A Collection of New Zealand Verse for Young People
From the inside front flap: "These Islands is the first collection of New Zealand poetry to be chosen especially for girls and boys of about eight and upwards. Many children in this age group are eager to read poetry written by New Zealanders on New Zealand themes, and parents and teachers alike will enjoy reading these poems with them. The poems are grouped around twelve themes that together make up the world - both real and imaginary - of young people: a world of city and country, the seasons and their weather, fellow creatures of all kinds, beaches, harbours and ships, the extraordinary and the mysterious. Some of the themes are familiar; others, though familiar, are approached in new ways. This collection, illustrated with apt and evocative photographs, leads the young reader to a real appreciation of New Zealand its poetry. In doing so it will sharpen the senses and enrich the imagination."
Sometimes you have to go hunting in a second-hand bookstore to really find those gems. This one wasn't in the children's section, it was in the poetry section, hiding amongst many other poetry books for adults.
It was published in 1973 and I included the contents pages below so you can see the breadth of categories and poets included.
I read this poetry book with my 11-year-old daughter. We read approximately 3 poems each day. At first, she tolerated the readings, but then grew to appreciate the poems and enjoy them.
Charlotte Mason encourages you to lay out a feast [of literature] and let your child dine. Poetry is part of that feast.
“We spread an abundant and delicate feast in the programmes and each small guest assimilates what he can” (Vol. 6, p. 183).
What I loved about "These Islands":
The first two categories are very old poems from Maori (both in Maori and translated into English) and from early colonial days (before 1840).
The poems are divided into categories, for example, people, animals, seasons, city, country, etc.
The range of poets, (some well known) - James K. Baxter, Denis Glover, Ruth Dallas, Katherine Mansfield, and so many more.
Some of the poems are songs. We looked these up on YouTube, found them in song form and listened to them. For example, "Old Sealers' Shanty".
What I didn't like about this book:
Nothing!
I've included a few photos of the inside of the book below and I highly recommend finding a copy of this book for your collection. It's a wonderful book. I've included an AbeBooks link below. You can also ask your local second-hand book dealer.
I highly recommend this book for boys and girls aged 8 and over.