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Celebrate National Poetry Day with our favourite comic and curious verse

Written by · Published Oct 3, 2019

The Complete Nonsense of Edward Lear, Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, I am a Poetato

The Hunting of the Snark, by Lewis Carroll & Chris Riddell

“Lewis Carroll’s magnificent nonsense poem, The Hunting of the Snark, features an unlikely cast of characters drawn from the Jabberwocky in Through the Looking Glass. This irresistible paperback edition features an introduction from and artwork by Chris Riddell. The wonderful characters are vividly brought to life with both Chris’s black and white illustrations and his colour artwork, making it a perfect gift for any poetry lover.”

Cautionary Verses, by Hilaire Belloc, B. T. B. & Quentin Blake

“This is a much-loved classic for children, aged six upwards, and adults alike. This collection of poems is a truly unforgettable book of moral instruction. The original illustrations by B.T.B are coupled with new pictures by Quentin Blake.”

Rhyme Stew, by Roald Dahl & Quentin Blake

“This title presents a collection of irreverent rhymes featuring characters from fairy tales, fables, and nursery rhymes - as you’ve never seen them before!”

The Complete Nonsense of Edward Lear, by Edward Lear & Holbrook Jackson (ed.)

“This complete edition of Lear’s nonsense verse - including the limericks, longer verses, alphabets and his own illustrations - is lovingly restored and beautifully presented, for adults and children to enjoy together.”

Poetry Pie, by Roger McGough

“There are over 50 poems in this hugely enjoyable poetry collection with themes ranging from food and animals to school and ghouls. As always, Roger Mcgough’s poems are full of wit and wisdom, with word play, puns and sharp observations on all aspects of life. He’s even included his own unique line drawings which are full of humour and pathos.”

When We Were Very Young, by A. A. Milne & Ernest H. Shepard

“This is the first volume of rhymes written especially for children by A.A. Milne - as popular now as when they were first written. Featuring E.H. Shepard’s original illustrations, When We Were Very Young is a heart-warming and funny introduction to children’s poetry, offering the same sense of humour, imagination and whimsy that we’ve come to expect from his favourite books about Winnie-the-Pooh, that Bear of Very Little Brain.”

Michael Rosen’s Book of Very Silly Poems, by Michael Rosen & Shoo Rayner

“This is a lively collection of nonsense verse brought together by popular author Michael Rosen, and includes some new poems of his own.”

Please Mrs Butler, by Allan Ahlberg

“This witty collection of school poems by Allan Ahlberg, has a cover refresh for a whole new generation of school children to take to its heart. It is full of typical classroom events that will be recognised and enjoyed by everyone - from never-ending projects, reading tests, quarrels, making-up, excuses and ‘Please, Sir, it isn’t fair’, Please Mrs Butler accurately portrays everyday primary school life.”

Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, by T. S. Eliot & Edward Gorey

“First published in 1939, T.S. Eliot’s collection of cat poems, written originally to amuse his godchildren and friends, has become one of the all-time favourites of children’s literature.”

I am a Poetato: an A-Z of poems about people, pets and other creatures, by John Hegley

“This is a very funny, witty, zany collection for children, which will also appeal to the author’s adult fans. It has all the John Hegley comic hallmarks, including references to wearing glasses, Luton, and dogs (being superior to cats)! The poems are arranged alphabetically by title, with family pets and other animals featuring strongly, from a mosquito and ants, through wise camels, goldfish and guillemots to Toby the armadillo from Peru and not forgetting the unusual unicorn in school.

“The book is packed with John’s unique brand of deadpan humour, and is illustrated in scrap-book style with the author’s own quirky line drawings.”

Sophie Green

Sophie Green

I work for the Suffolk Libraries stock team. I also write children’s fiction, short stories and comedy. Visit my website.