Don't be misled by the title - this is actually an anthology of poetry from various authors, illustrated by dePaola. Which isn't to say it's a bad book, because the selection of poets is wonderful, and the subject matter is appropriate. Robert Louis Stevenson, William Blake, Byrd Baylor, Jack Prelutsky, Dorothy Aldis, Emily Dickinson, and Jack Prelutsky are just some of the writers represented. The spread of authors include poets who specifically write for children and others who are acclaimed masters of the genre. Tomie dePaola does include one of his own poems, as well. Moreover, he has illustrated each selection with his trademark style of simplified yet very colorful and appealing pictures. The faces have small eyes, rosy cheeks, and a variety of hair styles. His illustrations have a distinctive look that feel like the essence of childhood and folktales. I like his artwork. I also appreciate books that introduce children to quality writers and poets at an appropriate level. Enjoy this book with your children; they will like listening to it, and you will like reading it aloud. Bonus: when they're older, they will be one of the few kids to have already read Federico Garcia Lorca. ( )

This is a collection of high quality poems by renowned poets (Jack Prelutsky, Mary Ann Hoberman, Robert Frost, Langston Hughes, Frederico Garcia Lorca) that can be enjoyed by elementary-aged children and older; Tomie de Paola's illustrations fill the book, but only one of his own poems does (which was a little disappointing). Although the poetry is first class, the highlights of this collection are De Paola's own illustrations and his one poem ("The Secret Place"), which stuns in its simplicity. This collection would sit well on any child's shelf. ( )

This book is a collection of poems with illustrations from Tomie dePaola. It would be a good way to introduce students to a poetry unit. ( )

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