I've been reviewing poetry books that teach style and form and are filled with collectable collections. Here now is my last list with stories that have rhyming resonance.

Hotel Deep: Light Verse from Dark Water , by Kurt Cyrus, is a fantastic voyage of life in the aquatic ocean. The entire story rhymes with rhythms of the sea as you venture into swirling words that wind and curl, twist and tangle around barnacles, clams and seashells. Mr. Cyrus has a rare gift of creating a story from pictures and words that fill your senses and leave you with the awe, marvel and wonder of how he did it! The brilliant images of color seem to splash across the page as eels eagerly wait for their prey and marlins mix-up the tumultuous flow of sardines. “Ripples of fear…the flash of a spear…/ Evasive maneuvers! A Marlin is here! Zig! Now zag! Now Dart! Now swerve! / A blur of sardines hurtles into the curve…” Listen! Can you almost hear it? The ebbs and tides of the water seem to swish inside this incredible book. And, in the back of the book, you'll learn the names of the 28 different fish featured. So, if you live far from the sea, or love the sea, this book is for you!

Down the Back of the Chair , by Margaret Mahy, is a hilarious rhyming story about the amazing items found deep under the cushion of a chair. Dad is complaining that he has lost his keys when baby Mary comments that she finds many items under the cushion of the chair. So, when dad's hand goes in, he finds: “A pan, a fan that belonged to Gran, / down the back of the chair…”. He finds many, many interesting items. But near the end, a great surprise is discovered! Perhaps you should reach deep inside your couch or seat and perhaps you'll find more than you think! The fun, and funny, illustrations, wonderfully done in watercolor and cut paper by Polly Dunbar, work perfectly with the story. This book begs to be read aloud and is great for ages 3 to 8.

Dancing Matilda , by Sara Harper, and illustrated by Kelly Murphy, will have you tapping your toes. Matilda is an adorable human-like kangaroo. She loves to dance and the text that rhymes and repeats reflect this emotion. “Dancing Matilda / Dancing queen, / Dances to the sloshing / of the washing machine!” The repeating phrase throughout the book will have your little one singing and dancing all of the way to the end. “Dance, Miss Matilda! DANCE, Miss Matilda! / DANCE and DANCE / and DANCE and DANCE“. I'm willing to bet that by the end of the book your little one will be ready for an encore and looking for a dance partner.

Here's a classic poet who lived during the mid 1800's and yet his fun and sometimes nonsensical poems for youngsters still live on. Louise Voce has recently updated Edward Lear's poem about The Quangle Wangle's Hat with lively and bright illustrations. This concocted animal called the Quangle Wangle is a furry creature who lives in a Crumpetty Tree but according to the poem you can't see his face because of his hat. As he sits atop a tree, many smaller animals desire to live in his hat. “And besides, to the Crumpetty Tree / Came the Stork, the duck, and the Owl; / The snail, and the Bubble-Bee / The Frog, and the Fimble Fowl;…” Here's another rhyming story that's sure to please 3 to 6 year olds.

Poetry that rhymes, begs to be sung. Here is a poetry book that was inspired from classical music. Carnival of the Animals: Poems Inspired by Saint-Saens' Music , is a magical journey into the world of this famous composer and his beautiful, lively and fun 1886 classic, “Zoological fantasy”. This collection, edited by Judith Cherniak, includes work from some of the best poets of our day. They've written poems that seem to have been written at the same time that Saint-Saen wrote his music. Some include “Aquarium”, by X. J. Kennedy, the “Cuckoo”, by Gillian Clarke and one by the editor herself entitled “Tortoise”. One of my favorite songs from the composer's music is called “The Swan”. Charles Cusley has perfectly matched the swiftness and ease with his poem. And of course, there's a CD that has the poem read and then immediately followed by the music that inspired the poem. This book is a keeper for all ages to enjoy!

Seeing the Blue Between: Advice and Inspiration for Young Poets , compiled by Paul B. Janeczko, will inspire, motivate and challenge you to write your own poems. This is a book I've been waiting for, even hoping for! Young people everywhere have experienced life to some degree. They have experienced hopes and dreams and disappointments. It's these experiences, along with being surrounded with life and nature, that famous poets write about in their poems. Each poet has written a letter to you, with advice, encouragement and memorable moments. These letters are so engaging they will no doubt entice even the most tepid poet to write. After each letter, there are examples and samples from some of these outstanding poets. Some include Christine Hemp, Robert Farnsworth and Mary Ann Hoberman. Once young people read about how poems came alive for these famous poets, there's no doubt a new poet will be born! This book is a must for all English and Literature teachers and for kids 11 and older!