Britain's bestselling anthologiser of poetry turns her discerning eye on the nation's infants, with a wonderful collection of poems, together with typically acute commentary, for reading aloud to younger children or for older ones to browse through.

Daisy Goodwin's magical ability to bring good poetry alive and make it of particular relevance to our daily lives has won her thousands of admirers throughout the country. It therefore seems natural that she should turn her skills of explication and guidance to that most important time of our lives, when we first encounter the resonances, profundities and emotional power of great poetry and it becomes a lifelong resource.

In this - the latest volume in her wildly successful series of accessible, small-format collections combining poetry and self-help - Daisy sheds a knowing and sympathetic light on the triumphs and traumas of childhood. Combining the best of classical and contemporary poetry, ESSENTIAL POEMS FOR CHILDREN, is an indispensable kit to inspire future CEOs, neurosurgeons and possibly even great poets, and to encourage and console young hopefuls daunted by the challenges of growing up. From would-be revolutionaries determined to change the world to dreamers with their eyes fixed longingly on the stars, wherever those tiny feet choose to wander this should be in their back pocket.