33. Dinos That Drive

33. Dinos that Drive. Suzy Levinson. Illustrated by Dustin Harbin. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, poetry]

First sentence: You've never seen a dinosaur
that's into driving cars?
You've never seen a dinosaur
that flies a jumbo jet?
You've never seen a dinosaur
that rockets to the stars?
Then buckle up! Let's take a ride...
YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHIN' YET!

Premise/plot: Do you have a little one that loves, loves, loves dinosaurs? Do you have a little one that loves vehicles? Things that go, go, go!!! This themed poetry collection might be a great fit for you and your family.

Each dinosaur has a favorite vehicle. The T-Rex is a recurring character that keeps popping back up in the poems. There are dinosaur facts as well in the dialogue bubbles (or speech bubbles).

The style is very Richard Scarry-ish.

My thoughts: It's fun. It's whimsical. I don't think a love of poetry is an absolute must. I do think you need to like dinosaurs!


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

32. Barbed Wire Between Us

32. Barbed Wire Between Us. Mia Wenjen. Illustrated by Violeta Encarnacion. 2026. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, poetry, reverso poetry]

First sentence: IN this land of promise,
we hoped to find a place to belong.
To our surprise, we were unjustly imprisoned.
We came with only what we could carry.
Our family was separated.

Premise/plot: Barbed Wire Between Us uses the poetic format of a reverso poem. It is a picture book for older readers. It tells two stories--same words, different order. One story is set in the 1940s in Japanese internment camps. The other story is set in contemporary times--give or take a couple of years.

My thoughts: This is a picture book that some adults will absolutely love, love, love. Will children be drawn into this story? Perhaps. But I have a hard time imagining it without a lot of pushing from adults (teachers, librarians, etc.).

Is it political? As much as I want to say it is not...it decidedly is. Two different timelines. The Japanese internment was taking Japanese-American families that were living in America--some for multiple generations--and putting them behind barbed wire because they feared they were still loyal to a country that the United States was at war with. There was no proof, no reason beyond fear for this action. The contemporary story is of a family newly entering the United States--illegally--and being put in a immigrant detention center. I will say that the book simplifies or oversimplifies the modern day situation.

I have read fiction and nonfiction for all ages about the Japanese internment. Including a fabulous book about a librarian who sent books to children in these camps.

I like the idea of a reverso poem, but, the modern story just doesn't give enough details to ground it, in my opinion. There are more questions than answers.


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

63. How Elegant the Elephant

63. How Elegant the Elephant. Mary Ann Hoberman. Illustrated by Marla Frazee. 2025. 88 pages. [Source: Library] [poetry, children's poetry, poetry collection, j poetry, 3 stars]

First sentence: Abracadabra
The zebra is black
Abracadabra
The zebra is white
Abracadabra
The zebra is dark
Abracadabra
The zebra is light
Is it black striped with white?
Is it white striped with black?
Is it striped from the front?
Is it striped from the back?
Abracadabra
It's ink over snow
Abracadabra
It's snow over ink
Abracadabra
Does anyone know?
Abracadabra
What do you think?

Premise/plot: Mary Ann Hoberman has selected the poems for this poetry collection. The theme is animals and insects. She is sharing her favorites from her previous books of poetry...poetry books that have since gone out of print.

Quotes:

How Elegant the Elephant
How elegant the elephant
How mighty yet how mild
How elegant its mighty mate
How elegant it's child
How toothsome are its ivory tusks
How luminous its eyes
How supple are its floppy ears
How jumbo is its size
How flexible its pudgy knees
How delicate its tail
But best of all
How nice its nose
Which works just like
A garden hose

My thoughts: Poetry is typically hit or miss for me. I definitely enjoyed a handful of these poems. I liked the variety of the poems included. Any reader is likely to find at least a couple that delight. Reading is subjective by its very nature; a reader's taste in poetry is perhaps even more subjective.

Besides the elephant poem quoted above, I also enjoyed "Monkey Business" and "Sheep Counting."

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

43. You're a Poet

43. You're a Poet: Ways to Start Writing Poems. Sean Taylor. Illustrated by Sam Usher. 2025. [March] 72 pages. [Source: Library] [nonfiction, poetry, 5 stars]

First sentence: It was bright. It was warm. And Piglet's mom said it would be a good day to go for a walk up the hill.

Premise/plot: You're A Poet wears many hats. You're a Poet IS a fictional story starring a young pig, Piglet, who discovers through the help of his family that he is a poet, that he has a gift for words. It isn't just one fictional story but a series of stories. So one could say perhaps that in some ways it is a chapter book as well. You're a Poet is a nonfiction book teaching children HOW to write their own poems. The fictional stories are the jumping off point. But step by step instructions follow each story. These bonus activities are for children and don't always use the technical poetry terms, however, they are for the most part meaty activities. 

My thoughts: This one would be a good fit, in my opinion, for elementary aged students. I don't necessarily see it as a read aloud as is, though one could just read the fictional stories. I take that back--slightly. I think if teachers are teaching a poetry unit, then I think they could read the story and share/teach/do the activity perhaps breaking up the book over a series of lessons. OR a teacher could have this one in the classroom for students to read on their own. I talk about school instruction, but I  am not excluding homeschool environments. (That is never my intent).

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

49. Poetry Comics

Poetry Comics. Grant Snider. 2024. 96 pages. [Source: Library] [poetry]

First sentence:  I want to put down on paper the feeling of fresh possibilities. 

Poems told in comic book format. This is a combination I never knew I needed, but now I do know. I want MORE, MORE, MORE, MORE. Love this combination so much.

The book is arranged into the four seasons. It opens with spring. 

This one was love at first sight. I enjoyed many of the poems. I did. But I loved the recurring subject. Each of the four seasons contains a poem titled, "How To Write A Poem." (Each one is numbered.) 

How To Write a Poem #1
Find a quiet place.
A sharp pencil.
A blank page.
Sit still.
Keep quiet.
Wait.
A poem will rush in to fill the space.

What I can't really convey is how LOVELY the poems are when illustrated in the comic format.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

272-278. Picture Book Parade

272. The Words We Share. Jack Wong. 2023. [October 10] 40 pages. [Source: Library] 

First sentence: Angie! 

Premise/plot: Angie helps out her immigrant parents by translating. The family has [relatively recently] moved to Canada and Angie speaks the best English. She turns entrepreneur--in a way--and makes a 'business' of writing signs in English for others to use in their businesses. But sometimes things get lost in translation....

My thoughts: This is semi-bi-lingual. It is a family-focused picture book that celebrates community. I enjoyed this one.

273. The Yellow Handkerchief. Donna Barba Higuera. Illustrated by Cynthia Alonso. 2023. [March] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: My abuela wears an old yellow handkerchief that her grandmother gave to her.

Premise/plot: A young girl is VERY conflicted about her grandmother's yellow handkerchief. She both loves her grandmother--abuela--and is ashamed of that old yellow handkerchief. She seems to wrestle with embarrassment that her family--particularly her grandmother--is different from her friends' families. 

My thoughts: This one has a mini coming-of-age lesson within. This one celebrates family and community. I liked it.

274.  The Umbrella. Beth Ferry. Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. 2023. [March] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Dreary.
Weary.
Dim.
Grim.
Drip.
Drop.
Nonstop
Gotta go--rain or snow
Come on, pup.

ETA: I read this one in April 2023. When a physical book-book copy came into the library I had to check it out and reread it a couple of times. 

Premise/plot: There have been plenty of books about rainy days--featuring umbrellas or other rain gear--published through the years. I've never seen a rain-themed book with this big a twist. So the premise, a girl and her dog live in a community where it is seemingly ALWAYS raining, ALWAYS gray. But maybe just maybe change is coming!

My thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one. I loved the text. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the rhythm and rhyme of it. I am very particular when it comes to rhyming books. I can be harsh if the rhythm is off or weird. The lyrical flow--the rhythm--of this one is perfectly perfect in every way. I love the language--the onomatopoeia. I love how relatable it is. Rainy days CAN feel endless and always gray. Literally and figuratively--I think this one works. I also love the repetition. Every time we came back to Come on, pup...I just smiled.

I love the illustrations. I absolutely love the use of limited colors. Thematically, this one just works really well. I love that the illustrations are capable of carrying the story on their own. So little ones who can't quite read yet, can "read" the pictures.

 Text and illustrations--both perfectly perfect. This is a picture book. But it needs to be a BOARD BOOK and a PICTURE BOOK. I want this book to say in print forever and ever.

 

275. I Am Cat! Peter Bently. Illustrated by Chris Chatterton. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I am Cat. Cat is me. A most superior thing to be. I like stretchy-stretchy paw. I like scratchy-scratchy claws. Cat is hungry. Pad, pad, pad. Human sleeping. That's too bad. 

Premise/plot: Cat narrates a lovely rhyming picture book.

My thoughts: I ENJOYED this one oh-so-much. It was a delight. I loved the rhythm and rhyme. I loved the subject! The cat is ADORABLE. The story was amusing. Definitely recommend to cat lovers of all ages.

276. Jack the Library Cat. Marietta Apollonio. 2023. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Jack snuck through the doors of the library each morning.

Premise/plot: Jack, the starring cat of our picture book, LOVES the library. The allergic-to-cats librarian does not appreciate Jack and his desire to be IN the library. She frowns upon those who let the adorable Jack inside the building. But Jack has fans and supporters who understand his need for STORIES. Will the librarian realize that Jack deserves to be in the library?

My thoughts: What a cute story. I enjoyed this one. I liked the library setting. I loved Jack. I loved that it celebrated BOOKS, stories, and CATS.

277. The Digger and the Butterfly. Joseph Kuefler. 2023. [May] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It was spring, and the big trucks were busy. Working. Building. Transforming.

Premise/plot: Digger makes friends, in a way, with a caterpillar/butterfly. 

My thoughts: I'm not quite sure what to think of this one! Digger gets a chance to SLOW down and relax when the caterpillar makes its cocoon literally ON him. His construction buddies continue to do the work, Digger not so much. 

This one is cute enough, I suppose. It stars construction vehicles (talking ones of course) but also celebrates nature and the natural world. This is definitely an interesting combination. It is part of a series, apparently. I have not read the other books.

278. Champion Chompers, Super Stinkers and Other Poems by Extraordinary Animals. Linda Ashman. Illustrated by Aparna Varma. 2023. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [Poetry book]

First sentence: Calling all contestants! Think you're tops? The most? The best? Are you bigger....taller....faster....smaller....stronger than the rest? 

Premise/plot: A collection of animal poems. The two-page spreads do NOT go together. This has to be intentional. The poem acts like a RIDDLE asking children to guess the animal. There is nonfiction facts about each animal as well.

My thoughts: I didn't love this one as much as I wanted to. I like the premise well enough and the fact that it includes poetry and nonfiction facts.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

162. What Hedgehogs Likes Best

What Hedgehog Likes Best: Rhymes for Children. Erwin Moser. Translated by Alistair Beaton. 2023. [April] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The hedgehog's cozy as can be.
Now count the ravens: one, two, three.
The worm lives in her apple-house.
Up in the attic lives the mouse.
The owl is too awake to dream.
The trout is swimming up the stream.
The goat enjoys the morning air.
Those pesky flies get everywhere!

Premise/plot: Yesterday I reviewed What Cats Like Best and What Bears Like Best. All three books are similar. Rhyming couplets featuring animals. No cohesive story, just rhymes that follow a pleasant rhythm. 

My thoughts: I was skeptical a bit at first. My first impression was meh. (Just being honest). But the second time I read them when I was actually writing the review, they began to grow on me a bit. I think knowing that there wasn't a story, that there was no narrative, helped me appreciate them for what they actually do. Here we have rhyme that follows rhythm. Now it is relatively easy to rhyme; I think it comes somewhat naturally. Rhythm is trickier. Some authors get by with very clunky rhythm to their rhymes.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

160. What Cat Likes Best

What Cat Likes Best: Rhymes for Children. Erwin Moser. Translated by Alistair Beaton. 2023. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The polar bear likes snow, not sun!
The hare eats cabbage by the ton.
The cats are waiting for their tea.
The mouse says, "Please don't look at me!"
The rooster cries out, "Time to wake!"
The panda likes to take a break.

Premise/plot: What you see is NOT what you get. If you are expecting thirty-two pages of kitties, then you'll be disappointed. I knew it was "rhymes for children," but at the very least I thought they would mostly be cat-themed rhymes. Each spread contains a rhyme--a couplet, I believe. But each page stands on its own. There is no continuity. There's plenty of rhyme but not so evident reason. 

My thoughts: Erwin Moser was an Austrian author/illustrator. Once you get an idea of what the book is and isn't, then it is easier to "forgive" it for not being about cats. The rhythm seems solid in my opinion, so there's that at least.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

144. Where I Live

Where I Live: Poems About My Home, My Street, and My Town. Edited by Paul B. Janeczko. Illustrated by Hyewon Yum. 2023. [March] 48 pages. [Source: Library] [Poetry collection for young children]

First sentence: Home
East side, West side,
all around the town.
Which side
is the best side?
Wherever you sit down
to eat your supper, pet your cat,
do homework, watch TV.
Any old place
that's your home base
is where you want to be.
X.J. Kennedy

Premise/plot: Where I Live is a poetry collection edited by Paul B. Janeczko. The poems are gathered together into three sections, "Home," "Street," and "Town." Each poem is illustrated. Many poems celebrate the ordinary, the little moments that make up life.

My thoughts: Poetry collections are interesting. I always find a few to love. I rarely love them one and all. Such is the case with this new collection. There were a handful of poems that I definitely enjoyed reading. I thought they worked really well. I could see using them in the classroom, sharing them with young ones. 

One of my favorite visual poems is by Nicholas Virgilio.
"Now the swing is still: 
a suspended tire
centers the autumn moon."

The illustration shows a tire swing with a centered moon. It's a beautiful image.

I loved Ice Cream Truck by Irene Latham
On summer Mondays
we listen
for the jinglesong
that holds
half notes
of winter:
fudgesicle
orangesicle
pushpop
bombpop
firecracker
snowball
and ice cream
on a stick
that drips
unless
your tongue
is swift
like mine.

The Walk
Crunching my boots
through another snowstorm,
each footprint a temporary tattoo
against the frosted prairie.
~ Charles Waters

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

101. Animals in Pants

Animals in Pants. Suzy Levinson. Illustrated by Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell. 2023. [April] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Cat-Itude
This cat wears pants.
They're custom-made
in tiger-striped velour.
You can't ignore
a cat in pants.
That's what he wears them for.

Premise/plot: This one is a collection of poems celebrating ANIMALS IN PANTS. Each poem is illustrated. Each one features an animal in pants. Plenty of animals, plenty of pants, so many rhymes. 

My thoughts: What you see is what you get. No tricks here. I will say that I wasn't personally 100% sold on the rhythm of the rhyming poems. (Some work better than others). But overall, this silly poetry book was enjoyable. I definitely had a couple of favorite poems, including the first poem, "Cat-Itude."

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

95. Ode to a Bad Day

Ode to a Bad Day. Chelsea Lin Wallace. Illustrated by Hyewon Yum.  2023. [April] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Oh Bad Morning,
eyes are crusty, bones are rusty.
Why do all my teeth feel dusty?
All I see is gray ahead.
Can't I stay inside my bed?
Oh you Bad Morning. 

This picture book is written in rhyming verse. This little girl is having a BAD DAY. From morning to evening, this littler girl is experiencing it all. (Including a verse to Missed Pudding.)

My thoughts: This was a FANTASTIC picture book memorializing a truly terrible day. Super relatable, good for all ages. I loved this one so much. The illustrations are so expressive. The art definitely complements the text well. If you like a little drama, this one is a great find.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

94. Meet Danitra Brown

Meet Danitra Brown. Nikki Grimes. Illustrated by Floyd Cooper. 1994. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: You oughta meet Danitra Brown,
the most splendiferous girl in town.
I oughta know, 'cause she's my friend.
She's not afraid to take a dare.
If something's hard, she doesn't care.
She'll try her best, no matter what.
She doesn't mind what people say.
She always does things her own way.
Her spirit's old, my mom once said.
I only know I like her best
'cause she sticks out from all the rest.
She's only she--Danitra Brown.

Premise/plot: Zuri Jackson, the protagonist, is sharing a collection of poems about her best, best, best, best, best friend, Danitra Brown. The book celebrates friendship and life (and youth). Each poem is illustrated by Floyd Cooper. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. There are more in the series. Sadly my library doesn't have the others. The illustrations capture such timeless 'small' moments in life. They are just a JOY. So expressive, so wonderful. The poems also celebrate the 'small' moments in life. Each poem highlights the friendship between these two girls--the ups and downs and everything in between.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

77. I Love You Like Yellow

I Love You Like Yellow. Andrea Beaty. Illustrated by Vashti Harrison. 2022. 48 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: I love you like yellow.
I love you like green.
Like flowery orchid
and sweet tangerine.
I love you like silly.
I love you like mad.
Like joyous and jolly.
Like silent and sad.

Premise/plot: Picture book poem. This picture book--beautifully illustrated--celebrates families and unconditional love. 

My thoughts: I can be a harsh critic when it comes to rhyming picture books. This one was beautiful. It wasn't too 'precious' [aka saccharine]. The narrative was packed with imagery. I liked seeing all the many different scenes from life. I like the vignettes of different families. This isn't the story of one family--one parent, one child. It is broader and more universal than that. 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

52. In Every Life

In Every Life. Marla Frazee. 2023. [February] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: In every birth, blessed is the wonder.
In every smile, blessed is the light.
In every hope, blessed is the doing.

I would personally classify this as a picture book poem. It is based on a Jewish baby-name blessing. (I'm not sure how true it is to the traditional or if it is more loosely based.) The text is sparse. Some spreads of this one are a blend of text and illustrations. There are other spreads that are solely illustrated--no text. 

While this one could certainly be read aloud--gifted to be read aloud--to anyone of any age...I can't help thinking that this has more of an audience with adults, new adults, and those in the transition-y bits of life. Then again, I think if read aloud by a loving, caring, nurturing parent (caregiver, aunt, grandparent), it could maybe become beloved with a younger crowd. Perhaps more of a lullaby.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

45. Mushroom Lullaby

Mushroom Lullaby. Kenneth Kraegel. 2022. [October] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: This is a mushroom. This is a mushroom that grows in the park. This is the mushroom that glows in the dark. This is a mushroom growing on a tree. And this little mushroom is hard to see. Here is a mushroom up high in the sky. Here is a mushroom that never stays dry. 

Premise/plot: The jacket copy calls this one "cozy and unique." It is certainly unique. While there are other picture books about mushrooms, they are relatively rare. (The one I'm thinking about are two friends arguing about how to share three mushrooms.) This one is all poem, very little story. 

My thoughts: This is an odd read. On the one hand, I am an adult who absolutely LOVES mushrooms. A day without mushrooms is a sad, sad day. I enjoyed the idea of this one. Though I'm not sure what I expected and how this one held up to my expectations. Did I want more of a story? Maybe. Maybe not.The first half is just all poem; the last half is about someone (???) who lives in a mushroom having friends over and hanging out together. Perhaps all poem with no story. Or perhaps all story with no poem. ON the other hand, I've never met a toddler, preschooler, or young child who wanted anything to do with mushrooms--even fictional ones. I'm not exactly sure *who* this one is for??? 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

39. Ready for Spaghetti

Ready for Spaghetti: Funny Poems for Funny Kids. Michael Rosen. Illustrated by Polly Dunbar. 2022. [November] 64 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Up!
Up, up, uppity-up!
The light shines through the window
Up, up, uppity-up!
Here is my nose and here's my elbow
Up, up, uppity-up!
My feet are standing on the floor
Up, up, uppity-up!
My feet are taking me out the door

Premise/plot: A collection of fun/funny poems written for young children by Michael Rosen. The poems take you through the course of a day--though not necessarily the same day. The first poem is a morning poem. The last poem is a bedtime poem. The poems follow four friends. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this poetry book. It was super fun. I love Polly Dunbar's illustrations. I have for years. Her art always has had a special place in my heart. I adore her work. The poems work for me. I think they are relatable and enjoyable.

On the Swings

Swing me on the swing,
Higher and higher and higher.
I'm a swingy flyer!
Higher and higher and higher.
Swing me on the swing,
Push me, push me, push.
I go swooshy-swoosh!
Push me, push me, push.
Swing me on the swing,
Swinging and swinging and swinging.
Swing me on the swing.
I'm singing and singing and singing.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

27. The Real Mother Goose

The Real Mother Goose. Illustrated by Blanche Fisher Wright. 1916. 128 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Little Bo-Peep has lost her sheep. And can't tell where to find them; Leave them alone, and they'll come home, and bring their tails behind them.

Premise/plot: This Mother Goose collection was originally published in 1916. Its cover (and interior illustrations) are recognizable by generations. There are hundreds of poems/verses. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed reading The Real Mother Goose. While I was familiar with some of the Mother Goose rhymes, there were so many that were new to me. The rhymes do vary in quality and relevance. (I'm not sure little ones need to be familiar with each and every poem in this collection in order to "know" their Mother Goose properly). Here are a few of my favorites:

The Tarts
The Queen of Hearts,
She made some tarts,
All on a summer's day;
The Knave of Hearts,
He stole the tarts,
And took them clean away.
The King of Hearts
Called for the tarts,
And beat the Knave full sore;
The Knave of Hearts
Brought back the tarts,
And vowed he'd steal no more. (107)

Sing a Song of Sixpence
Sing a song of sixpence,
a pocket full of rye;
Four-and-twenty blackbirds
Baked in a pie!
When the pie was opened
The birds began to sing;
Was not that a dainty dish
To set before the king?
The king was in his counting-house
Counting out his money;
The queen was in the parlor,
Eating bread and honey.
The maid was in the garden,
Hanging out the clothes;
When down came a blackbird
And snapped off her nose. (62)

The Bunch of Blue Ribbons
Oh, dear what can the matter be?
Oh, dear what can the matter be?
Oh, dear what can the matter be?
Johnny's so long at the fair.
He promised to buy me a bunch of blue ribbons,
He promised to buy me a bunch of blue ribbons,
He promised to buy me a bunch of blue ribbons,
To tie up my bonny brown hair. (127)

Do you have a favorite Mother Goose rhyme?

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

192. Thanks a Million

Thanks a Million. Nikki Grimes. Illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera. 2006. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Reward
"Thank you"
is a seed I plant
in the garden
of your heart.
Your smile
is the flower.
A slow and sweet surprise,
it blooms before my eyes!

Premise/plot: A picture book poetry collection containing sixteen poems by Nikki Grimes. It is a themed collection. There are many ways to show/express gratitude or thankfulness. There are many reasons to be thankful [to give thanks]. 

My thoughts: This is not particularly a "Thanksgiving Day" themed picture book. I am glad of that, in a way. One should be thankful 365 days of the year. Gratitude is an attitude that one should strive towards every day. I appreciated the variety of the poems. There are MANY, MANY things to be thankful for.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

191. Autumnblings

Autumnblings. Douglas Florian. 2003. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Autumn falls in late September.

Premise/plot: Autumnblings is a picture book poetry collection by poet/artist Douglas Florian. There are forty-eight autumn/fall themed poems celebrating this season of the year. It blends two art forms--poetry and art [painting]. Many--though not all--involve word play. Almost all are a celebration of nature. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I did. I think my favorite poem from this collection--or one of them at least--is the poem "Awe-tumn."

When summer's seams
Have come undone,
Then greens to reds
And purples run.
A palette falls
To forest floor,
And autumn leaves
Leave me in awe.

I also liked the pumpkin poems! I think they would be such a great read aloud in school classrooms. 

The poem about hibernation [aka Hi-bear-nation] was so much fun!!! I loved the word play.

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

186. Under the Christmas Tree

Under the Christmas Tree. Nikki Grimes. Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. 2002. 32 pages. [Source: Library] 

First sentence: I count down
The days of December
And watch for
The cardboard box
Mom keeps
Like a secret
At the back
Of the closet
All year.
Then, one morning,
It appears
Sudden as fog
And out comes
Three strands of bulbs
Waiting to wink
And imitate starlight,
Leftover tinsel
Still showing off
Its sparkle,
And a basket of silver balls
Too delicate
for bouncing.
Magic as mirrors,
They play catch
With every light
In the room.
I dig further and find
The gold acorns
I spray-painted
Last year, a pair
Of quilted reindeer,
And the five-pointed star
Grandma made of lace.
The box bursts with
Forgotten treasures.
But I know we're
Near the bottom
When I find
Jesus, Mary, Joseph,
And the Wise Men,
Their porcelain bodies
Wrapped like mummies.
Do they wonder
Where they've been?
I shrug, then tear their
Tissue-paper shrouds
So they can breathe.
It's then
The Wise Men whisper
Finally
Christmastime is here!

Twenty-three poems [with illustrations] help little ones [and those young at heart] count down the days until Christmas! [or Christmas Eve, to be precise]. These poems celebrate big things, little things, all the in-between things. Poems vary in length. Some poems are just three lines long! While others--like the poem I quoted above--are longer. 

I enjoyed so many of these. But I have a few favorites that I loved, loved, loved.

Plugged In

Forget the house next door.
What are you waiting for?

Like precious jewelry
We stud the rooftop
Bracelet the porch post
Bead the bushes
Pearl the footpath
And ring the old oak tree.

We are ready and set
To shimmer, so
Plug
Us
In.

Isn't that poem wonderful????

I also really loved the poem "Getting to the Good Stuff." I loved the ending so, so, so, much.

Getting to the Good Stuff

I love to open presents
On Christmas Eve, at night.
I love to guess the contents
Then see if I was right.

I love the bits of ribbon
The way the endings curl.
I love the dainty wrapping--
Just perfect for a girl.

I love the tissue paper
That teases "almost there!"
So what if I'm now eighty-three?
Go right ahead and laugh at me
And see how much I care!

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers