow one of the formats they're used to seeing. For kids who aren't interested in writing their own poems - they will still find things to like in the cartoony illustrations and funny text. A great pick to celebrate National Poetry Month.

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