From Booklist
Gr. 2-4. This attractive collection presents 20 short poems about families, from Mary Ann Hoberman's "What Is a Family?" to Arnold Adoff's "In Both the Families," from Eloise Greenfield's "Missing Mama" to Judith Viorst's "Mother Doesn't Want a Dog." Other notable poets represented include Eve Merriam, Grace Nichols, Christina Rossetti, and Carl Sandburg. Though the verse forms vary little from poem to poem, readers will find significant differences in subject matter, voice, and emotion. Each selection is enhanced by Cairns' appealing watercolor illustrations with their stylized shapes, rich colors, and pleasing patterns. Peopled with characters from different racial groups, the pictures reflect the poems' many cultural contexts as well as the many ideas expressed. A well-illustrated book that will speak to many children. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
