The ABC book of Australian poetry compiled by Libby Hathorn

ABC Books, 2010. ISBN 978 07333201 4.
(Ages 8+) Poetry book. An exuberant collection of old and new poems, this is the perfect book to have in the classroom and library. Old favourites, with poets such as Banjo Paterson, C.J. Dennis and Henry Lawson are sliced between newer poets, Les Murray, Steven Herrick and Libby Hathorn, while others by Max Fatchen, Michael Leunig and Peter Wesley-Smith are included.
Poems such as The big river (Steven Herrick), Old horse (Max Fatchen) and Dolphins (Peter McFarlane) sit easily alongside others more well known, Clancy of the Overflow, Click go the shears and Said Hanrahan. Some newer ones are full of fun and laughter, crying out to be shared, Things that go squark (Peter Wesley-Snith) and The Bunyios (Doug McLeod). But whatever the reason to read these poems, they surprise, delight and entertain whatever the occasion, be it in the classroom, on the oval or in the staffroom. But all cry out to be read, and read often, and read out loud! What a treat.
Fran Knight