In New York City, there is a lot to celebrate during the month of April, National Poetry Month. It feels like poems fill the air as the weather warms, flowers bloom, animals come out of hiding, and, of course, Earth Day arrives!  No worries if you missed it yesterday, this post will help you and your children celebrate our Earth (and her fantastic creatures!) with a few recommendations from NYPL's vast collection of poetry for young people. 

Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies. Inspire your children to go outside and observe the nature around them with this beautiful collection of 50 poems divided by season.

In the Sea by David Elliot. A recent collection of oceanic poems from the author of In the Wild and On the Farm. 

Discover the inner workings of the bee community with Douglas Florian's unBEElievables. Each poem is enhanced by supporting information — almost too good to "bee" true!  Florian's Poetrees is a creative introduction to 13 different tree species and their parts. 

The Hound Dog's Haiku and Other Poems for Dog Lovers by Michael Rosen. Woodcut illustrations accompany each haiku about a different dog breed.

The Tree that Time Built selected by Mary Ann Hoberman and Linda Winston; illustrated by Barbara Fortin. An anthology from some of our favorite poets which celebrates the natural world, especially the connection among living things. A rich resource with glossary and explanatory notes, great for middle school readers, budding scientists and classroom use. 

Newbery Honor artist Joyce Sidman's Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature is a beautiful homage to this curious shape, found many places in nature. Written in free-verse; be sure to check out the endnotes for additional information.