Big Book of Verse for Aussie Kids

Jim Haynes. Allen and Unwin, Paperback, 389 pages

The Big Book of Verse is a fun book to read with Liam (my almost 4 year old). He enjoys the imagery, but he wishes there were some pictures in there… The poems are fun to hear, and fun to read, and already resonate with his ideas of the world.

This book is probably better suited for slightly older kids, there are many poems in here that we just have to skip over. I think it would be perfect for my niece and nephew (7 and 9) – and fantastic for in the classroom.

We read this one tonight, and it was probably his favourite. He asked me lots of questions though “What’s ‘gooze’?”
What hippos do by Anonymous

What can put a smile on a hippo’s dial?
What can make him run for a hundred mile?
No, it’s not a party with a paper hat
Or a cake and caramel that make him fat.

I’ll tell you
Just what hippos do…

They, ooze and gooze
They never get the blues
They wade in the water
Without any shoes.

I’m telling you
That’s what hippos do…

Allen and Unwin have agreed to send 3 of my readers (Australian only) a copy of this book. So please write in the comments your favourite kids author and books, contest will be open for 7 days – please use a real email address.