Pocket Book of Pocket Poems

Some of the poems in AF Harrold's Pocket Book of Pocket Poems have been published elsewhere, as detailed in the final pages, which also contain a helpful alphabetical list of the poems. Adult readers of the small print will note that none of this material may be used for the 'training, development or operation of AI technologies'; a necessary caution when authors' livelihoods are threatened by such things.

Unhindered by such considerations, young readers, or those to whom the poems are read aloud in class and during library times, or at home with parents and siblings, are free to enjoy the humour and cleverness of these short works. They are perfectly complemented by Jack Viant's inimitable cartoons, and, as the author explains, are arranged to enable sequential reading, or dipping and browsing with the aid of the thematic contents list.

Favourites in Pocket Book of Pocket Poems so far include 'Why Books are Better than Apples', 'Hospital Visiting Poem' and 'Apple Appreciation Poem'. Evidently, this is poetry that connects; poetry children can relate to their everyday. Just like with fruit, every child will find something 'juicy' here; a rhyme they can easily remember and repeat.

There's plenty of variety in AF Harrold's offering and the brevity of his verse (no more than 60 words) is appealing. Recommended for National Poetry Day recitals and, indeed, for any other occasion when a little light reading is wanted.

192 pages / Reviewed by Jacqueline Harris, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+

Having received one of A F Harrold's postcard poems, I know that children love his short poems! Indeed, despite the fact that we enjoyed plenty of poetry in class, many were fascinated by the idea that something so short was a poem as well as being charmed by the novelty of getting something hand written in the post. This led to us putting up a class post box, writing some tiny poems and sending them to each other. It also led to some really great stamp designing, but that's another story!

In this book, AF Harrold shares a whole selection of short poems - the longest being only 60 words. The further in to the book you go, the shorter the poems get with a helpful number in the top corner of each page telling you how many words to expect! The collection is perfect for dipping in and out of - but one poem here is sure to lead to another!

Both alphabetical and thematic lists are included should anyone be interested in trying to local a specific poem or poems on a subject. There are poems about ghosts, peanuts, sneezes and cannibalism, ballet, curtains, zeppelins and flamingos…and, of course, postal workers!

Many are light-hearted, some are reflective, some play with words whilst others are based on familiar rhymes. There is something here for everyone to enjoy! Children love the fact that short poems are quick to learn, quite quick to create and easy to share. The fact that this little book is pocket-sized and perfect for carrying around is another benefit to this quirky collection of poems.

192 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+