The Nation's Favourite Poems of Childhood

Why are poems and childhood an irresistible combination? It could be that the act of having a child is such a powerful emotion, it demands to be recorded in a most special way. Yet it could also be because the idea of being creative with words is something that both poets and children do.

The Nation's Favourite Poems of Childhood is not a totally sentimental collection (Larkin's "This be the Verse" puts paid to that), nor is it an anthology designed to be read by children. Instead it is a wonderful expression of the myriad emotions that encompass growing up. Think about your childhood and what do you remember?--happy days in the park, indeed, but there's also curiosity (how hot is that flame?), pain (another scuffed knee), anger (that's my bike!) and frustration (but why not?) to contend with.

Based on a Radio Times poll, this book takes the reader on a nostalgic and diverse journey. Some are amusing: William Blake is depressed as he is forced to sit in the classroom on a summer's day while Carol Ann Duffy can't help reaching into that box of chocolates, as long as she doesn't get the coffee cream. Others are indelibly sad, such as John Silkin's description of his son, who died in a mental hospital at the age of one.

Like the other Nation's Favourite books in the collection, this book is highly accessible. It is not an intimidating tome of obscure poetry and is all the more powerful for this.

--Sue Owen

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