Smile Out Loud: 25 Happy Poems (2) (Poetry to Perform)

Smile Out Loud by Joseph Coelho and Daniel Gray-Barnett is a such an accessible poetry book. Often poetry can be accompanied by little or no illustrations even for younger children, often been thought of as something to be solely heard. It's very much the images that drew my five year old daughter to this book. She was enthralled by the dragon and the person with wooden legs telling me which poems to read first based on what piqued her interest from the images. The Yeti and the dinosaur bones were also instant hits.I never expect to love every poem in a collection or anthology as poetry is something so person. Often it can depend upon my mood whether a poem is feeding my soul that day or not. However, I found that we enjoyed so many of the poetry in this glorious book and lots did have us giggling and laughing out together.I liked the little introduction to each poem that gave tips on how to read the poem and activities and ideas for when reading. My little one really enjoyed the Zeugmas and Dada's Treasures. Poetry can be one of those things that those learning to read can find challenging as you try to slip into the rhythm of the author. Although, I did feel that this collection, in the layout and spacing, particularly aided reading for younger readers.I'd put this book at around 5+ years and would certainly use it as a poetry text throughout the primary years. Perfect for your bookcase whether at home or school.Thank you Quarto for sending this Wide Eyed publication to me for review.

The poems are fun, and I would say more meant to be read by an adult to a child especially since most poems include activities by one, or sometimes more, children. As an example, make up words using the ending of animal names and include them in a poem; Hippopotamus-teapotanimus, armadillo, Brazil-o, still-o. Or another "The Dragging Dragon" encourages repetition of words.This book teaches about different forms of poems, villanelles, and zeugmas which might be a bit more than the majority of the demographic would care about but., it's still nice that the author wants to teach more than making silly rhymes.The graphics, in keeping with the spirit of the poems, are simple and fun as well as colorful in other words, perfect for the younger reader (or listener).I enjoyed reading this and the 16-month-old who had to listen to me probably didn't understand much, but he sure giggled a lot as I tried to get him to interact.This would be a delightful book for children from 2 to 5 although some older kids could enjoy it as well. I know that the adults who read it will get a kick out of it.Definitely recommended.Review of: Smile Out Loud: 25 Happy Poems

This Smile Out Loud: 25 Happy Poems book didn't trike as much of a chord with me as I'd hoped.These poems are best suited to adults and kids who are big fans of or are interested in theatrics, especially for those struggling to come up with new ideas. Each page has recommendations on how to improv or act out the story, or make it extra silly. Some are meant to be performed in a group. There's one that recommends keeping a dream journal.Many of the poems are only funny if you act out different voices or do some sort of performance with it.I found my favorite poems in this book were the ones that could be enjoyed with out any of the extra hullabaloo, simply by reading poetry and enjoying the mood the illustration creates. Perhaps that makes me a boring parent. I only really liked a few of the poems and a few of the illustrations. The bedtime one is quite nice.All in all not a terrible book, I think it just wasn't my style.

This book is steps above the usual nursery rhyme or silly rhyming story books. Now that I think about it there does seem to be a vacuum when it comes to books of poetry for children above toddler age that might help them develop an interest in poetry.Each poem has an introductory sentence or paragraph and perhaps a question or something to think about. I agree with others that this book is best read to and discussed a bit with children. This isn't a serious book of poems. Many are funny and/or interesting.I am not crazy about the art in this book, but since I am not a child that doesn't matter one whit. There are lots of bright and bold colors which will appeal to any child.My five year old granddaughter should love it. Can't wait to read it with her.

I am always looking for exceptional books for my second graders. This one, Smile Out Loud: 25 Happy Poems, is one that I am sure they will love. This book was written by Joseph Coelho and illustrated by Daniel Gray Barnett.This hardcover book is well-made with a durable, wipe-clean cover and thick pages that are more tear resistant.But it is what is inside that is the most special. Inside are silly, interactive poems to which children can make faces, laugh, walk funny, imagine, move, and dream. They can even learn from these poems! There are zeugmas, villanelles, rondelles, spoonerisms, poems with repetition, a poem to read when you are sad, and one to read before bed. All are illustrated with bright colors and pleasing, dynamic drawings. What a gem!

I was the kid who hated reading out loud in class. Now that I have a kid, I've found that I love reading books to them. I love doing the voices, drawing out words, making the faces. These poems are meant to be read out loud, and they are so much fun!My child is old enough to read some on their own, and these poems are good practice for their language and pronunciation.We are having lots of fun reading together. There are funny poems, and there are goofy ones. Perfect for kids.Great idea and nicely done!