Book review and giveaway: 100 Best Christmas Poems for Children

Disclaimer: I have received a complimentary copy of ‘100 Best Christmas Poems for Children’ for the purposes of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

We love snuggling together and reading a Christmas story from our book advent calendar each night in December. This year we’re also going to add a Christmas poem each day, thanks to being gifted a copy of ‘100 Best Christmas Poems for Children’ for this review. This lovely poetry anthology, edited by Roger McGough and illustrated by Beatriz Castro, brings together 100 festive poems for children to enjoy.

 

 

The poems featured in the collection range from traditional and well-known verses, such as ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ by Christina Rosetti, through to modern poems, such as ‘Santa Claws’ by Julia Donaldson. There are eight sections on various festive themes, from wintry weather, the nativity scene, presents and all the little things that are part of Christmas Day and the run-up to Christmas.

 

 

In the introduction, Roger McGough writes. “‘If poems were gifts, and in many ways they are, children will find plenty to absorb and amuse them in this bulging stocking of an anthology… Christmas is, of course, a religious festival for Christians all over the world, but the message of hope, forgiveness and love at its centre means that it is for everyone. As are these poems.’

 

There is certainly plenty in this anthology for everyone. The poems in the collection include haiku, shape poems, songs, letters to Santa and various other forms of poetry, both rhyming and non-rhyming. Sophie’s favourite in the collection so far is ‘Stay Away from the Manger’ by Paul Cookson. This funny poem, set to the tune of ‘Away in a Manger’,  is all about the perils of the school nativity. There are also a few in the collection that I am considering as possible options to read at our church carol service.

 

 

This book is perfect for families to read together or for children aged 8-12 to read to themselves and would make a lovely Christmas present. We are looking forward to reading a selection of the poems together throughout the Advent period.

 

 

If you would like to be in with a chance of winning your own copy of ‘100 Best Christmas Poems for Children’ then please do enter my giveaway through the Gleam form below. There is one copy of the book available for one lucky reader to win. The competition is open to entrants from the UK only and closes at 23:59 on 1st December 2021. The winner will be chosen at random after the competition closes. For full terms and conditions, please click the link on the Gleam widget. Good luck!

 

‘100 Best Christmas Poems for Children’ book giveaway