This is a beautiful collection of poetry specific to English language poets. They are from countries across the World. The book is strikingly illustrated with a rich array of paintings and drawings that the artist developed after studying the poetry, traveling to some of the countries, and trying to put to paints what the authors put in words. A daunting task.

This books is not a young child's book, as the content is more suited for age 10 and up. So while this is published by a primarily children's press (Candlewick Press), it is suitable for children and adults. This will make grand addition to the home library for those who wish to read or study poetry and for those who wish to introduce their children to the words of great poets. A truly nice collection.

The poets in this anthology encompass a timeline from 1564 AD (William Shakespeare's birth) to 2000 AD (Judith Wright's death). There are brief biographies of the poets and paintings of them as well. This provides easy access for children (students) to become acquainted with the poets, aid their research into English literature and the authors of that genre. Provided also is a grand little index in the back of the book. And then there are the delightful lines of poetry themselves.....

The Mock Turtle's Song (Lewis Carroll) p.84
"Will you walk a little faster?"
said a whiting to a snail.
"There's a porpoise close behind us,
and he's treading on my tail.
See how eagerly the lobsters and
the turtles all advance!
They are waiting on the shingle--
will you come and join the dance?
Will you, won't you, will you, won't you,
will you join the dance?...........

O Captain! My Captain! (Walt Whitman) p.76
O Captain! my Captain! our fateful trip is done,
The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won,
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.

This eclectic anthology of poems includes serious, deep thinking thoughts as well as light hearted, jovial. However, true to poetry, there is often loneliness and heartbreak hidden in the lines of the funny or lighthearted.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review of my honest opinions. I received no compensation. ( )

1) No Award

2) Grades 2-6

3) Classic Poetry is a collection of poems from famous historical figures such as William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, and many others. These poems are extremely important for history because it gives us an insight on the authors who wrote these various poems. These poems can also teach us of the type of time period that took place when the author wrote the poem.

4) One activity a teacher can perform with their classroom is to have the child pick out their favorite poem and ask them to research on the author. After research, have the student create a poster board detailing biographical data on the poet and the time period he lived in.