Customer Reviews
A gift that keeps on giving 
2007-12-26
Family of Poems, A
This s book of superb quality with the Kennedy family's best loved poems and superb water color illustrations for each one. The price is astoundingly low for such a lovely book. Over the past year or so, we must have ordered close to 20 to give as gifts, and each gift was warmly appreciated--especially the one that we gave to our host in Ireland. We also enjoy reading from ours to our grand kids.
*Poetry can make "all the difference" . . . * 2007-10-17
Poetry can make "all the difference" when we are choosing a path in life.
Growing up listening to my father read poetry I would gather 'favorites' in my mind and wish I could publish my own perfect collection. Caroline Kennedy has carried out this dream - in a book fit for any lap. a child's - or adult's. Its readers may always compare her choices with their own childhood favorites. My memory carries me back to "Silver Pennies" - the child-size book with line drawings & silhouettes, rather dated now, I suppose, but with solid choices of poems , as are Ms. Kennedy's.
Nostalgia triumphs over bright colors? Not really - both are greatly enjoyed and Jon Muth can be envied for the range he was free to explore. The truly important factor is that the someone reading cares to share the flavor & color, the lilt of words - and the love that shines through them. Anyone's favorite book of poetry may hang on to that special status for years, but having a child's open mind can gain you an appreciation of language and laughter, and introduce you to 'literary friends' who can point you toward many a less traveled path.
There were no illustrations in my parents' volumes, many with aging marbleized bindings, or leather. It was their obvious love of poetry that guided us to appreciate that laughter and choked-up emotions found expression in words, as well as phrasing and rhythm. An ear for poetry can be nurtured no matter what the format, or who is editor, or illustrator.
Reviewer mcHaiku's years have taught her that knowing which poems, hymns and songs are/were treasured by a parent or sibling is an ever-present treasure, a link to cherish. I am always grateful for one more poetry collection, one more lovely excuse to marvel at words at their best.
It's a pretty book 
2007-01-16
It's a pretty book, and there were one or two interesting poems, but that's about it. Overall, it was a very disappointing purchase. It goes into the "regifting box."
A must-have for all children 2007-01-09
This is a fantastic first "anthology" of poetry for children. The choice of poems is excellent as well as the organization by themes. Lovely, soothing, and inspiring illustrations accompany the poems. My four-year-old son loves it and we read a few poems each time at bedtime.
Great collection of poetry, all in one book 2006-11-04
This is a great collection of poetry for children. It's all the best poetry in one book. It's like a "greatest hits" CD. Everything in it is good. Being a homeschool family, we use this book a lot!! I highly recommend it.
Childrens' Poetry-Caroline Kennedy 2008-07-18
This book is wonderful. It contains many of the poems I learned while growing up, and now I can share them with my grands, as I did with their moms. It stays at "Nana's house" for those special visits.. I hope the little ones (5 of them) will learn to love these words as I did.
Beautiful book for younger children as well 2008-05-28
We have borrowed this book several times from the library and I am ordering my own copy today. This has become one of my three year old's favorite bedtime books. Some of the poems are too long for her, and there are many I have to explain to her as we read. I'm buying the book because I anticipate that it is complex and interesting enough to hold her attention for some years to come. This book has a great selection of poetry and beautiful illustrations. I anticipate purchasing several copies in the future as gifts for friends and family.
masterful paintings, beautiful poems 2008-01-23
Jon Muth's breathtaking paintings and Caroline Kennedy's choice of poems make this book a treasure for middle aged me, and children of all ages.
aristocratic in a good way 2008-01-07
This book is a treasure. The art is light filled and the selections are very satisfying. Leave it to Caroline Kennedy to share her wealth with the rest of us in her tasteful way.
Less than perfect condition 
2007-12-27
I planned to give this book as a gift, so "new condition" was important. When I received it, it did look perfect. Then I opened the front cover. On the inside page was a big inscription "Happy Chanukah from Grandpa Vic"...to my family" etc. That rendered it unusable for my use...and not mentioned in the pre-purchase information.
I ended up giving my own copy, which truly was in new condition, and keeping the inscripted version for myself.
