Outstanding Poetry Books For World Poetry Day

World Poetry Day – Rhyming Couplets and Much, Much More!

In 1999 UNESCO declared March 21st World Poetry Day. Hot on the heels of World Book Day, it is the perfect time to indulge or reacquaint yourself with the beautiful art of the poem.

Poetry offers the reader something full of meaning in just a few words, it paints a picture in our heads as real as any seen on a canvas. William Wordsworth proclaimed that “poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings”, I’m sure you will agree, he makes a fair point!

Janie with her book on holiday

I have found five books of outstanding poetry to suit all ages and styles. Treat yourself and enjoy each and every day of the year.

A Poem for Every Day of The Year – edited by Allie Esiri & Zanna Goldhawk

A magnificent collection of 366, (yes you even get one for Leap Years), poems to enjoy each day of the year. I love that they are chosen to reflect the seasons and special occasions; April Fool’s day has a funny poem; Christmas season is full of festive rhymes. This book has it all when it comes to the selections from favourites like Christina Rosetti, Shakespeare and John Betjeman to the more contemporary poets like Seamus Heaney, Carol Ann Duffy and Kate Tempest. Perfect for sharing, they inform, inspire and empower and offer a little bit of wonderful every day.

The Complete Poetry by Dr. Maya Angelou

This is a book to luxuriate in. Maya’s words are both elegant and powerful. She celebrates womanhood and reflects upon African American life and leaves you breathless with her ability to communicate so fluently and with so much emotion. Marvel at favourites like Just Give Me a Cool Drink Before I Diiiie and Still I Rise. This collection is an absolute powerhouse of poetry that you will revisit over and over. A true classic in the #CultureQueen household.

The Ode Less Travelled by Stephen Fry

I dream about writing a collection of poems but where to start?

If like me you are a budding poet, Stephen Fry’s book is for you! He guides you through metre, form and rhyme as well as giving you the tools you need to write that epic masterpiece for a family event or that sonnet for a summer picnic! It’s packed full of fun exercises, step by step advice and witty asides. This is a one stop book for all who fancy themselves as the next Bard.

The Poetry Pharmacy –tried and tested prescriptions for heart, mind and soul by William Sieghart CBE

Sometimes only a poem will help. This clever collection of poetry offers soothing words for your soul, a helpful hug, encouragement and peace. I indulge myself in this volume when I need to know I’m not alone or need a boot up the derriere! William Sieghart prescribes short yet powerful words to see you through whatever you need. The perfect prescription. You need this on your bookshelf.

I Am the Seed That Grew the Tree by Fiona Waters

Poetry isn’t just the domain of adults. It is a perfect way to encourage fledgling readers to pick up a book. I bought this delightful collection when I saw it featured in a national newspaper. Fiona Waters features poems focussing on nature, from an array of word spinners including my childhood favourites Walter De La Mare, Shakespeare, Eleanor Farjeon and many more. There is a poem for each day of the year. Children will not only be enchanted by the magic of the rhymes but also be transported into nature through the stunning illustrations. Read from front to back or dip in, you will love it as much as your little darlings will!

Poetry was an essential part of my childhood reading and still is today. It is a soul-searching art form and can solve my problems or help me see the world in a new way. Do poems affect you? Why not share your thoughts below and get a great conversation started?

Written by Janie Smith

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