British Library is celebrating 400 years of children's poetry, from April 1 to June 28,2009, says a press release. The celebration includes engaging performances, exhibition and workshops on writing. The exhibition at the Folio Society Gallery, recitation at the conference hall and poetry writing workshop at the foyer, British Library has generated much interest in Britain.

Visitors have the opportunity to get acquainted with the history of children's poetry, spanning 400 years - starting from the still popular lullaby "Golden Slumbers" which appeared in print in a play in 1603. Drawing from the British Library's extensive collection, the exhibition demonstrates that whilst humorous plays have an important role in children's poetry, poets from the 18th century onwards have not been afraid to tackle serious issues such as slavery, environment, war and racism. An area has been set aside for children of all ages where they can read books as part of the exhibition.

The exhibition features many of the UK's favourite poems, including some beautifully illustrated ones. The earliest surviving printed collection of nursery rhymes, "Tommy Thumb's Pretty Song Book’ (1744), is on display, as well as copies of other classics such as Robert Louis Stevenson's "A Child's Garden of Verses"; William Blake's "Songs of Innocence"; Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland"; Michael Rosen's "Don't Put Mustard in

the Custard" and Roald Dahl's "Revolting Rhymes’.

Three gifted poets, Francesca Beard, Tony Mitton and Michael Rosen read their favourite children's classics alongside poems of their own. Poets John Hegley, Jackie Kay and Luke Wright also read their favourite poems for youngsters.

The British Library will also be hosting a two-day children's poetry conference in association with and organised by Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge. The idea of the conference is to bring together renowned international academics, including previous Poet Laureate Andrew Motion and Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy to discuss children's poetry and its influences.

A ‘Poets in Education Scheme' workshop, providing participants with the opportunity to learn from performance poets, and to build self-confidence through performing their own work, is also on. Among the poets who are participating here are Jared Luche, Charlie Dark and Shamim Azad.

The exhibition, titled "TwinkleTwinkle Little Bat," aims to demonstrate how language can bring to life amazing journeys, tales and rhymes for a younger generation. The exhibition has been curated with the assistance of Children's Laureate, Michael Rosen who has recently stressed on the need to introduce children to poetry and literature al school.