Talking Like the Rain: A Read-To-Me Book of Poems

Last night, my not-quite-three-year-old daughter spontaneously recited a couple dozen poems from this book to my wife and me. We were astounded. She's been requesting that we read TALKING LIKE THE RAIN to her day and night since I bought it last month, but we had no idea how deeply the poems had sunken in. What better endorsement can one give to such a book? We plan to buy several more copies as presents for my daughter's friends . . . and their parents. X.J. Kennedy is a terrific poet as well as a top-notch editor. I highly recommend his own children's poetry books, particularly his irreverent BRATS, as well as his poetry books for adults, which include the excellent DARK HORSES and CROSS TIES.

This large, gorgeous picture book contains 123 poems perfectly suited for youthful excursions into the land of poetry. You will find many favorites here as well as bountiful opportunity to make new friends. Emily Dickinson, Rachel Field, David McCord, Jane Yolen, Christina Rossetti, Langston Hughes, Elizabeth Coatsworth, and Robert Frost are just a few of the amazing talents that grace the pages of this book. From the very beginning where a qote from Isak Dinesen's "Out of Africa" explains the title of the book, we are swept up in a cavalcade of imagery, sound and experience that is a true delight and feast for the imagination. Not only is this a wonderful introduction to poetry for children it is a giant step forward toward learning about creative visualization and self-expression. It is a fortunate child who learns to evoke response from others through the mastery and selection of words. There is no better way to teach the art than to provide a child with the opportunity to experience the magic first-hand. The splendid illustrations in this book cheerily invite one to venture closer and then become the magic carpet that sweeps one from place to place within the book. The subject matter covers a broad range of topics, humorous and thoughtful, and can serve as a wonderful catalyst to further discussion about poetry and the use of the imagination. After a long and satisfying relationship with this book, may I suggest that you place a special magical pen and a blank tablet of paper in the hands of your child and discover the wonders it has helped to deliver. This book is truly an ambassador to creative expression.

For people hoping to nurture the love of poetry in young children, this is THE collection to get. The poems are fun, rhyming, short but with great themes/stories, and the illustrations are fantastic! My 3 and 5 year-olds both love the book. I have bought other, highly recommended collections of poems for children, but this is by far my family's favorites! I taught college courses using X.J. Kennedy's collection of short stories as a textbook and I respected his judgement and taste then, but this book impressed me all over again.

Tastefully and carefully selected verses by the Kennedys will help give children a fondness for the musical power of words. Lavish watercolors by Dyer enhance the experience.

A beautiful book with wonderful poems. The illustrations by Jane Dyer are absolutely gorgeous! Every night my daughter asks for her poems. And always wants just one more. It would be a great gift for a new mom and dad.