Poems Every Child Should Know

Maria Morera Johnson reviews a collection of classic poetry compiled by Joseph Pearce. Revisit favorite poetry from your childhood with your own children!

I love Joseph Pearce’s collection, Poems Every Child Should Know, published by TAN Books. This beautifully curated collection elegantly presents classic poetry that will shape hearts and minds and serve as an entry point into the sometimes daunting world of poetry. 

When I was a freshman in college, I had a composition professor who assigned more literary reading to us than the literature professor. We were required to memorize a poem from a list, and I chose “Daffodils” by William Wordsworth. The rhyme and rhythm made it easy to memorize. I just wanted a quick solution to the assignment. I never expected that decades later, I can still recite the poem. It has been part party trick and part prayer to be able to recite this poem at various times in my life. Not only did it introduce me to the joy and challenge of poetry, but it showed me that poetry can have spiritual roots, too.   

Reading good classical poetry contributes to a well-rounded education and creates a foundation for a lifelong love of literature and learning. This collection, designed for children, is really for anyone who wants to embrace the universal language of poetry. Its beauty, in carefully selected poems, is representative of the richness of the poetic literary tradition. Each section dedicated to an author’s work also provides a thematic context for the reader.   

Some of my favorite selections include a section on so many beloved Mother Goose rhymes, poems by Gerard Manley Hopkins, and of course my favorite, “Daffodils.” It also has the lovely William Blake, and the touching A.A. Milne. I am enjoying revisiting many of the poems in this season of my life.  

Within the pages of this lovely book, one can find echoes of the Catholic literary tradition, too. Poems exploring themes of love, compassion, and the wonders of creation are presented in a way that aligns with the moral and spiritual values often associated with the teachings of the Catholic Church. The collection serves as a subtle guide for parents and educators seeking to impart not only the joys of literature but also enduring virtues to the next generation.  

Highly recommended. 

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Copyright 2024 Maria Morera Johnson
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