Sad Underwear and Other Complications: More Poems for Children and their Parents

From Publishers Weekly Fans of Viorst's If I Were in Charge of the World will welcome this confection of light verse. Indicative of the child-centered approach, the category "Stuff You Should Know" includes the poem "Item of Information": "Just in case/ You were wondering what a disgrace is:/ It's, when you're in public,/ Scratching in private places." A poem in the "Questions" section asks, "Who decided that vegetables are something a growing child needs?" Other sections contain built-up knock-knock jokes or revamped fairy tales (e.g., Beauty laments that, once the spell was broken, "everyone thinks he's the beauty and I'm the beast"). Less fanciful than his full-color illustrations for Viorst's The Alphabet from Z to A, Hull's pen-and-ink drawings fill the pages with birds, unicorns, flowers and moons, but they do not reflect the variety of topics Viorst addresses. These poems skim the surface, breaking no new ground, but children will be entertained by their breezy simplicity and humor. Ages 7-up. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal Grade 3-6?From "The Seventh Swimming Lesson," in which Sally finally puts her face in the water, to a practical version of "Sleeping Beauty," this is an inspired book of verse guaranteed to the tickle the humerus again and again. Yet, poignancy is present, too. The jolly fat boy isn't mirthful when he's alone, and "What Dads Do" is so amusingly correct that readers will not be prepared for the final line, "I wish I still had one." All in all, these 70-odd poems will challenge, charm, and delight any child?or adult?who chooses to read them. A great many of the verses would be perfect for reading aloud and for transforming into wonderful choral-reading arrangements. Both humorous and dreamlike pen-and-ink illustrations are scattered throughout. Run out in your skivvies, if necessary, to secure a copy of this fine book. It will make children laugh themselves silly.?Amy Adler, Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, OHCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.