The cheerful blue whale on the cover of this poetry collection is a nod to the playful title and the behemoth size of the volume. Indeed, this amusing anthology offers 366 funny poems arranged by month and date, complete with a brightly colored ribbon bookmark to track the daily offerings. Colorful and energetic illustrations in mixed media celebrate the humor and subject of each selection. The classic and contemporary poems from around the world were chosen for child appeal and their lively and lighthearted qualities. Pets, food, weather, and silly conundrums are just a few of the themes explored. Whether intended as a gift or for daily reading in the classroom, this tome offers a whale of a time for individuals or groups. (Ages 6-10)

Winner of Good Housekeeping's 2023 Best Kids' Book Awards

Featured in The New York Times' Holiday Gift Books for Children

Named One of Smithsonian Magazine's Ten Best Children's Books of 2023

Named a Most Anticipated Kids' Book by Barnes & Noble

A wonderful gift for all ages, this beautiful, rib-tickling anthology is guaranteed to put a smile on your face! Whether it''s a poem about socks or spaniels, eggs or elephants, this bright and brilliant collection will bring you cheer and laughter every day. Perfect for reading aloud and sharing even more side-splitting hilarity with family and friends.

The spectacular range of poems for children includes work by John Agard, Maya Angelou, Brian Bilston, Gwendolyn Brooks, Lucille Clifton, Wendy Cope, Nikki Grimes, Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes, Edward Lear, Ogden Nash, Linda Sue Park, Michael Rosen, Judith Viorst, William Carlos Williams, Jane Yolen, Benjamin Zephaniah, and many more!

With a ribbon marker and poems about everything from animals, holidays, and food, to friendship, family, and feelings, A Whale of a Time is the perfect gift for any occasion.

"Oh, the lucky child who hears a poem a day read aloud from this big book of joy."
--The New York Times