Rufus and Friends Rhyme Time

Who can resist illustrations by Iza Trapani? No one - not children, parents or grandparents. But there's no need to even try not to be captivated by his pictures when they're happily and colorfully available in Rufus and Friends Rhyme Time. Trapani shares with readers the fact that when he came to the United States from Poland at the age of seven he was given a big, beautiful Mother Goose collection." This was one of the ways he learned English and he was captivated by the "sounds, rhythms, and playful language in the verse." Adults and youngsters will be captivated again when they find familiar rhymes extended and illustrated by Trapani. He chose to have five canine friends present the rhymes in play form, to act them out, which, of course, adds to the merriment. There are 14 tongue-twisting rhymes brought to life by Rufus, Lulu, Stella, Tucker and Mops with smile producing illustrations by Trapani. He has done these working in watercolor, ink, and colored pencil. They're a joy to behold! - Gail Cooke