Poetry Book Society

Boys can, of course, be notoriously reluctant readers and it is, therefore, advisable to try to find books that will immediately take their fancy. Subjects such as space, science and football are ideal, of course, and if the poems inside can make them laugh, so much the better. There are also some fabulous illustrations in these books, guaranteed to hold the attention when reading becomes tiresome.


Centrally Heated Knickers, by Michael Rosen, Puffin, (ISBN 9780141306711), Paperback, £5.99

Discover the weird and wonderful world of Martians, woolly saucepans and, er, centrally heated knickers, in 100 poems about science and technology.


I Love You, Football: Poems About the Beautiful Game, ed. Tony Bradman, Wayland, (ISBN 9780750242790), Paperback, £4.99

A book for any child who loves the beautiful game. Covering every aspect of football, from kicking a ball about in the park, to playing for the school team, it features the work of many well-loved poets, such as Roger McGough, Allan Ahlberg, John Foster and Paul Cookson.


I'd Rather be a Footballer, by Paul Cookson, Macmillan, (ISBN 9780330457132), Paperback, £4.99

A fantastic collection featuring all of Paul Cookson's most popular poems, including 'Superman Dog', 'The Toilet Seat Has Teeth' and 'The Amazing Captain Concorde'.


Space Poems, ed. Gaby Morgan, Macmillan, (ISBN 9780330440578), Paperback, £3.99

A spectacular collection of poems about galaxies, the moon, the planets, the stars, rockets and astronauts, UFOs and aliens, black holes and space pets.


The Puffin Book of Utterly Brilliant Poetry, ed. Brian Patten, Puffin, (ISBN 9780140384215), Paperback, £12.99

A gorgeous collection of poetry featuring the work of ten much-loved poets. Poems range from the charming to the funny and ridiculous and each poet's selection is accompanied by the work of a different illustrator, making for a wonderfully varied and colourful read.


Other articles in the series:


Poetry Books for... All Occasions

Poetry Books for... Weddings

Poetry Books for... Funerals

Poetry Books for... Valentine's Day

Poetry Books for... Christmas

Poetry Books for... Lovers

Poetry Books for... Faithful Friends

Poetry Books for... Marvellous Mums

Poetry Books for... Doting Dads

Poetry Books for... Awesome Aunts

Poetry Books for... Favourite Uncles

Poetry Books for... Graceful Grannies

Poetry Books for... Grumpy Grandads

Poetry Books for... Girls

Poetry Books for... Tiny Terrors