(3) 4-6 Poetry for Young People series. Illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith. Beginning with a succinct, analytical introduction to the life of Lear, the volume then presents some of his best-known work, including the nonsense poems "The Owl and the Pussy-cat" and "The Jumblies," as well as a fistful of limericks that begin with the line "There was an Old Man...." Brightly colored, whimsical illustrations nicely complement the humor and energy of the poems.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Gary Kelley. Lewis proves himself a stellar student of Lear in an affectionate tribute to "that crazy old Englishman, oh!" Some poems are based on actual events from Lear's life; the introduction states that others are pure nonsense. Dark-hued illustrations provide a seemingly striking contrast to the verses' playfulness, reflecting the starchy world of Victorian England, but a closer look reveals they, too, contain drollery worthy of Lear. A chronology of Lear's life is included.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute