Poetry for Young People: Edward Lear

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.

About the Editor
Edward Mendelson is Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University, and has taught at both Harvard and Yale. He has numerous books and articles to his credit; has won such prestigious grants as the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship; and is Literary Executor of the Estate of W. H. Auden.

About the Illustrator
Laura Huliska-Beith graduated from the Kansas City Art Institute with a BFA in design and illustration. She is now a freelance artist as well as a book illustrator, and has also recently written her first picture book. She lives in Kansas City with her dogs, George and Roxy, and her husband, Jeff.