Book Review: Poems


In recent years Caroline Kennedy compiled two books of poetry “Best Loved Poems of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis” and “A Family of Poems: My Favorite Poetry for Children”. Jacqueline Onassis instilled a love of poetry in her children. It is commendable that Caroline Kennedy passes on this love of poetry to others with these two books. “A Family of Poems: My Favorite Poetry for Children” is illustrated with some amazing artwork by Jon J. Muth. Here are a few of the sillier poems for your enjoyment.

MOSES
Anonymous

Moses supposes his toeses are roses,
But Moses supposes erroneously,
For nobody’s toeses are posies of roses
As Moses supposes his toeses to be.

CARELESS WILLIE
Anonymous

Willie with a thirst for gore
Nailed his sister to the door
Mother said with humor quaint
“Careful, Willie, don’t scratch the paint!”

GRIZZLY BEAR
Mary Austin

If you ever ever meet a grizzly bear
You must never never never ask him where he is going,
Or what he is doing,
For if you ever ever dare,
To stop a grizzly bear,
You will never meet another grizzly bear.

THE CROCODILE
Lewis Carroll

How doth the little crocodile
Improve his shining tail,
And pour the waters of the Nile
On every golden scale!

How cheerfully he seems to grin,
How neatly spreads his claws,
And welcomes little fishes in,
With gently smiling jaws!

These are wonderful books to enjoy by yourself or to share with children. They are both available at the Scottsbluff Public Library.