Kids are naturally curious about almost everything. There can be a stage when their favorite word is either “why?” or “how?” This is a good thing, though. It proves their willingness to learn.

Use this curiosity to improve their comprehension through poems! Poems can be a little more exciting for kids than short stories with explicit plots and lessons. There can be messages hidden behind the lines and a moral at the end of the entire verse!

Looking forward to immersing your little one in the colorful world of poetry? Here’s a list of the best short poems for kids you can use! 

Courtesy of Mael Balland

Happy Thoughts by Robert Louis Stevenson

The world is so full

of a number of things,

I’m sure we should all

be as happy as kings.

This poem might be short, but it gives a powerful message to kids of all ages. Happiness is a choice. And despite everything that might be happening in the world, we should always choose it. 

At the Zoo by William Makepeace Thackeray

First I saw the white bear, then I saw the black;

Then I saw the camel with a hump upon his back;

Then I saw the grey wolf, with mutton in his maw;

Then I saw the wombat waddle in the straw;

Then I saw the elephant a-waving of his trunk;

Then I saw the monkeys – mercy, how unpleasantly they smelt!

If you read this poem to your kids, prepare for a zoo trip! Indeed, they would want to see the animals mentioned in this poem and then look forward to seeing a lot more! 

Baa, Baa, Black Sheep by Rudyard Kipling

Baa, baa, black sheep,

Have you any wool?

Yes sir, yes sir,

Three bags full;

One for the master,

And one for the dame,

And one for the little boy

Who lives down the lane.

Baa Baa Blach Sheep is probably among the most popular short poems and nursery songs for kids. But more than its engaging rhythm, it also teaches kids to be generous when sharing – wool or something else! 

Star Light, Star Bright (Unknown Author)

Photo by  徐

Star light, start bright,

The first star I see tonight;

I wish I may, I wish I might,

Have the wish I wish tonight.

Star Light, Star Bright is an ageless poem. Kids who learn this can still remember this as they grow old. On dark nights, they can just find themselves gazing at the stars, whispering the wishes of their hearts. 

I’m a Little Teapot

I’m a little teapot

Short and stout

Here is my handle (one hand on hip)

Here is my spout (other arm out straight)

When I get all steamed up

Hear me shout

“Tip me over

and pour me out!” (lean over toward spout)

I’m a clever teapot,

Yes, it’s true

Here let me show you

What I can do

I can change my handle

And my spout (switch arm positions)

Just tip me over and pour me out! (lean over toward spout)

Imagine your little one learning the teapot dance, then doing it while reciting this poem. What a sight to behold. This little teapot might not have a deeper meaning compared to other poems, but it sure is one of the best to teach your kids. With matching gestures and hand movements, this classic should be on the list of the best poems for your kids!

Room For One More (Author Unknown)

There is always room for one more

I see by his coat he must be a stray,

The untidy look gives him away.

He’s lost his will and is so thin,

Hasn’t eaten since God knows when.

I know as I coax him through the door,

There’s always room for just one more.

If your child is already into pets at an early age, they will quickly think that poem is about a stray pet. While it gives a sad description of the subject at the start, it gives a comforting ending that he is already home and taken care of.  There is always room for more stray pets who need additional care!

Our Kittens by Evaleen Stein

Courtesy of Kelvin Valerio

Our kittens have the softest fur,

And the sweetest little purr,

And such little velvet paws

With such cunning little claws,

And blue eyes, just like the sky!

(Must they turn green, by and by?)

Two are striped like tigers, three

Are as black as black can be,

And they run so fast and play

With their tails, and are so gay,

Is it not a pity that

Each must grow into a cat?

Cats can be just as adorable as any other pets; this poem is a testament to that! With a unique description of the sounds they make and how they look, you should be prepared in case your little one asks you to adopt one! 

Frequently Asked Questions on Short Poems for Kids

What is a poem?

A poem is a form of literature that combines the elements of speech and song through rhythm and metaphors. These are usually in the form of rhyming short lines that make up stanzas. Poems are usually expressions of the imagination of their author expressed through carefully chosen language.   

What is the shortest and simplest poem?

Though not simple, the current shortest poem form is the Japanese Haiku. It has three lines that have 5-7-5 syllables, a total of 17. It originated from another poetry form, Tanka, but was separated in the 17th century. 

Who is the best poet for kids?

Poets have different styles and different topics covered in their poems. Your kid can like any of them, depending on their preference! We have Robert Louis Stevenson, William Makepeace Thackeray, and Evaleen Stein on this list!

What are some simple poems?

Reading poems to your kids is a good way of stimulating their thoughts and forming a bond with them. Some simple poems in this list that can help develop your kid’s interest in literature are Happy Thoughts, At the Zoo, Star Light, Star Bright, and Room for One More!