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Poems and rhymes are a great way for children to expand their appreciation of language. Here is a collection of books, most of them either done in rhyming text or poetry, that will be sure to spark young imaginations. Who knows which young Emily Dickinsons or Carl Sandbergs may be out there? For ages 2-6 Sheep Don't Count Sheep Written by Margaret Wise Brown; illustrated by Benrei Huang (Simon & Schuster, hardcover, 24 pages, $14.95) If humans count sheep to fall asleep, what do sheep count, asks classic children's author Margaret Wise Brown in this lovely rhyming book. Brown's text, with a mother sheep telling her lamb to count butterflies to fall asleep, has been given dreamy new illustrations, done in watercolor and colored pencil. The pastel tones are soothing, as are the gentle words, making it a perfect bedtime read. I Saw a Bullfrog Written and illustrated by Ellen Stern (Random House, hardcover, 28 pages, $15.95) What would a catfish look like if we were to take its name literally? Half cat, half fish? These are the queries author and illustrator Ellen Stern asks in her clever book about compound words. Her rhyming text is funny: "If a ratsnake is named 'cause you are what you eat, then he isn't a critter a rat wants to meet." The amusing and highly detailed pictures are done in acrylics and pencil. At the end of the book, Stern includes illustrations of the real animals she includes in the book. I'm Still Here in the Bathtub Written by Alan Katz; illustrated by David Catrow (Simon & Schuster, hardcover, 30 pages, $15.95) If silly songs and rhymes get your young one giggling, this is the perfect book for them. In this follow-up to "Take Me Out of the Bathtub," Alan Katz is at it again, creating songs like "The Meals at My Camp," sung to the tune of "The Wheels on the Bus," and "I'm a Menace," sung to the tune of "Fr`ere Jacques." The accompanying illustrations, rendered in watercolor, colored pencil and ink, are equally silly and humorous. For ages 5-8 Isabel's House of Butterflies Written by Tony Johnston; illustrated by Susan Guevara (Sierra Club Books, hardcover, 32 pages, $15.95) Every year thousands of monarch butterflies come to a town in Mexico to make their home in the backyard tree of 8-year-old Isabel. She loves watching the beautiful creatures. But her family is poor, the crops are not growing and her father is forced into cutting down the huge tree to sell for firewood to raise some money. But Isabel has a better idea. She and her mother will make butterfly-shaped tortillas near the old tree for the tourists who come to their town. This heartfelt tale, accompanied by lush illustrations in oil paint, is one that children will relate to. It touches on care for the environment and one's family. Two Old Potatoes and Me Written by John Coy; illustrated by Carolyn Fisher (Alfred A. Knopf, hardcover, 40 pages, $15.95) Can a new crop of potatoes really grow from some old potatoes? A young girl is not so sure, but she follows her dad each step of the way in this warm and funny book. The illustrations are eye-catching, done in a combination of collage and paintings. It's not only a gardening tale, but one about spending time with family and having a little faith in the ways of nature. The Wishing Bone and Other Poems Written by Stephen Mitchell; illustrated by Tom Pohrt (Candlewick Press, hardcover, 52 pages, $16.99) Stephen Mitchell has created a lovely anthology of poems, some of which ask whimsical questions, such as "When I Grow Up," and others that simply tell a tale, like "The Trial." The playful words are perfect for reading aloud. The classically styled illustrations are done in ink and watercolor. For ages 6-10 Ellen's Lion Written and illustrated by Crockett Johnson (Alfred A. Knopf, hardcover, 64 pages, $12.95) Out of print for 20 years, it is a delight to see a new publication of "Ellen's Lion," a series of funny conversations between chatty Ellen and her stuffed lion. Together the two explore her fear of the dark, being sad, singing and becoming a fairy princess. Crockett Johnson's illustrations (he is also the creator of the classic "Harold and the Purple Crayon") are very expressive and full of life. For ages 8-12 How to Cross a Pond Written by Marilyn Singer; illustrated by Meilo So (Alfred A. Knopf, hardcover, 48 pages, $14.95) Though almost spartan in their simplicity, these poems about water are amazingly calming and soothing to read. The illustrations, done in India ink, are similarly calming. This would be a nice collection for an older reader who is beginning to appreciate the subtle use of language. |
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