Part 1: The Magic of Poetry in Early Reading

There’s a reason children light up when they hear a poem. The bounce of a rhythm, the surprise of a rhyme, the joy of a repeated phrase—all of it taps into something universal: the music of language.

As a children’s author and poetry lover, I’ve seen how poetry—especially rhyming stories—can spark a child’s imagination and give them tools to become confident readers.

What Is Poetry, Really?

Poetry isn’t limited to roses-are-red rhymes or dusty old sonnets. It’s a flexible, vibrant form of expression that comes in many forms, including:

• Rhyming verse – Stories or stanzas that end with matching sounds (like most picture books)
  
  

• Free verse – Poetry without strict rhyme or rhythm, more natural and conversational
  
  

• Haiku – Short poems with a 5-7-5 syllable structure, often focused on nature
  
  

• Lyrical poetry – Focused on emotion and musicality
  
  

• Narrative poetry – Poems that tell a story, like mini epics for young readers

Children are naturally drawn to poetry’s patterns, whether it rhymes or not.

Why Rhyming Books Work So Well for Kids

Rhyming books are often a child’s first introduction to the idea that reading can be fun. Here’s why they’re so powerful:

• Rhymes develop phonemic awareness – Children learn to hear and predict sounds in words, a skill essential for early reading.
  
  

• They build memory and repetition – Rhyming and rhythm help kids remember what they read and hear.
  
  

• They encourage participation – Rhymes invite kids to guess the next word or chant along, making reading feel like a game.

And let’s not forget the giggles. Rhymes are joyful! And joy is what makes children want to come back to books again and again.

Dr. Seuss: The King of Rhyme

Dr. Seuss knew the power of rhyme better than anyone. His books are a masterclass in rhythm and imagination. With simple vocabulary, quirky plots, and rhyming couplets, he made reading feel like a roller coaster of silliness and sound.

Books like The Cat in the Hat and Hop on Pop give children a sense of control—they can anticipate what’s coming next, decode the sounds, and proudly say, “I read that!”

Seuss-style rhyming teaches children that reading doesn’t have to be serious to be valuable. It can be downright ridiculous—and that’s what makes it wonderful.

But What About Non-Rhyming Poems?

Not all poetry rhymes—and that’s a good thing. Free verse and lyrical poems help children appreciate rhythm, tone, and imagery in a different way. These types of poems can:

• Encourage children to express themselves freely without the pressure of rhyme
  
  

• Introduce more abstract ideas or emotions
  
  

• Help children focus on the feeling of the words, rather than the structure

Combining both rhyming and non-rhyming poetry gives children a rich, well-rounded appreciation of language.

Coming Up in Part 2: A Canadian Poet Who Changed the Way I See the World

In the second part of this series, I’ll share a personal story about discovering one of my favourite poets, Bliss Carman, and why his gentle, nature-inspired poetry is just as meaningful for children as it is for adults.