Owl and Pussycat

Lear's narrative poem has been popular for over 100 years, with good reason. The wonderful rhythm and nonsensical wordsruncible spoon, Piggy-wig, Bongtreemake this verse a joy for both the adult reading the book and the young listener. The owl and the pussycat ""sailed away for a year and a day,'' declared their love for each other, decided to marry, landed on an island and, after the ceremony, ``dined on mince and slices of quince,'' then ``danced by the light of the moon.'' Cauley has illustrated many nursery tales with humor, attention to detail and glowing beautythis book is no exception. The shimmering waves reveal playful creatures of the ocean. On the island, the flora and fauna are abundant and brightly colored. (26)