Oxford Book of Poetry for Children
Edward Blishen
Brian Wildsmith
Preloved, vintage hardcover book, published 1963. No dust jacket, has some age spotting and wear to the top of spine but overall still very readable and good condition for its age. 
Edward Blishen set out to compile an anthology that would introduce poetry to younger children and help them make the leap from nursery rhymes to ' serious' verse. But he has done more than that. With his own unique blend of humour, sensitivity and understanding, and his wide knowledge of English literature and of children, he has produced an anthology which will delight all who open it.
It is a collection that leads children towards an appreciation of the richness and variety of English poetry. They will find humour of all shades, ballads, poems of mystery, delicate tales of faery, songs of the sea and nature and people, with here and there a jingle or limerick, and always the element of surprise.
It is a book that will give many kinds of pleasure to any child and any family.
The illustrations by Brian Wildsmith, winner of the 1962 Kate Greenaway medal, reflect the joy and vitality of the anthologist's work, and will draw children into the mood and spirit of the poems.