From Publishers Weekly
Edward Lear (1812-1888), ed. by Edward Mendelson, illus. by Laura Huliska-Beit, joins the well-conceived Poetry for Young People series. Misunderstood by his peers and plagued by loneliness and low self-esteem, the 19th-century wordsmith and painter spent much of his time in the company of children, composing poems and songs for their amusement. Mendelson here compiles 35 of the author's efforts, introduced by comments that place each in the context of his oeuvre ("Many of Lear's poems are about people who become happy by doing what they think they should do, not what other people think they should do"). Definitions of unfamiliar words and the poet's signature nonsense phrases (such as the Owl and Pussy-Cat's "runcible spoon") follow; Huliska-Beit's swirling spreads and vignettes play up the eccentric scenarios. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 3-5. In an analytical introduction, Mendelson looks at Lear's serious and silly sides before selecting 15 limericks and 18 longer poems, all of which feature odd creatures adapting to, or reveling in, their differences. Sporting conical noses or other physical peculiarities, Huliska-Beit's smiling, rubber-limbed figures dance through vertiginously tilted, brightly colored minimalist settings. Though some notes are provided, the awkward gap in "Scroobious Pip" is not explained (Lear left it unfinished), and the small type size gives some pages a jam-packed look. Still, as a presentation of Lear's better-known poems, this makes a thought- and laugh-provoking bridge between the many picture-book editions of single poems and such extended collections as The Nonsense Poems of Edward Lear (1991). John Peters
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Book Description
Utterly delightful to read aloud, and for parent and child to share, Edward Lear's humorous verses shine with irrepressible joy and rhythm. Filled with exuberantly nonsensical made-up words (like "Scroobius Pip" and "pobble"!) that tickle the funny bone, his work gives free rein to youthful imaginations. What better to foster a love of poetry than the immediately appealing The Owl and the Pussy-Cat, with its effortless rhymes, songlike beat, and charming animal characters? Or The Quangle Wangle's Hat, which tells the tale of a creature who warmly welcomes everyone--and so makes everyone cheerful. In Dingle Bank, even some young and mischievous boys punished by their schoolmaster make the best of their situation and succeed in having a good time. Bright and fanciful paintings--all as wildly energetic and unrestrained as the language itself--add to the enjoyment. 20 examples of Lear's finest poems will entice children over and over again--and, as always, this acclaimed series features fascinating biographical information, introductions to each verse, and full annotations that define difficult vocabulary.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Utterly delightful to read aloud, and for parent and child to share, Edward Lear's humorous verses shine with irrepressible joy and rhythm. Filled with exuberantly nonsensical made-up words (like "Scroobius Pip" and "pobble"!) that tickle the funny bone, his work gives free rein to youthful imaginations. What better to foster a love of poetry than the immediately appealing The Owl and the Pussy-Cat, with its effortless rhymes, songlike beat, and charming animal characters? Or The Quangle Wangle's Hat, which tells the tale of a creature who warmly welcomes everyone--and so makes everyone cheerful. In Dingle Bank, even some young and mischievous boys punished by their schoolmaster make the best of their situation and succeed in having a good time. Bright and fanciful paintings--all as wildly energetic and unrestrained as the language itself--add to the enjoyment. 20 examples of Lear's finest poems will entice children over and over again--and, as always, this acclaimed series features fascinating biographical information, introductions to each verse, and full annotations that define difficult vocabulary.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Edward Lear (1812-1888), ed. by Edward Mendelson, illus. by Laura Huliska-Beit, joins the well-conceived Poetry for Young People series. Misunderstood by his peers and plagued by loneliness and low self-esteem, the 19th-century wordsmith and painter spent much of his time in the company of children, composing poems and songs for their amusement. Mendelson here compiles 35 of the author's efforts, introduced by comments that place each in the context of his oeuvre ("Many of Lear's poems are about people who become happy by doing what they think they should do, not what other people think they should do"). Definitions of unfamiliar words and the poet's signature nonsense phrases (such as the Owl and Pussy-Cat's "runcible spoon") follow; Huliska-Beit's swirling spreads and vignettes play up the eccentric scenarios. (Jan.) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

Children's Literature

Edward Lear is most well-known for the hundreds of poems he wrote in the form called the limerick. In this new collection, many of his other works are introduced. Some, like "The Owl and the Pussycat," may be familiar, but there are many more that are not often included in collections of his poems. Lear's verses are full of rhythm and joy--it almost seems as if they should be set to music. All the characters in his poems, both real and imaginary, seek freedom and justice. This is a theme that is carried through all his work, and young readers will strongly identify with the urge to march to a different drummer. Lear's words make it OK to be unique. The lively illustrations by Laura Huliska-Beith fairly dance off the pages, adding to the sense of delight that Lear's words bring. This collection is a marvelous introduction to a poet whose life's work was bringing joy to children. 2001, Sterling, $14.95. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Joanne Draper

Parent Council Reviews