Tyger Tyger, burning bright

This is such an odd little poetry book that I'm not sure how to begin describing it, but since each of our kids could quote the first verse of The Tyger before they were out of diapers, I couldn't avoid it's inclusion here at The Book Children. A Visit to William Blake's Inn is a Newberry Medal-winning, Caldecott honor book that I just stumbled upon at our favorite used bookstore. (Don't you just love happenstance that provides little gems like that?) With Chagall (notice flying animals) meets Rousseau meets Russian Orthodox art/architecture, the illustrations lend a vintage feel, however you shouldn't assume that all is as it seems. Much like the myriad of interesting characters hosted at Blake's Inn, the illustration and verse will lead you on an imaginative journey not unlike Blake's own writing.

The older kids especially think the mirror of Blake's Tyger poem is particularly hilarious, and this book was probably worth the $2 price tag just for that snippet.

Although this is clearly a children's book, I really think that any collector of poetry or Blake admirer would find it enthralling. A Visit to William Blake's Inn definitely stands as a poetry book in it's own right.

poetry from a child's garden

The wonderful, if ubiquitous, A Child's Garden of Verses, found it's way into our family over the summer, and I am thoroughly enjoying it's addition to our poetry collection. Although I have had this book on my list for ages, I hemmed and hawed over exactly which version I desired until the thrifting gods decided for me. For the record, the classic illustrated version is absolutely amazing, although I can't only imagine that the Tasha Tudor illustrated version is quite nice too. Maybe we need two copies?

These poems just really call to me. The language and ideas are so pre-WWII in the best way. Like the poem below..."world is full of meat and drink...children saying grace...every Christian kind of place." Not exactly the children's poetry of the 2000s, but in a sweet, nostalgic way, I wish it was.

And the illustrations in this version really are sweet. From the antiquated clothes to the simple lines and color, I really enjoy the simplicity.

I'm trying to start a new rhythm this year by reading a verse of poetry, a Bible verse or something else meaningful while the children are eating breakfast in the mornings. I hope it will become a tradition they enjoy. This morning, we read about The Wind. Elizabeth commented that it was interesting that the opposing page picture for The Wind was of kids flying kites, but it didn't show the kites, only the kids. I love it when they are observant in noticing details like that, especially before 7 am.

I really don't think you could go wrong with any version of this book. Keep it in a handy place and find some time for a poem a day. We'll start our tradition together. :)