Poems to Live Your Life By

Poems to Live Your Life By is an illustrated anthology selected by political cartoonist Chris Riddell. It brings together 46 classic and modern poems in sections spanning themes such as family, love, nature, war and endings.

At a glance

Includes 46 poems, arranged in sections on musings, youth, family, love, imaginings, nature, war and endings.
Features intricate illustrations by Chris Riddell alongside classic and modern poets.
The named poets include William Shakespeare, Lewis Carroll, W. B. Yeats, Christina Rossetti, Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, Carol Ann Duffy, Neil Gaiman and Roger McGough.

Price

£8.49Save 15%

Reference price: ~~£9.99~~

Price checked: 12 Nov 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

A broad selection combines well-known classic poets with contemporary writers.
Illustrations accompany the poems, making this more than a text-only anthology.
The thematic sections provide several different starting points for browsing.

Technical specifications

10 specifications

Book details
Publisher	Macmillan Children's Books
Publication date	14 Sept. 2023
Edition	Main Market
Language	English
Print length	208 pages
Reading age	12 years and up
ISBN-10	1509814388
ISBN-13	978-1509814381

Dimensions and installation
Dimensions	13.1 x 1.5 x 20.5 cm
Weight listed	188 g

What to know before buying

The publisher's stated reading age is 12 years and up, while customer feedback reports mixed views on age suitability, with some considering the content unsuitable for under-seventeens. Consider the intended reader and themes before choosing it.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers looking for an illustrated anthology with a range of classic and modern poetry.
A gift for someone who enjoys poetry arranged around themes of life and relationships.

Less suited to

Readers seeking only poems by one author or a single subject.
Buyers who need age suitability to be settled beyond the publisher's stated 12 years and up.

Poems to Live Your Life By · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.6 / 5 · 550 ratings

5 stars72%72%
4 stars19%19%
3 stars7%7%
2 stars1%1%
1 star1%1%

Customer feedback praises the selection of poems and illustrations, and describes the book as emotionally affecting and a welcome addition to a library. Some readers question its suitability for younger readers, despite the stated reading age of 12 years and up, and opinions on value for money are mixed. The reported strengths suit buyers seeking an illustrated, varied anthology, while the age and value concerns are worth weighing for a specific recipient.

Positive themes

Customers appreciate the variety of poems and the illustrations.
Feedback describes the book as an enjoyable gift and a worthwhile library addition.

Mixed feedback

Age suitability receives mixed reactions, with some customers considering it unsuitable for readers under seventeen.
Customers express mixed views on value for money.

Frequently asked questions

How many poems are included?

The listing describes an anthology of 46 poems.

What themes does the collection cover?

It is divided into sections covering musings, youth, family, love, imaginings, nature, war and endings.

What age is the book listed for?

The product details give a reading age of 12 years and up. Customer feedback reports mixed views on age suitability, so consider the recipient and the book's themes.