J. Patrick Lewis, who has published more than 50 volumes of poetry for children, has just been named the new Children's Poet Laureate, a.k.a the top kids' poet. Lewis was chosen for the honor by the Poetry Foundation, which created the position of Children's Poet Laureate as a way to help adults understand that kids are naturally open to enjoying poetry. Lewis, who will receive a $25,000 cash prize, will hold the Children's Poet Laureate post for two years, during which he will give two major public poetry readings. Lewis was thrilled to be chosen; in an interview with School Library Journal, he exclaimed: "When I received the phone call, I immediately had butterflies, and they jumped up and began tap-dancing on my heart -- and that's where they are now!" You can read the full interview here: J. Patrick Lewis Named Children's Poet Laureate
Most of Lewis' poetry books are funny. Some favorite titles by Lewis at our Library include: A hippopotamusn't and Other Animal Verses, The Little Buggers: Insect and Spider Poems andThe Underwear Salesman: Jobs for Better or Verse. Lewis' poetry books can be found in the poetry section in our Children's Room at J 811.54 LEWIS.
Lewis also writes picture books, including The Snowflake Sisters and The Kindergarten Cat. These can be found in our picture book section under J PIC LEWIS. Here's a link to the Library's collection of books by Lewis: http://tinyurl.com/3old3qc
Posted by at May 12, 2011 06:26 PM