Hopkins Anthology- Book Review

Hopkins, L. B. (1998). Climb into my lap: First poems to read together. Illustrated by Kathryn Brown. New York: Simon and Schuster.

This compilation of approximately 50 poems includes old favorites as well as introducing fresh additions to the genre of children’s poetry. The intended audience is the parent and child and many of the poems reflect the day-to-day activities and experiences of a young child, such as brushing teeth, laughing until your cheeks hurt, and dealing with a range of family members. The poems are divided into categories: humorous, make-believe, and nighttime selections to name a few. Many rhyme, and most have a rhythm best explored out loud, as the title of the anthology reflects. A variety of types are represented, from free verse to limerick, though neither Bennett nor the layout place great emphasis on the type of poem. It’s probable that the parent will be reading the poems to the child, so the illustrations are integral to the enjoyment of the poems. Brown’s illustrations are gentle and inviting and somewhat predictable.

Overall, I think these poems will appeal to younger children, especially due to their timeless feel and universality of topics. The read-aloud-together persona of the anthology is apparent even though the poems themselves stand on their own. Imagination pours from the pages and children will delight in quenching their thirst.