“Poetry collections are a tough sell.”
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If I had a dime for every time I heard that comment during my publishing journey! The market for poetry collections may be slimmer than for other types of picture books, but poetry collections DO sell. (Want proof? Check out Sylvia Vardell’s SNEAK PEEK LISTS, where she unveils the upcoming children’s poetry collections for each year.)

I recently read a delightful picture book, (mostly) in rhyme, about the friendship between a bear and a squirrel. I'M STICKING WITH YOU is written by Smriti Prasadam-Halls, illustrated by Steve Small, and published by Henry Holt and Company in 2020.

Today, please join me in exploring three lyrical picture books!

When I was young, our family owned a big book of nursery and Mother Goose rhymes. I recall being especially fond of the rhymes that were riddles. "Humpty Dumpty" may be the best known of these. Here are a few others that I liked:

We hope you enjoy lots of lemonade and apple pie this Fourth of July. Oh, and of course, some poetry too! Here are a few of our favorite America-themed rhyming picture books and poetry collections to get you in the holiday groove. 

​True fact: kids love books that make them laugh. According to this Scholastic Kids and Family Reading Report, more than 70% of children choose humorous picture books as their favorites. ​