The Puffin Book of Utterly Brilliant Poetry

Today I saw a little worm / Wriggling on his belly / Perhaps he'd like to come inside / And see what's on the telly.--Spike Milligan

This is a delightful, bright and gorgeously presented collection of poetry featuring the work of 10 popular and successful poets.

The selection has lots of different styles of poetry to enjoy and most poems are charming, funny or ridiculous. Some poems are familiar and probably already well-loved, but all are great fun and children will love the mad, surreal qualities of many verses featured. Each poet's section is accompanied by the work of different illustrators, making the book a wonderfully varied and colourful read.

Distinctive features of this collection are the interviews with each poet at the beginning of their sections which give the reader an interesting sense of their personalities and the roots of their poetry.

A wonderful high-quality selection sure to fire children's imaginations, this glossy book is amazing value. (Age 8-11) --Rachel Ediss

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View books by Brian Patten.

Funny poems for all ages - Rated
I was searching for a decent poetry book, since the one that I read as a child called Junket and Jumbles.

The Silly old Baboon poem was hilarious, and I am quite certain that the little boy for whom I bought this book will treasure it.

One small comment. If you are buying this book as new then all the poems are there, however with the second hand options go for the one that has the title 'The Puffin Book of Utterly Brilliant Poetry' and not the one titled just 'Utterly Brilliant Poetry' as the latter is just A5 size and missing some great poems.

A fantastic collection - Rated
This book makes a refreshing change from the 'usual' poetry anthology, with its focus on a small number of poets. The brief interview with each author at the start of their section puts the poems in a context, and gives a great insight into their background and inspirations, which I found fascinating. My 8 year old daughter absolutely loves this book for its selection of hilarious poems, and wonderful, bright illustrations, and adults will also take plenty from both the poetry and author interviews.

Puffin book of Utterly Brilliant poetry - Rated
Wow!

What a fantastic book, I am a parent of a young child (8) who has difficulties with reading and general literacy. He absolutely adored this book, some long poems for Mum to read but some that he could manage himself which was a huge confidence booster.

Spike Milligan's `The Squirdle' had him in fits of laughter as Mum kept getting it mixed up (on purpose of course) as did Benjamin Zephaniah's `Luv Song'.

I would highly recommend this book to parents and adults as it really has got something for everyone.

Believe me to see children who can't stop giggling whilst reading this book is a wonderful sight.

utterly brilliant introduction to poetry for kids - Rated
my mate bought this for my children two years ago, when they were four and two. it's become a mainstay of bed-time reading in our house. beautifully illustrated, laid out, and with an accessible choice of 'rhythms', it's a regular part of the night-time routine. i used to read the poems to my kids: now they read them to me. when my daughter wants to cheer me up, she reads me benjamin zepheniah's 'body talk'; when she wants to wind me up, she reads spike milligan's 'kids'; and when we all want a hug, i read them brain patten's 'squeezes'. utterly brilliant poetry highlights that poetry is fun. in fact, i'm online today to buy my mate's kids the book for themselves.

My children wanted to read the poems again and again - Rated
They really couldn't get enough of the poems. There is such a good range from Spike Milligan through to Kit Wright and on (or back) to Roger McGough. That isn't to say that the others are any less important, funny or entertaining. Even the illustrations are great. I would recommend this book to parents of children of ages from 2 to 22. Although really I bought it for myself.