Once upon a Poem : Favourite Poems That Tell Stories
on Goodreads (101)
What’s inside...
This anthology, 'Once Upon a Poem', features 15 of the best narrative poems that tell unforgettable tales. It includes works by classic poets like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Lewis Carroll, as well as contemporary poets like Roald Dahl and Tony Mitton. With full-color illustrations and endorsements from modern literary figures, this collection offers a variety of stories in verse, from heroic to humorous, suitable for all tastes. The anthology pairs 'old masters' such as Longfellow and Carroll with great twentieth century poets like W.H. Auden and Roald Dahl, and contemporary poets like Tony Mitton and Kevin Crossley-Holland, who introduces each poem. It's a one-of-a-kind anthology for every child's bookshelf that includes heroic, tragic, fantastical, funny, cautionary, and mythical stories, encapsulating some of the best tales ever told in verse.
Age
2-6
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which poem in the book was your favorite and why?
How did the story told in the poem make you feel?
Can you think of a different ending for any of the poem's stories?
What does the poem teach us about friendship or bravery?
If you could be a character in any of the poems, who would you choose to be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Read the poems with different voices for each character to make the reading session more dynamic and engaging.
After reading a poem, pause to ask your child about the words they didn't understand, and explain them together.
Encourage your child to draw a scene from one of the poems, which can help in understanding and appreciating the story better.
Create a simple poem together with your child, inspired by one of the poems in the book, to enhance their creative thinking.
Discuss the morals or lessons of the poems, linking them to real-life situations that your child might encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of storytelling
Explanation: This book showcases various poems that narrate stories, emphasizing the art of storytelling.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express themselves and share experiences through narrative, enhancing their communication skills.
Example Lesson: Understanding different perspectives
Explanation: Each poem in the collection provides a unique viewpoint, teaching children that every story can be seen from multiple sides.
Real-World Application: This can encourage empathy and understanding towards others’ feelings and viewpoints in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of poetry and rhythm
Explanation: The rhythmic and rhyming elements of the poems make reading enjoyable and introduce children to the musicality of language.
Real-World Application: This can lead to a lifelong love for reading and may inspire children to explore writing their own poems or stories.
Example Lesson: Building memory and cognitive skills
Explanation: Memorizing and reciting poetry can be a fun challenge that also boosts memory and linguistic skills.
Real-World Application: These skills can help in academic learning and in personal expression.
Example Lesson: Moral lessons through narratives
Explanation: Many poems in this collection include moral or ethical lessons conveyed through the stories told.
Real-World Application: Children can learn important life lessons about honesty, kindness, and courage, which they can apply in real life scenarios.