April is National Poetry Month
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As a former Lit major (typical “me”: very directed and practical!) I feel that I should share that April is National Poetry Month. The official month of poetry was started in 1996 by the American Academy of poets.
Reading the right poetry at the right time can be extremely inspiring. I have certain books I turn to, depending upon my mood. Some of my all-time favorite poets include Walt Whitman (famous for Leaves of Grass), Emily Dickinson, William Butler Yeats and Edna Saint Vincent Millay.
One of my highest recommendations is that every woman read a little book that will transform your life: Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s Gift from the Sea. Written in the 1950’s, its message is timeless. The author takes a retreat from her life and family to spend time alone in a very simple cottage by the sea. During her time there, she writes an incredibly poignant journal-like book which compares different aspects of life to different types of sea shells. It is an inspiring escape, worthy of being read over and over again (particularly suited to be read by the sea).
A favorite children’s author of mine (and I’m sure, many) is Robert Louis Stevenson. Why not start exposing your young children to the art of poetry during poetry month?
Many people consider Dr. Seuss to be one of the all-time great poets for children. E.e. Cummings and Shel Silverstein are also wonderful children’s poets. My kids love Silverstein’s Where the Sidewalk Ends as well as his other collections.
For the very youngest kids, Mother Goose’s nursery rhymes are always a favorite, sure to be loved by your child for their sing-songy tone and repeated again and again once he has heard them.
Visit www.poets.org to order A Child’s Anthology of Poetry, a wonderful collection of poetry and literature to add to your library, or to sign up to receive a poem a day throughout the month of April. Happy reading!
Science-mom says...
Thanks for the tip, Amy. I was into poetry reading myself (faves are R Frost, E Dickinson and HW Longfellow) in my previous life as childless career woman. Thanks for reminding me that this is something I can share with my kids.