The Barefoot Book of Classic Poems

If, like me, you have been searching for a poetry book that will introduce kids to some of the truly great poets of history (take a look at the table of contents!) yet with a light touch -- this is your book. The selections are appealing and vividly illustrated, and nourish the natural appetite for adventure, nobility and beauty that all kids have, but which is too seldom encouraged. I was relieved to see that this book maintains a consistent level of quality throughout: nowhere does it sandbag young readers with gross-out "humor" and mixed messages about the way they should feel about their parents, teachers and siblings. That, frankly, is as important to me as the fact that "The Barefool Book of Classic Poems" introduces kids to the work of Shakespeare, Milton, Yeats, Tennyson, Wordsworth, Edna St. Vincent Millay and many others. All in all, a refreshing (and overdue) "find"!

As a retired HS English teacher, I can tell you the editors chose some of our best poems. The artistry is beautiful. From British Romantics to Harlem Renaissance, its all included. Highly recommend 9+ to adults.

This is a stunning book! Well chosen poems, including some I wouldn't have imagined for a picture book. But, oh, what magic there is when accompanied by the exquisite illustrations! It was so amazing I had difficulty giving it away.

The illustrations are creative and colorful and adults will appreciate this book. Some of the poems and pictures are frightening for young children.

This book has a great collection of poems, including the 'Jabberwoky' and 'The Owl and the Pussycat, which are awesome for kids as young as preschool. While its true, some of the poems are too deep for a young child to grasp the meaning, they still enjoy the words and can create images in their mind of the tiger in William Blake's poem, even if they can't grasp what he is saying about the Creator. I read some of the sillier poems such as Custard the Dragon to wake up my 6 year old in the morning and it is a great way to get him going (reading stories just puts him back to sleep). I can't say enough about the illustrations which are so important in a child's book. I buy this as a gift for new parents.

Gorgeous pictures entice young children to pore over this book and selection of poetry is a nice progression from nursery rhymes.

It's about fifty/fifty, whether these would be considered "classic" poems. Are they all old work, and published? ...yes. Are they all familiar and classic? ... not so much. The illustrations will blow your socks off. What a beautiful book to share with a child. This is a keeper.

We bought this book for our daughter, but I find myself reading it when I have a little free time. It is a fantastic collection of poems on beautifully illustrated pages. We consider this book a treasure.

I am becoming a little obsessed with Jackie Morris - her illustrations are incredibly beautiful and sum up the magic I find in stories and poems. Of all the books I've bought I think this is my favourite - although my son would argue that Tell Me A Dragon is definitely the best. It combines Jackie's magical drawings with the most wonderful poems to engage, challenge and inspire children and adults. Keep them coming Jackie.

I have bought this as a Christmas present so have not yet seen what my child will make of it. But I think she'll love it. She is seven and keen to read poems, but sometimes needs help with choosing one that she'll like, and I think the pictures will give her a way in that she will understand, even when she's reading on her own. I am glad they're poems that I remember too, as well as some that are new to me, and I'm hoping she'll read me some while I get supper ready!

This is a brilliant collection. I was not a big fan of poetry but this collection of poems have totally made me one. The drawings are such a delight. I read it aloud to my 2 year old at bed time for two days and thought she wasn't much involved. On the third day, when I skipped the book, she ran out,fetched it and asked me to read "poety". It has been a night time ritual for the last 6 weeks to pick out poems, discuss the illustrations and read the poems. I keep reading aloud till she falls asleep; then, read some more for my own pleasure! While playing with her toys, I hear her reciting a few lines here and there to her dolls, lego man and firemen. This is the best thing I ever got her, I feel.

This is such a pretty book, with a good selection of classic poems from the sweet and simple to the deep and meaningful. I bought it for my mother, who loved poetry and now has severe dementia. Yesterday I sat with her and read some of the works with her and discussed the artwork, She seemed to find it soothing and I was enchanted too - I think I will buy several more copies, to include one for myself!

This is a really lovely book both to look at and to read. The poetry is well chosen, some accessible to young children carrying on through to everyone who loves words. I bought this for my friend who is 60 and for my God daughter who is 6. Oh and a copy for myself!