From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5-This light, delectable collection of poems, one for each letter of the alphabet, has true child appeal. It offers a roster of quality verses, all of which have been previously published, by such noteworthy writers as Langston Hughes, Carl Sandburg, Jack Prelutsky, Myra Cohn Livingston, and other favorites. Layout is attractive, with each brief poem whimsically illustrated by either a full-or double-page watercolor painting. Arnold Adoff's "Chocolate," X.J. Kennedy's "Lasagna," and Ogden Nash's "Octopus" are just a few of the selections that will tempt reluctant readers as well as those already converted to the delights of poetry.
Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Ages 3-6. The titles of the poems are arranged from A to Z, but this is not so much an alphabet book as it is an enjoyable anthology to read aloud with young children. Some pieces (such as Ogden Nash's "Octopus") do play with alliteration and the repeated sound of a letter (Karla Kushkin's "Moon" begins "Moon / Have you met my mother?"), but kids will care about the words and rhythms of these poems rather than the first letter of their titles. The arrangement allows for a random mix of moods and styles, and this is expressed in Root's bright, clear watercolor paintings, many of them double-page spreads, that switch from the melancholy blues of Lillian Moore's "Foghorns" to the rich red sauce of X. J. Kennedy's "Lasagna." There are fine poems here by Myra Cohn Livingston, Charlotte Zolotow, Eve Merriam, and many others, 26 in all. Kids and those who read to them will dip into this collection for pleasure. They may not all get that C is for "Chocolate," but they'll love Arnold Adoff's poem that wallows in chocolate's smooth taste and color. Hazel Rochman
