Introducing Children to Poetry

It seems most children's first taste of poetry comes in the form of a Dr. Seuss book. There is certainly something about the rhythm, rhyme and silly made up words that make his stories/poetry wildly entertaining for children and adults alike. I, for one, can't get enough of Green Eggs and Ham.

The next poetry book my daughter picked up was my old copy of Shel Silverstein's book, Where the Sidewalk Ends, I was more than happy to read aloud from this favorite book of my own childhood. It soon became Princess' absolute favorite book on the shelf as well(closely followed by A <Light in the Attic and Falling Up). It was almost like she had found a new treasure. Now I don't claim to be a poetry connoisseur and I have no idea what the smart english professor types think about Shel and his poetry, but again the rhyme and mostly the silliness drew my daughter in. I remember feeling the same way as a child. I loved those poems. I spent many hours memorizing and loved to recite one at any moment.

The Flower Show
If I had wheels instead of feet
And roses 'stead of eyes,
Then I would drive to the flower show
And maybe win a prize.

-Shel Silverstein

(yeah, I was pretty much a nerd and I guess I still am).

I was introduced to my next favorite children's poet by a good friend of mine at my first baby shower. She gave me three Douglas Florian books. He writes fun poetry for kids and his accompanying illustrations (like Silverstein) are great as well. The poetry and illustration combination are great for keeping the attention of a younger crowd.

Now, every trip to the library, we try to pick up a new poetry book. We've done some Jack Prelutsky, more Douglas Florian, a few unmemorable compilations, and now we have The Complete Poems of Winnie-the-Pooh.

I am always looking for new recommendations. Anyone out there have any for the pre-k crowd? Preferably something that will catch her attention, fill her imagination, and help her learn to love poetry? And preferably something that will not make me want to slit my wrists if I have to read it like 300 times in one week.