I'm following-up on last weeks review on poetry because of April Poetry Month and because there are so many great new poetry books that it takes two weeks of reviews to cover them. There isn't another medium that articulates beauty, majesty and power better than poems. Poems can use clear concise words, and as they move through space and time, they can create images that evoke feelings, arouse the senses and heighten a sense and beauty of the world, as well as emitting sounds that seem to jump off the page.

I will begin with a book that is the perfect culmination and celebration of beautiful poetry. Classic Poetry: An Illustrated Collection, selected by Michael Rosen, is a collection of poetry that has lasted over time and is considered some of the best ever written. The uniqueness of this book lies not only in the wonderful selection of poems, but also in the beautiful pictures painted by Paul Howard. I often find myself reaching for a favorite annotated poetry book off my shelf when I need inspiration when writing. This book will encourage anyone looking for a source of motivation or just wanting to enjoy the beauty of our language. Rudyard Kipling, Lewis Carroll, Edna St. Vincent Millay and Emily Dickenson are just a few of the renowned poets presented in this collection. I've said this before, but it bears repeating: every family should have a collection of poetry on their book shelves and this book would fill the bill!

Now I want to mention some of my favorite children's poets that have new poetry books that are recently published. The Poet Laureate, Jack Prelutsky, has been busy this past year with two new editions. My Dog May Be a Genius, with illustrations by James Stevenson, is filled with the poet's trademark humor. His distinctive style of poking fun at day-to-day life is found throughout the 160 pages. Even the titles alone bring smiles to all who read them. And some of these poems are just plain silly, which include “I Often Mow the Bathtub”, “When Ozzie Snozzer Sneezes” and “Today It's Pouring Pythons” . Great fun! Prelutsky's most recent publication, The Swamps of Sleethe: Poems from Beyond the Solar System, illustrated by Jimmy Pickering, showcases unique and bizarre life on distant stars. These poems are sure to motivate older elementary age kids to create their own world of poems. The brilliant colors that expand the page are sure to bring the reader into each weird galaxy.

Who would have thought to create poems out of interesting inventions? Lee Bennett Hopkins has an anthology of 16 creative poems highlighting 16 amazing innovations along with the year of the invention, as well as more information found in the back of the book. Incredible Inventions, illustrated by Julia Sartcone-Roach, features roller coasters, escalators and even the Fig Newton cookie. But the one poem that stands out is “The Straw” , which was invented in 1 888. The words are placed on the paper like the shape of a straw. This is a very clever book with many interesting facts found within it.

A Foot in the Mouth: Poems to Speak, Sing, and Shout, selected by Paul B. Janeczko, and illustrated by award winner Chris Raschka, follows the tradition of this team's wonderful collection of poems. These particular poems beg to be read-aloud. Included are tongue-twisters like the poem with noodles galore - “Pasta Parade” and a section with funny Limericks such as: “There was an Old Man in a Barge”.

And if you're looking for a book full of humorous poems, Karma Wilson's What's the Weather Inside?, this is the book for you. Barry Blitt's pen and ink drawings are a perfect match for Wilson 's “laugh out-loud” poems. All of these poems deal with a child's life such as school, food, family and homework. The 166 pages are full of clever and comical poems.

Here's an amazing reissue of a poem that was first written in 1973: The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper's Feast was inspired by an 1 807 poem about a celebration of woodland inhabitants. But this current edition has brilliant paintings by Alan Aldridge and poems by William Plomer. Once you've entered this festivity, you won't want to leave! This is a delight to the eye and mind!

Orangutan Tongs: Poems to Tangle Your Tongue, by Jon Agee, is a tremendous play on words! This poetry book is a must read-aloud and is sure to bring a laugh and a smile to all. The “Wristwatches” will surely mix up your tongue as you read about Mitch who tries to switch his wristwatch with another new Swiss wristwatch. Try reciting that poem fast – I dare you! The 34 poems are all unique and clever as well as great fun to read.

And for the newest poets, Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas, is simple, colorful and takes one syllable words that are easy to rhyme and highlights them in comic strip style bubbles. This book is full of teachable poetic moments.

And lastly, a poetry book needing participation of several voices. Big Talk: Poems for Four Voices, by Paul Fleischman, and illustrated by Beppe Giacobbe, can easily be read by a few voices or more by discerning the easy to follow word colors that indicate which voice is speaking. These poems are great fun, full of rhythm and excellent poetry patterns for kids to enjoy together!