Language that is placed, and spaced, in ethereal positions lifts the spirit and informs the soul. Here are some poetry books that will grab hold and gravitate you towards the love of the written word.

Do you like dogs? Do you know much about these canine animals? “Good Dog”, by Maya Gottfried, will not only enlighten you to the behavior of 16 very different types of dogs, but will engage you with the brevity of each poem. This book was actually initiated by the drawings and paintings of internationally acclaimed artist, Robert Rahway Zakanitch. He sketched and painted each dog depicting its personality with the ease of a brush and pencil. After completing his illustrations, Ms. Gottfried proceeded to study each dog's features and antics and then write her poems. No wonder each poem comes to life with the frolicking fun and sometimes bad behavior of the dog. You seem to sense and hear the dog speaking through each poem you read and as you ponder on the perfect pictures of each dog. There are Scotties, Collies and Springer Spaniels. But my favorite of the sixteen is the poem about the Corgi. “Oh, throw me my plush tomato! / Then I will gladly lie down by your feet. / I've been here by the door since the sun disappeared, / awaiting the sound of your key.” Here is a picture book that will be enjoyed by dog lovers of all sizes and ages.

“Worlds Apart: Traveling with Fernie and Me”, by Gary Soto, will have you touring the world through two boys and their great imaginations. The first poem places each friend craving to see the world atop the limb of a tree and on the back bumper of a car. So, what do they do? They set out by ship that embarks from San Francisco and lands in Hawaii. I've just covered 3 poems because Mr. Soto writes about the cruise and the two locations with the insight and fun of a teen. But he also includes much to learn about as you read the friends' progress around the world. The shortest poem in the book with the biggest impact is entitled “Liechtenstein”. “In a tiny country with a long name, / Fernie and me held hands, stretched and touched the borders.” You can easily trace their route on a map as you read each new poem. The humorous illustrations, by Greg Clarke, are a perfect combination making this book a perfect choice for ages 10 and older. I only wish there was a map included.

Are you looking for a witty, nifty rhyming book packed with a funny, crazy and sometimes lazy theme? Mr. Calef Brown is a master at all of the above. His poems will make you laugh and will create images you've never thought possible. And the rhythm throughout will make your toes tap, fingers snap and eyelids flap. His latest book, “Flamingos on the Roof” is a wonderful continuation of his ingenious and imaginative subjects. Some of these include “Alphabet Sherbet”, “Biscuits in the Wind” and “Flamingos on the Roof”, (which is also the title of the book.) This poem is a funny take off from reindeer on the roof. But my favorite is the “Ten-Cent Haiku”. It's about how the author wanted to write a haiku and so sat down to write one. He reaches in his pocket and pulls out a dime. “This is my ten-cent haiku: Shiny silver friend. / I will never let you go. / Look! An ice cream truck!” If you like these poems, you'll surely love his first collection, “Polka-Bats and Octopus Slacks .” His bright and hilarious illustrations will captivate your imagination! This one is a must for all poets and non-poets.

Now, how about a poetry book full of clever plays on words? “Zany Zoo”, by William Wise, and colorfully illustrated by Lynn Munsinger, will teach your child a thing or two about coined phrases they may not have heard before. “Wally the Whale” has so much fun that by the end of the poem, your child will surely understand the phrase “whale of a time”. Or how about “Sabrina”, the snake. She had a boyfriend, but by the end of the poem decided “she'd never let / Another beau constrict her.”