One of the first books on any child's book shelf should be Mother Goose, the first literary building block. Eighteenth century settings and quaint illustrations by Faith Jacques compliment the poems and create a volume that could easily become a family heirloom. Two more poetry books for the very young offer rollicking opportunities for toddler romping. Many books for young children are not poetry collections, but entire books built of repetitions, rhymes, rhythms, and choruses. All these titles come in a board book format as strong and durable is important for a beloved book.
Every year sees publication of new favorites.
Books like these have rhyme and rhythm that support language learning, but later, the same qualities, promote reading. This point is easily proved. Word prediction and reading patterns are easier with the assistance poetic conventions provide. Anyone who knows children realizes that just when all is going marvelously well, something will change. By eight, interest in poetry dwindles for many children.