Haiku Poetry Picture Books for Kids

Posted on June 6, 2018

by Patti L

Guess Who, Haiku!

Guess who, haiku! words by Deanna Caswell ; pictures by Bob Shea

Guess Who, Haiku” by Deanna Caswell, is a read-aloud for both younger and older children. Younger children will love guessing who the animals are talking about through these easy poems; older children can be introduced to how haikus are written, and perhaps write one of their own! A note at the end of the book explains haikus and offers suggestions for re-reading the book. A delightful book to share with children, part of the 101 Picture Book Challenge!

Grades: Preschool-Kindergarten

More Haiku Poetry for Children

We have many more haiku books for kids for kids of all ages …

Boo! Haiku words by Deanna Caswell ; pictures by Bob Shea

Boo! Haiku” words by Deanna Caswell; pictures by Bob Shea

A witch, a bat, a skeleton, a jack-o’-lantern, a ghost, a black cat, a spider, an owl, and a scarecrow are all hiding in the pages of this clever Halloween-themed book. Deanna Caswell’s playful haiku cleverly hint at the creatures revealed after each turn of the page while Bob Shea’s bright illustrations capture the scary silliness.

Grades: Preschool-Kindergarten

I Haiku You by Betsy Snyder

I Haiku You” by Betsy Snyder

Different ways to say I love you, using Haiku.

Grades: Kindergarten-3

Cool Melons, Turn to Frogs! : The Life and Poems of Issa by Matthew Gollub

Cool Melons, Turn to Frogs! : The Life and Poems of Issa” by Matthew Gollub

A biography and introduction to the work of the Japanese haiku poet whose love for nature finds expression in the more than thirty poems included in this book.

Grades: 2-3

Don't step on the sky : a handful of haiku / Miriam Chaikin ; illustrated by Hiroe Nakata

Don’t Step on the Sky: A Handful of Haiku” by Miriam Chaikin

Haiku about nature.

Grades: Preschool-2

Guyku : a year of haiku for boys / written by Bob Raczka ; art by Peter Reynolds

Guyku : A Year of Haiku for Boys” written by Bob Raczka ; art by Peter H. Reynolds

Raczka and Reynolds present a humorous haiku collection perfect for guys (big and small) that celebrates outdoor fun throughout the seasons.

Grades: Preschool-3

"Haiku! Gesundeit: an Illustrated Collection of Ridiculous Haiku Poetry" by Ross Venokur

Haiku! Gesundheit: an Illustrated Collection of Ridiculous Haiku Poetry” by Ross Venokur

Humorous haiku for children.

Grades: 2-3

Haiku picturebook for children / text by Keisuke Nishimoto

Haiku Picturebook for Children” by Keisuke Nishimoto

Word-pictures are complemented by charming illustrations in this unique introduction to haiku. This collection includes classic haiku poems written by Japan’s most famous masters.

Grades: 1-2

The Hound Dog’s Haiku and Other Poems for Dog Lovers by Michael J. Rosen

The Hound Dog’s Haiku and Other Poems for Dog Lovers” by Michael J. Rosen

In simple, haiku poems, about twenty different dog breeds, from the pug to the Dalmatian to the golden retriever, comes with interesting facts about each breed.

Grades: 2-6

Hi Koo! : A Year of Seasons by Jon J. Muth

Hi Koo! : A Year of Seasons” by Jon J. Muth

Jon J Muth–and his delightful little panda bear, Koo–challenge readers to stretch their minds and imaginations with twenty-six haikus about the four seasons.

Grades: K-4

Won Ton: a Cat Tale Told in Haiku by Lee Wardlaw

Won Ton : A Cat Tale Told in Haiku” by Lee Wardlaw

A cat arrives at a shelter, arranges to go home with a good family, and settles in with them, all the while letting them know who is boss and, finally, sharing his real name.

Grades: 2-5

Wing Nuts : Screwy Haiku by Paul B. Janeczko

Wing Nuts : Screwy Haiku” by Paul B. Janeczko

A selection of short, funny poems for kids.

Grades: 2-6

What is the 101 Picture Book Challenge?

The 101 Picture Book Challenge is for anyone at any age. Librarians hand picked the titles on the list which includes classics, new titles and everything in between.

101 Picture Book Challenge - Toledo Lucas County Public Library

To get started, register online. You can track your progress online or if you prefer a paper log booklet, pick one up at your neighborhood Library. The books are organized into categories but you can read the books in any order and at your own pace. When you read all 101 titles, you earn a free picture book (while supplies last).

This is the latest in a series of blog posts exploring some of the things we love about these books.

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