Best Children's Poetry
Published: June 2018
What is Children's Poetry and is it different than poetry for Teens and Adults? It's not fundamentally different. Children's Poetry just needs to be written in a way that captures the interest of children.
Famous poet, Carl Sandburg's definitions of poetry include, "Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance" and "Poetry is a sliver of the moon lost in the belly of a golden frog". Children's imaginations are more flexible than adults. Poetry is a wonderful way to introduce children to literature and to life.
Included in this collection are the most popular poems from contemporary and modern poets who have submitted their original poems for children to Family Friend Poems over the past 15+ years.
25 Best Children's Poetry By Contemporary Poets
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1. Englksh Is A Pane
Hear eye sit inn English class; the likelihood is that eye won't pass
An F on my report card wood bee worse than swallowing glass
It's knot that eye haven't studied, often till late at knight
Butt the rules are sew confusing, eye simply can't get them write
Hour teacher says, "Heed my advice, ewe must study and sacrifice"
Butt if mouses are mice and louses are lice, how come blouses aren't blice
The confusion really abounds when adding esses two nouns
Gooses are geese, butt mooses aren't meese; somebody scent in the clowns
Two ultimatums are ultimata, and a couple of datum are data
Sew wouldn't ewe expect it wood bee correct fore a bunch of plums to be plata?
And if more than won octopus are octopi, and the plural of ox is oxen
Shouldn't a couple of busses bee bussi and a pare of foxes bee foxen?
Let's talk about spelling a wile, specifically letters witch are silent
Words like "psychologist" and "wreck" shirley make awl of us violent
And another example quite plane witch is really hard two explain
If it's eye before e except after sea, then what about feign and reign?
The final exam will determine how eye due, weather eye pass ore fail
I halve prepared as much as eye can down two the last detail
I'm ready two give it my vary best inn just a little wile
And then isle take a relaxing wrest on a tropical aisleFeatured Shared StoryVery clever and funny, but it kinda blows my mind reading through this at the same time! How on earth did I manage to learn this wonderful, confusing language?! I must be converting it into...
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2. My Big Fat Cat
I own a big fat cat-
The fattest for miles around.
Wherever there's lots of food,
That's where he'll be found.
He's really good at eating.
It's a talent, I suppose.
I'm sure if he keeps at it
He'd win the talent shows.
I own a big fat cat-
He weighs at least a ton.
He couldn't run to save his life.
Yes, he isn't much fun.
His favourite room's the kitchen.
(I'm sure we all know why.)
He eats just about everything,
So that's why, with a sigh...
I'd like to tell you, Teacher,
I'd like to tell you straight,
I might have "accidentally" dropped
My homework in his plate.Featured Shared StoryThis story is hilarious! Coming across this story, it reminds me of my fat cat, Ziggy, also known as Tubby once her grew. I would compare him to a lot of fat jokes, but apart from that, he's...
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3. The Dolly
The dolly sat upon the shelf
in the toy maker's shop all by herself.
The dolly only had one eye,
so all the children passed her by.
They scoffed at the dolly;
they weren't very kind
Then a child came in
with a dolly in mind.
Her mother led her around the shop.
At the shelf with the dolly her mother did stop.
The child reached out and felt for the dolly.
The toy maker shouted, "Dear child, I'm so sorry,
this dolly is blind; she only has one eye.
I've a dolly right here you might like to buy."
"No, this is the one," the child said to her mother.
"If I can't have her, I don't want any other."
So off dolly went with the child who was kind,
and just like the dolly, this child was blind.
Featured Shared StoryI loved this. It has a beautiful message in it and also made me cry. You shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Keep up the good work, Jeanette!
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4. The Littlest Christmas Tree
The littlest Christmas tree
lived in a meadow of green
among a family
of tall evergreens.
He learned how to whisper
the evergreen song
with the slightest of wind
that came gently along.
He watched as the birds
made a home out of twigs
and couldn't wait till
he, too, was big.
For all of the trees
offered a home,
the maple, the pine, and the oak,
who's so strong.
"I hate being little,"
the little tree said,
"I can't even turn colors
like the maple turns red.
I can't help the animals
like the mighty old oak.
He shelters them all
in his wide mighty cloak."
The older tree said,
"Why, little tree, you don't know?
The story of a mighty king
from the land with no snow?"
Little tree questioned,
"A land with no snow?"
"Yes!" said old tree,
"A very old story,
from so long ago."
"A star appeared,
giving great light
over a manger
on long winter's night.
A baby was born,
a king of all kings,
and with him comes love
over all things."
"He lived in a country
all covered in sand,
and laid down his life
to save all of man."
Little tree thought of the gift
given by him,
then the big tree said with the
happiest grin,
"We're not just trees,
but a reminder of that day.
There's a much bigger part
of a role that we play!"
"For on Christmas Eve,
my life I'll lay down,
in exchange for a happier,
loving ground.
And as I stand dying,
they'll adorn me in trim.
This all will be done
in memory of him."
"Among a warm fire,
with family and friends,
in the sweet songs of Christmas,
I'll find my great end.
Then ever so gently,
He'll come down to see
and take me to heaven,
Jesus and me."
"So you see, little tree,
we are not like the oak
who shelters all things
beneath his great cloak.
Nor are we like the maple
in fall,
whose colors leave many
standing in awe."
"The gift that we give
is ourselves, limb for limb,
the greatest of honor,
in memory of him."
The little tree bowed
his head down and cried
and thought of the king
who willingly died.
For what kind of gift
can anyone give
than to lay down your life
when you wanted to live?
A swelling of pride
came over the tree.
Can all of this happen
Because of just me?
Can I really bring honor?
By adorning a home?
By reminding mankind
that he's never alone?
With this thought, little tree
began singing with glee.
Happy and proud
to be a true Christmas tree.
You can still hear them singing
even the smallest in height,
singing of Christmas
and that one holy night.Featured Shared StoryThis poem touched my heart and the story of your beautiful parents behind it... I have only come across it searching online. I will most certainly be reading up on all your other inspiring...
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5. Let's Preserve Our Nature
The sun is shining,
The sky is blue,
The birds are flying,
And the breeze is so cool.
Mother Nature is trying her best
To give nothing but beautifulness,
But what do we do?
Make her a mess.
Let's make her the best
By polluting less and less,
And preserve her green dress
For our kids and the rest.Featured Shared StoryI really like it about future generations and thinking ahead.
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6. Fishing With My Grandpa
My Grandpa and I do a lot of things together,
But fishing with my Grandpa is the best ever.
I love going to the lake when the sky is all blue.
I love riding in my Grandpa's boat, too.
The next trip to the lake I don't want to miss.
Just being with my Grandpa is better than catching fish.Featured Shared StoryLove your poem about fishing with your Grandpa. There are millions of fish in the oceans and ponds, but being with your Grandpa is a beautiful bond! Enjoy every memory with him; it's priceless!
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7. The Boy Who Didn't Like Ice Cream
A boy who didn't like ice cream?
That almost seems like a crime!
This is the story of Logan
And about trying foods more than one time.
Logan did not enjoy ice cream.
He thought it was too cold.
Too cold on his tongue, too cold on his teeth,
Too cold right down to his toes.
No one could believe it.
“Just try one bite!” they’d say.
He'd shake his head. “No, thank you,” he’d say.
“Maybe some other day.”
At parties, the zoo, at the beach,
Ice cream was everywhere,
But as everyone enjoyed the nice cold treat.
Logan preferred gummy bears.
One time Logan did try ice cream.
Took a big bite, his eyes squeezed.
As the ice cream melted in his mouth
He got a huge brain freeze!
“Never again!” Logan said!
“Eating ice cream is no fun!
I cannot freeze my brain again;
I've got only this one!”
No one was as upset
As one man, that is for sure.
It was Logan’s Pop Pop,
The great ice cream connoisseur.
“Please, Logan!” Pop begged.
“Please try it one more time!
Just try a small bite,” Pop said.
“Your brain will be just fine.”
Logan gulped, his eye squinted tight.
Pop Pop was NEVER wrong.
Maybe just one more try won’t really hurt.
He decided to be strong.
“Little bites are the trick,”
Pop Pop winked and said.
“That way the cold goes to your tummy
Instead of to your head.”
So Logan scooped a tiny bite of
Homemade vanilla cream.
He squeezed his eyes, stuck out his tongue
And then let out a scream!
“I LIKE IT!” Logan yelled,
And Pop Pop laughed.
“I knew you would, my boy!”
They laughed and both enjoyed tummies full of ice cream joy.
So what did you learn from Logan?
Remember this little rhyme!
Trying new things doesn't hurt!
And try them more than one time!Featured Shared StoryI love this poem! I think this is so true- my niece used to hate broccoli, then tried it again and liked it. If you don't think you like something, try it again anyway: you might find your...
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8. I Will Soar
If I were a birdie,
I'd head up to the sky.
I'd spread my wings like sunshine.
I know I could fly mighty high!
If I were a birdie,
My feathers would be bright.
Every color would be striking.
I'd soar and reach new heights.
If I were a birdie,
I'd sing a lovely song.
Everyone would stop and listen;
They would begin to sing along.
If I were a birdie,
I'd follow all my dreams.
Small streams to vast oceans,
Under golden bright sunbeams.
If I were a birdie,
I'd flit about from tree to tree
With many different flocks of birdies.
We would be free to be free.
If I were a birdie,
I'd head up to the sky.
I'd spread my wings like sunshine.
I know I could fly mighty high!Featured Shared StoryBelieving in yourself means you got this! You can do ANYTHING!!
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9. When The World Turned Upside Down
The day when the world
turned upside down:
when a frown became a smile
and a smile became a frown.
When the mice chased the cats
the cats chased the dogs.
The dogs laughed out loud
at the pink and yellow frogs.
When you went to bed in the daytime
and got up at night.
When birds caught the school bus
and the cows took flight.
When the moon came out
in the middle of the day
and all of the ocean's fish
rolled around in the hay.
When the children ruled the world
and ice cream was for free
and the elephants shrank
to the size of a flea.
When the grass rained lollipops
up to the sky.
When you wanted to laugh
but could only cry.
When magic beans were real
and giants very small,
you would eat spiders legs
so you could creep up the wall.
This all happened when the
world turned upside down
after I went to bed
with a smile - not a frown.
Featured Shared StoryHello Anna, I notice that you sent this message 3 months ago and want to apologise as I have been very busy in other areas of my life that my poems came to a halt for nearly a year. Things...
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10. My First Pet
My mommy said today
That I could get a pet one day.
I gave her a kiss
Then started making my list.
Maybe I could get a giraffe.
It would be so fun to give him a bath.
What about a rhinoceros? I thought.
I am sure that it must eat a lot.
I could get a monkey.
Together we could swing from tree to tree.
I know, I could get an armadillo.
She could sleep under my pillow.
How about a kangaroo?
But only if she has room for two.
I'm sure I don't want a porcupine.
I would be saying "ouch" all the time.
It would be fun to have a horse.
He would have to live outside, of course.
Okay, maybe a hippopotamus.
It will probably eat as much as the rhinoceros.
An elephant would be fun as can be
If he doesn't sit on me.
I could get along with a pig just fine,
Rolling in mud all the time.
I gave my mom my list.
She bent down and gave me a kiss,
Put her hand to her heart,
And said a fish would be a good start.Featured Shared StoryNo Stories yet, You can be the first!
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11. Winter
If winter were a person, she would be a girl with frosty hair.
Winter would wear snow pants, snow boots, gloves, a hat, and scarf.
Winter would smell like hot chocolate and peanut butter and Hershey Kiss cookies baking in the oven.
Winter would spend the day eating cookies and drinking hot cocoa by a lake.
Winter would spend the night by sitting in the snow waiting for morning so children could come out to play.Featured Shared StoryA beautiful, inspirational poem Olivia, most impressive for someone only ten years old. Loved it!!!
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12. A Worm In My Pocket
One rainy day on my way home from school,
I found a big worm and thought it was cool.
I picked up the worm with my bare hand,
held it up high, thinking how grand!
The worm was so cute and wiggled a lot.
I put him in my pocket to show Mom what I'd caught.
What will she say when I show her my find?
Will she let me keep it? I hope she won't mind.
Mom was in the kitchen when I showed her what I'd found.
She screamed, "No, way! Put it back in the ground!"
Now I'm so angry; she always says, "No."
If she won't let me keep it, then I will just go!
So me and my worm packed a sandwich or two,
ran out the door, and down the street we both flew.
We walked to the park and sat on a bench.
I pulled out my worm and noticed a stench.
He looked kind of floppy but wiggled a bit.
I thought, "Oh my Gosh, my worm is not fit!"
I laid him in the dirt and let him go free.
I guess that my pocket was not the best place to be.Featured Shared StoryGreat poem. My daughter also likes worms. When she was younger she would play happily in the muck collecting worms for hours.
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13. Peace And Quiet
Peace is...
When you are outside on a nice warm day
With a cold glass of yellow lemonade.
Slurp, slurp, slurp.
Feeling the warm sun on my back,
Rubbing my hands through the wet green grass,
Listening to the birds singing a distance away.
Quiet...
Now that's PEACE!Featured Shared StoryNo Stories yet, You can be the first!
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14. Splishy, Sploshy Mud
Splishy, sploshy mud
is the best type of crud!
You can make pies,
you can make mountains,
you can make giant skies,
just with splishy, sploshy mud!Featured Shared StoryNo Stories yet, You can be the first!
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15. Dreams
Images of hope,
Locked up fear you share,
Love and desire,
All in your head somewhere.
Dreams are wishes
That let your imagination grow.
They let you travel
Anywhere you can go.
Dreams show your happiest moments,
And what you dread in your heart.
They show you love, how to hold it,
And tell you where to start.
You could feel the beach,
The sand at your feet,
The heart and soul you'll be able to reach.
Words and images swirl in your mind
That let you express yourself for all time.
And when horrors are received,
And I fall on my knees,
Everything is softened by the memories, the dreams.
Featured Shared StoryBeautiful poetry, dreams take one to places unseen, to where broken hearts are redeemed. What would we do without dreams, they're the movies that creep into our heads as we are fast asleep...
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16. Today The Teacher Farted
Today the teacher farted.
It was an awful smell.
It was just like a rotting egg,
Straight from the depths of hell!
She tried to keep it secret
By sitting in a group.
But it was really obvious,
When she said, "Who did that poop?"
She screwed her bright, red face up
And blamed it all on Claire.
But later when I needed help,
The stench was round her chair!
She avoided my eye contact
And ticked my work in green.
But she knew that her body smells
Were foul and quite obscene.
I asked her what that smell was.
She said she'd not a clue.
I hope to God that eggy smell
Was fart and not a poo!
Today the teacher farted.
My word, what had she ate?
I'll always remember what she did,
And now I'm thirty eight!Featured Shared StoryHaven't laughed that hard in a long time. Was researching poems about families for children to teach this term when I somehow came across this poem. Thank you so much!
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17. Mommy Will Sing A Lullaby
All tucked up and snug in bed
as angels stand guard above your head,
Mommy will kiss away your fears.
She'll stroke your hair and dry your tears.
She softly sings a lullaby
about the stars up in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle star so bright,
shining down on us tonight.
Her breath is warm upon your face
as you lie still in her embrace.
With sleepy eyes you gaze at mom
as the moon comes up to replace the sun.
Tomorrow will be another day
where you'll have fun, laugh, and play.
But sleep for now, and Mommy will sing a song for you
and you will smile the whole way through.
She gently holds your hand in hers, your fingers wrapped around her thumb.
These are treasured moments as she waits for sleep to come.
Her voice is but a whisper now; her tone is soft and true,
for there is nowhere in the world she'd rather be than lying here with you.Featured Shared StoryNo Stories yet, You can be the first!
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18. I Love My Brother
My brother is sweet,
My brother is nice,
When I am upset,
I come for advice.
He teaches me new stuff
Almost all the time,
And I think that
Is really, really kind.
I love my brother,
And he loves me.
Now that's the way
It's meant to be.Featured Shared StoryI love this poem because this is what I am going through with my brother.
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19. If I Were...
If I were a queen,
I'd rule a mighty land.
If I were a princess,
I'd take a prince's hand.
If I were a soldier,
I'd fight a mighty war.
If I were a hero,
I'd be the best they ever saw.
If I were a dancer,
I'd dance with such grace.
If I were a runner,
I'd win every race!
If I were an actress,
I'd take part in a play,
For I can do anything,
No matter what you say.Featured Shared StoryGood poem. I'd like a poem that explains just one dream.
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20. Books
My best friend is a book
that doesn't give me a weird look.
It is like a golden door
that takes me to the land where I have never been before.
It tells me the tales of a fairy
that take me to the land full of merry.
Some books are boring like history,
which is like a big mystery.
Books are the source of enlightenment
that vanquish darkness and fill our life with brightness.Featured Shared StoryOne of my best friends are books. Thanks for this poem, you are a really good poet.
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