Best children's books - The CLiPPA Shortlist (CLPE Poetry Award)

CLiPPA Shortlist

Five Little Friends

Poetry

A PERFECT new baby gift and an ideal toddler read for Christmas with 34 original poems by award-winning poet and author Sean Taylor that each come with its own accompanying easy-to-follow directions for actions and movement.Any child is in safe hands with this ingenious one-of-a-kind interactive poetry collection.Stunningly illustrated by Fiona Woodcock, FIVE LITTLE FRIENDS offers parents and caregivers simple and joyful ways to sing and play with their little ones as well as encouraging both children AND grown-ups to use their fingers, hands, arms, legs and even feet to become a stomping elephant, falling snow or bursting fireworks!Held in a big, handsomely sturdy picture book format - just right for sharing - this book is sure to help entertain, and engage with, wriggling, rolling babies or busy toddlers. Even MORE than this – finger rhymes are a beautifully simple way to help children develop and work on their fine motor skills while supporting their social and emotional development.- Create some beautiful Christmas memories with this must have title for any child’s library. - An ideal title for schools and libraries or any kind of early years setting. - A stunningly designed and deeply practical new baby gift.

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A First Book of Bugs

Adam Ming & Simon Mole

Non-fiction Poetry

This lively poetry collection is a brilliant follow-up for those who, like us, loved A First Book of Dinosaurs. Simon Mole uses his poetic skill to give a voice to everything from ants to scorpions, through a mix of poetic styles from snappy haikus and rhythmic verses that are perfect for reading aloud.

The language is playful, making it a fantastic EYFS and KS1 resource for exploring alliteration and onomatopoeia. Children who love minibeasts will also adore the bold and bright illustrations, which show bugs larger than life against vibrant backgrounds.

This is a real celebration of the tiny but mighty world of creepy crawlies, and will inspire children to get out into the garden to go hunting for bugs of different shapes and sizes.

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The Poetry World of John Agard

John Agard

Poetry

A towering figure in the children’s and YA poetry world, John Agard has chosen favourite poems from eight of his previously published collections: I Din Do Nuttin; Say it Again, Granny; No Hickory, No Dickory, No Dock; Laughter is an Egg; Grandfather's Old Bruk-a-Down Car; We Animals Would Like a Word With You; Come Back to Me My Boomerang, and Points of View With Professor Peekaboo.Over 80 poems are included, reflecting the genius of Agard through a range of poetic forms and styles and most of all his extraordinary ability to connect with children of all ages through poetry.

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Press Start to Play

Sam Gayton

Poetry

Designed to look a bit like a video game controller (which way up would you hold it?!), Press Start to Play is a poetry collection that offers a way to capture children’s interest in gaming. The book itself is there to be played with, with its fun interactive flick-book feature.

This playful collection gamifies poetry by hooking young players with zappy rhymes, puzzling riddles and gaming-themed wordplay that will appeal to fans of everything from video games like Minecraft to boardgames like Monopoly and outdoor games like playground football matches.

It’s not all high-energy though. Sam Gayton weaves in quieter, reflective verses that add depth. Complete with prompts to get children writing their own verses, this is a fantastic and high-interest choice for Key Stage 2.

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This is Not a Small Voice

Jade Orlando & Traci N. Todd

Poetry

A beautiful, bold and moving collection of 100 poems by Black poets for the whole family to treasure.Discover classic favourites and new stars in a book that belongs on every child's bookshelf. This gorgeously-illustrated children's anthology makes the perfect introduction to poets such as Lucille Clifton, Langston Hughes, Benjamin Zephaniah, Gwendolyn Brooks, Maya Angelou, Amanda Gorman, Caleb Femi and Joseph Coelho. It also features brand new work from celebrated writers such as Nikki Grimes and Carole Boston Weatherford.Compiled by award-winning picture book writer and editor Traci N. Todd, this collection touches a wide range of themes - hope and struggle, joy and pride, home and food, music and family. Each poem is perfectly paired with vibrant, heartfelt illustrations from Jade Orlando. This is a gift book to cherish - a brilliant tribute to the rich literary history and bright future of Black writing.

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