Review: National Geographic Book Of Nature Poetry (Holiday Gift Guide)

National Geographic was a huge part of my childhood, and I am making it a point to incorporate their amazing books in to my four year old daughter Ava’s childhood as well. As you all know, reading aloud to your youngster’s is an integral piece of them learning to read and write on their own.  So, “story time” is a staple in our house, I try to make it a point to read to Ava every day. 

National Geographic Book Of Nature Poetry is what we are reading right now, and my daughter is absolutely obsessed with it! Kids love poetry in general, there is something about a poem’s rhythmic rhyming that intrigues kids of all ages, and makes them want to read along, or in Ava’s case turn the poem in to a song.  She also is in love with animals, so it is a win-win. 

The National Geographic Book Of Nature Poetry is intended for children ages 4-8 years old.  The hardcover book is packed full of over 190 pages of nature inspired poems, and over 100 bright and beautiful photographs that National Geographic is famous for – to go all along with the poems.  The photos alone keep my daughter busy.  Sometimes I catch her browsing through the book all by herself just chatting away about the different animals and landscape scenes.  Some of the poems in National Geographic Book Of Poetry I have recognized, the book includes some classic works by Robert Frost and some never before published works.  The poems range from little ditties about animals to breathtaking poems about thunderstorms and the changing of the seasons. 

If you have a four year old, or any children for that matter – then I am sure that they can be a bit rough on books. Ava has finally outgrown the “color in every book on the book-shelf stage.”  That’s another reason that I am obsessed with the National Geographic Kids books.  Not only are they VERY affordable, but they also tend to withstand the true test of time … and children.

The National Geographic Book Of Nature Poetry was compiled by professional poet J. Patrick Lewis.  For those of you who aren’t familiar with Lewis, he was named the U.S. Children’s Poet Laurete from 2011 – 2013.  And, he was also named the Winner of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) 2011 Excellence in Children’s Poetry Award.  If anyone knows anything about children’s poetry, it’s J. Patrick Lewis, he has penned over 30 children’s books!

One of the great things about this particular book, is that it is a compilation of short poems.  So, if you have a little one with a short attention span on your hands – it is much easier for them to stay invested in what you are reading, it doesn’t feel like the neverending story to them.  It’s also a great way to measure incentives with your kids.  The other day I told Ava that if she behaved while we were out and about – I would read her five poems before bed instead of our traditional three.  And, when we got home she made sure that I made good on my promise!

The holiday season is right around the corner, and if you have any kids that love animals and are hungry for knowledge on your shopping list –then you have to check out the book collection at National Geographic Kids. I highly recommend National Geographic Book Of Poetry if you are searching for the perfect book to read your kids during story time. 

Disclosure: I am part of the National Geographic Kids Insider program. I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.