Amongst the wide variety of poetic forms found across children's poetry, the list is strikingly prevalent. Drawing on Umberto Eco's theory of lists, the article examines how the poetic list plays out in the work of a number of children's poets, distinguishing four sub-categories, each of which operates in a slightly different way. After a brief…

This article looks at how Ted Hughes' poetry for children developed over more than 30 years of publication. It traces the movement from his earlier, more conventional rhyming poems, such as "Meet My Folks!" (1961) and "Nessie the Mannerless Monster" (1964), to the mature, free verse "animal poems" for older readers of "Season Songs" (1976c),…

Carol Ann Duffy's three volumes of children's poetry are important and interesting because they emerge from the work of a writer whose adult poetry has persistently associated childhood with dark and difficult areas of experience. This article explores what happens to such challenging material when a poet of major significance changes the focus of…

Notes that poetry written for adults offers children qualities that are often lacking in children's poetry books: a more mature, sophisticated use of language and imagery, and an intriguing, early introduction to figures whose works they will undoubtedly study later. Suggests specific poems that children can enjoy. (HOD)

Presents an interview with Jamaican-born James Berry, award- winning poet, about his life experiences, influences, development as a poet, and recent poetry. (TB)

Interviews Charles Causley, distinguished contemporary British poet, who talks about his art and his work with children. (SR)

Looks at 10 collections of poetry that helped to change attitudes during the 1980s toward poetry in classrooms. (MG)

Notes a dearth of quality poetry for young readers. Looks at the work of three poets for young people who have turned to the urban experience for inspiration--Richard Margolis, Paul Janeczko, and Gary Soto. Suggests that the city is a "grand and colorful chorus of humanity with voices mingling sorrow and joy." (RS)

Considers poetry for children by the late Ted Hughes, British Poet Laureate. Examines it in its own terms as poetry and in terms of its intended audience. Suggests his poetry was an attempt to create a body of work that remained true to his gift of "caging" the minute within real and imaginary worlds. (SR)