Poetry and Childhood is the first academic book to give serious critical attention to the poetry of childhood. This international volume brings together poets including Philip Gross, Andrew Motion, and, Michael Rosen - the latter both former Laureates - and distinguished critics such as Teresa Cremin, Peter Hunt, Lissa Paul, David Rudd, Chip Sullivan, Laura Tosi, and Victor Watson. The collection is based on a prestigious conference organised by Morag Styles for the British Library and the University of Cambridge. Contributors of international renown look at key poets of childhood from the past, including John Bunyan, Robert Lois Stephenson, AA Milne, Ted Hughes, and, Charles Causley, and at the poetry for children by present English Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy. They consider the major traditions and forms of poetry, take a new look at comic verse, develop fresh perspectives on nature as a central theme, and celebrate the importance of poetry as an oral medium. The voices of children, poets, parents and teachers responding to poetry are featured throughout. Though primarily aimed at scholars and teachers of children’s literature, this collection is for everyone who is interested in poetry or children.