There's a lot more to poetry than most people think. Haiku, sestina, couplets, limericks, free verse, rhymes; these are but a few of the different kinds of poetry, each carrying its own distinct rules.

Poetry has the unique quality of saying a lot in few words. It is perhaps because of its brevity poetry has the power to energize our imagination. Poetry can touch us on many different levels, from laughter to introspection, a broadening of thought and understanding, and more.

If you haven't tried reading poetry to the child in your care, begin now as the nation celebrates National Poetry Month in April. But don't stop there. Intersperse poetry with prose every month. It will expand young minds, and that is certainly a very good thing.

The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>"Baby Face: A Book of Love for Baby"</B> by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Diane Goode, Simon & Schuster, 40 pages; read aloud: age 1 to 3; read yourself: age 7.Six rhyming verses celebrate a baby's day and how much a baby is loved.From taking first steps, bath time, long walks in the stroller to see the world, first teeth, bedtime and more, a baby's day is busy and filled with much love.A joyful celebration of all the wonderful, treasured moments in a baby's life, "Baby Face" is perfect for National Poetry Month and every day.<b>Librarian's Choice</b><B>Library:</B> Evans City Public Library, 204 S. Jackson St., Evans City<B>Library Director:</B> Judith Pfeifer<B>Children's Librarian:</B> Patricia PflugChoices this week: <B>"Bear Snores On"</B> by Karma Wilson; <B>"The Giant Jam Sandwich"</B> by John Vernon Lord; <B>"The Dragons are Singing Tonight"</B> by Jack Prelutsky

The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"Shakespeare Makes the Playoffs"</B> by Ron Koertge, Candlewick, 2010, 170 pages, $15.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 11 and older; read yourself: age 11 to 12 and older.An extraordinary offering, "Shakespeare Makes the Playoffs" is a novel written entirely in poetic form. The main character is the young teenager, Kevin. Kevin is obsessed with baseball and poetry, but unfortunately his girlfriend, Mira, isn't much interested in either.When Kevin meets fellow poet Amy, they share their poetry and challenge one another to create different kinds of poetry. But another challenge begins to present itself when Kevin realizes his feelings for Amy are more than platonic.Heartfelt, funny and brilliant in every way, this sequel to Ron Koertge's "Shakespeare Bats Cleanup" is a must-read.<B>"Everybody Was a Baby Once and other poems"</B> by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Bruce Ingman, Candlewick, 2010, 64 pages, $15.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 2 to 3 and older; read yourself: age 7 to 8 and older.This latest offering from master author Allan Ahlberg is full of his usual wit and charm.Charmingly illustrated by Bruce Ingman, these 22 poems are full of fun and just right for younger children. From "Monster Munch" to "Soccer Sonnet," "The Sausage Whistler" and "Small Hairy Mouse," these and the other poems are certain to have kids grinning from page to page.<B>"Can U Dig It? and other poems"</B> unearthed and illustrated by Robert Weinstock, Disney/Hyperion, 2010, 28 pages, $15.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 5 to 6 and older; read yourself: age 7 to 8 and older.Highly imaginative and loaded with laughs, this fantastic collection of poems revolves around stuff from days gone by. From archaeologists to paleontologists, cave people and dinosaurs, this wild, poetic ride back through time is superb.A hilarious collection of poems and equally funny illustrations, "Can U Dig It?" will have kids clamoring to re-read these poems over and over again.Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.