Wednesdays with David: A Child's Garden of Verses

A Child's Garden of Verses

By Robert Louis Stevenson 

Illustrations by Ruth Mary Hallock

Barnes and Noble 2007

A gift from Aunt Katie

The story: This is a collection of poems for children by Robert Louis Stevenson, the beloved author of classics such as Treasure Island and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. These poems are perfect for young children. They deal with things like the injustice of going to bed in the sunshine during summer and the fun of playing with your shadow.

Mama opines: I am trying to read some poetry once in a while with David and I am so thrilled that my friend Katie got this book for him. While its age sometimes requires me to explain some things (it's such a pity that we have neither a nurse nor a maid!), so far it has a pretty timeless feeling. Children have, for generations, pretended that their beds become boats at bedtime and sail them off to dreamland. We are enjoying this one and we will be on the lookout for more great poetry for kids.

Thoughts from David: I like it because I think it’s silly. Casting shadows on the wall is fun. I like the pictures.

David's favorite poem so far:

Fairy Bread

Come up here, O dusty feet!

Here is fairy bread to eat.

Here in my retiring room, 

Children, you may dine

On the golden smell of broom

And the shade of pine;

And when you have eaten well,

Fairy stories hear and tell. 

What are you reading with your little one today?