“Poetry and Childhood” stands as a pioneering academic work, casting a scholarly spotlight on the enchanting world of childhood poetry. This groundbreaking volume unites luminaries such as Philip Gross, Andrew Motion, and Michael Rosen, alongside esteemed critics Teresa Cremin, Peter Hunt, and more. Originating from a prestigious conference hosted by Morag Styles at the British Library and the University of Cambridge, this collection offers a global perspective on the poetic heritage of childhood. From exploring the timeless verses of John Bunyan and AA Milne to examining contemporary works by Carol Ann Duffy, the contributors delve into diverse traditions and forms of poetry. With a fresh lens on comic verse, nature’s lyrical significance, and the oral tradition, this book celebrates the profound impact of poetry on young hearts and minds. Through the voices of children, poets, and educators, this work transcends academia, inviting all who cherish poetry or childhood to embark on this illuminating journey.
The Genius Behind the Words: Contributor Insights
Morag Styles
Louise Joy
David Whitley
In the Reader’s Perspective: Reviews and Opinions
“With its esteemed contributors and comprehensive coverage of various topics, this volume promises to be the definitive authority on poetry and childhood for the foreseeable future.”
“Addressing fundamental questions about poetry for children, this collection of essays offers enlightening insights and celebrates the diversity and creativity of contemporary writers in the field. It pays tribute to their originality while honoring the rich tradition they uphold.”
“This book holds immense significance in its exploration of poetry for children.”
Deciphering the Book’s Blueprint: A Journey Through Its Contents
Introduction: Taking the Long View – the State of Children’s Poetry Today – Morag Styles WHAT IS CHILDREN’S POETRY? Chapter 1: Theory, Texts and contexts: A Reading and Writing Memoir – Michael Rosen Chapter 2: Confronting the Snark: The Non-Theory of Children’s Poetry – Peter Hunt Chapter 3: What Is Children’s Poetry? Children’s Views of Children’s Poetry – Stephen Miles Chapter 4: Ted Hughes and the ‘Old Age of Childhood’ – Lissa Paul POETS AND CHILDHOOD Chapter 5: ‘Childish Toys’ for Boys with Beards: John Bunyan’s A Book for Boys and Girls – Pat Pinsent Chapter 6: ‘Those first affections’: Wordswoth and Mournful Adolescence – Louise Joy Chapter 7: ‘The Land of Play’: Robert Louis Stevenson’s A Child’s Garden of Verses – Shaun Holland Chapter 8: A.A Milne’s Poetic World of Childhood in When We Were Very Young and Now We Are Six – Jean Webb Chapter 9: ‘The Penny Fiddle’ and Poetic Truth – Michael Joseph Chapter 10: ‘A child, barefoot: alone’: Innocence in Charles Causley’s Poetry – Debbie Pullinger Chapter 11: ‘Not Not Nursery Rhymes’ and ‘Not Not Lullabies’: How Carol Ann Duffy and Porarinn Eldjarn Refurnish the Nursery – Olga Holownia TRADITIONS AND FORMS OF POETRY FOR CHILDREN Chapter 12: Humpty Dumpty and the Sense on an Unending – David Rudd Chapter 13: ‘If it rhymes, it’s funny’: Theories of humour in Children’s Poetry – Karen Coats Chapter 14: Children’s Oral Poetry: Identity and Obscenity – C.W. Sullivan III Chapter 15: Poetry in Children’s Annuals – Victor Watson Chapter 16: Wicked Thoughts: Fairy-tale Poetry for Children and Adults – Laura Tosi CHILDHOOD AND NATURE: CHANGING PERSPECTIVES Chapter 17: Anthropomorphism Dressed and Undressed in Beatrix Potter’s Rhymes and Riddles – Lorraine Kerslake Chapter 18: Once upon a time in the realms of Eden: Children’s Poetry in Brazil – Telma Franco Diniz Chapter 19: Animal Poems and Children’s Rights in America, 1820-1890 – Angela Sorby Chapter 20: ‘Imaginary gardens with real toads in them’: Animals in Children’s Poetry – David Whitley CHILDREN, TEACHERS, POETS, READERS Chapter 21: Poets in the Making: Ted Hughes, Poetry and Children – Peter Cook Chapter 22: Articulating the Auditory Imagination: When Children Talk About Poetry They Hear – John Gordon Chapter 23: The Affordances of Orality for young People’s Experience of Poetry – Joy Alexander Chapter 24: Exploring Poetry Teachers: Teachers Who Read and Readers Who Teach Poetry – Teresa Cremin AFTERWORDS Chapter 25: Playing with words: Two children’s Encounters with Poetry from Birth – Virginia Lowe Chapter 26: Writing Alongside at the Poetry and Childhood Conference – Philip Gross
