Side by Side

This review refers to the Hardcover edition of "Side by Side,Poems To Read Together".....Lee Bennett Hopkins has put together a delightful collection of ageless poems and stories, for you to rediscover with your children or grandchildren. You will also find newer works that are sure to become classics some day.Cuddle up with Mother Goose's "Wee Willie Winkie", Celebrate the arrival of Spring with Langston Hughes' "April Rain Song" or R.L. Stevenson's "Rain".Sing aloud with the kids to "Over the River and Through The Wood" by Lydia Maria Child,and have Clement Clarke Moore's "A Visit From St. Nicholas" ready to read aloud on Christmas Eve.The poems are cleverly grouped by subjects, In the different Seasons of the year,there's "Spring Again" by Karla Kuskin, a delightful little ditty of being able to play without mittens,and "The Pickety Fence" by David Mc Cord, where you can almost hear a litle boy clicking along a fence with a stick.In summer enjoy "Munching Peaches" by Lee Bennett Hopkins.There are poems for playtime,worktime, and learning time,remember the "ABC Song"?(Anonymous). You'll find lots of animal ditties like "I Went To the Animal Fair"(Anonymous), counting rhymes, old favorites like "The Walrus and The Carpenter" by Lewis Carroll,songs for all Holidays,including "Hannukkah Candles" by Margaret Hiller and even "Prayer"(Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep...) for bedtime.I wish I could name all the wonderful poems to be found here that will delight both you and your children(you may even continue reading it long after the kids have fallen asleep). There are over 70 pages of poems and songs in this beautiful book. The illustrations by Hilary Knight are marvelous and capture the essence of each and every poem. In "Poor Old Lady"(Anonymous), you know the one, she swallowed a fly, a bird, a dog, etc.....You can see the look in all the animals faces as they may think they might be Next!The book also includes an index where you can look up your favorites alphabetically, By Author or by First Lines. There is also a nice introduction.Have fun with this wonderful introduction to poetry that should be passed down from generation to generation, or keep it to read to your grandkids after the kids have grown.And Try not to get caught reading it by yourself!!!........Laurie