Tomie's Little Book of Poems
on Goodreads (48)
What’s inside...
Twenty-five poems from Tomie dePaola's Book of Poems are curated in an illustrated collection for young children, featuring poetry from authors like Dorothy Aldis, Carl Sandburg, Langston Hughes, and Federico Garcia Lorca. This board book introduces toddlers to familiar themes like nature, the seasons, loving parents, and bedtime, complemented by Tomie dePaola's classic illustrations. Having delighted a generation of readers with Tomie dePaola's Book of Poems, beloved author/artist Tomie dePaola now selects twenty-five poems from this wonderful collection for a charming new board book perfect for very young children. Featuring subjects that any toddler can recognize-such as nature, the seasons, loving parents, and bedtime—and Tomie's classic illustrations, Tomie's Little Book of Poems will quickly join Tomie's Little Mother Goose and Tomie's Little Christmas Pageant as a nursery favorite.
Age
1-5
Length
34 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which poem did you like the best and why?
How do the pictures in the book make you feel when you read the poems?
Can you think of a time when you felt the same way as a character in one of the poems?
If you could create your own poem from today, what would it be about?
What do you think the author wants us to learn from these poems?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about each poem, fostering a deeper understanding of the emotions and themes. Use the illustrations in the book as a conversation starter, discussing how the imagery complements the text. Relate the poems to personal experiences or current events to make the content more relatable. After reading, help your child write a simple poem, drawing inspiration from their favorite themes in the book to enhance their creative expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: Through the vivid and engaging poems, the book encourages children to notice and appreciate the simple beauty of the natural world around them.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to explore their own environments, whether a backyard, park, or on a walk, and learn to observe and appreciate nature’s wonders.
Example Lesson: Expression of Emotions
Explanation: The poems in 'Tomie's Little Book of Poems' cover a range of emotions, providing a platform for children to see their feelings articulated in words.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that it's healthy to express their emotions. They can be encouraged to talk about their feelings or even create their own simple poems as a form of expression.
Example Lesson: Rhythm and Rhyme in Language
Explanation: The book exposes children to the musicality of words through its rhythmic and rhyming patterns, nurturing early phonemic awareness.
Real-World Application: This can enhance early reading skills as children might begin to recognize patterns in texts, facilitating easier and more enjoyable reading experiences.
Example Lesson: Importance of Imagination
Explanation: Tomie DePaola’s poems often delve into whimsical and imaginative scenarios that encourage creative thinking and visualization.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to use their imagination more freely both in their play and in problem solving, helping them to think outside the box.