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Booklists for Educators

Explore Our Booklists for Youth:

Urban Wildlife: Poetry in Your Backyard

Explore poetry and nature by checking out one of these books! Urban Wildlife: Poetry in Your Backyard is part of the Field Work: Poetry and Science in partnership with the Milwaukee Public Museum.

Hidden City: Poems of Urban Wildlife

Hidden City: Poems of Urban Wildlife
by Sarah Grace Tuttle; illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford

This perfect blend of science and poetry, demonstrates that nature can thrive anywhere. Ages 4-9

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Thunder Underground

Thunder Underground
by Jane Yolen; illustrated by Josée Masse

A collection of poems explores the wonder underground, from animal burrows and subways to caves and magma. Ages 5-10

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When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons

When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons
by Julie Fogliano; pictures by Julie Morstad

A poetic celebration of the seasons blends gentle illustrations with evocative verses. Ages 4-10

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Daniel Finds a Poem

Daniel Finds a Poem
by Micha Archer

A little boy's animal friends help him discover the poetry to be found in nature. Ages 3-7

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Animal Ark: Celebrating Our Wild World in Poetry and Pictures

Animal Ark: Celebrating Our Wild World in Poetry and Pictures
by Joel Sartore, Photo Ark creator; words by Kwame Alexander; with Mary Rand Hess & Deanna Nikaido

40 unique animal portraits are combined with descriptive poetry in this stunning work. Ages 6-12

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Seeing into Tomorrow

Seeing into Tomorrow
by Richard Wright; illustrated by Nina Crews

Through haiku and photo collage illustgrations, everyday moments for African American boys are put into focus. Ages 5-10

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Seeds, Bees, Butterflies, and More!: Poems for Two Voices: Poems

Seeds, Bees, Butterflies, and More!: Poems for Two Voices: Poems
by Carole Gerber; illustrated by Eugene Yelchin

Fun rhyming poems about the natural world for two voices are blooming, bursting, and buzzing. Ages 5-10

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Swirl by Swirl

Swirl by Swirl
by Joyce Sidman; illustrated by Beth Krommes

This title celebrates the shape of a spiral in nature from rushing rivers to flower buds and even the shape of an ear. Ages 4-10

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Step Gently Out

Step Gently Out
by Helen Frost; photographs by Rick Lieder

Close-up photos and lightly-rhymed verse capture a bug's-eye view of nature and encourage children to experience the world outside. Ages 4-9

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Laughing Tomatoes and Other Spring Poems = Jitomates risueños y otros poemas de primavera

Laughing Tomatoes and Other Spring Poems = Jitomates risueños y otros poemas de primavera
by Francisco X. Alarcón; illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez

Renowned Mexican American poet presents a bilingual collection of humorous and serious poems about family, nature, and celebrations. Ages 5-12

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Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems

Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems
by selected by Paul B. Janeczko; illustrated by Melissa Sweet

This book offers a selection of short American poems on the four seasons and the different weather events and animal patterns that can occur. Ages 4-10

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A Pocketful of Poems

A Pocketful of Poems
by Nikki Grimes; illustrated by Javaka Steptoe

Through paired haiku and lyrical free verse poetry, Tiana explores her world in the city. Ages 4-9

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Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature

Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature
by Nicola Davies; illustrated by Mark Hearld

Readers experience the sights and sounds of the changing seasons, along city streets and in country meadow. Ages 4-12

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The Sun is So Quiet

The Sun is So Quiet
by Nikki Giovanni; illustrations by Ashley Bryan

This collaboration creates a special collection of poetry, capturing elements that children love through exciting text and vivid illustrations. Ages 8-13

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Poetree

Poetree
by Caroline Pignat; illustrated by François Thisdale

Sparse poems and rich illustrations excite wonder at the harmony and beauty found in every stage of nature. Ages 3-8

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