It's about Time

A diverse collection of short poems illuminates various clock-centered activities beginning with a 7:00 a.m. wake-up call and ending at midnight that same day. Offerings from familiar children's writers, among them Aileen Fisher, Jack Prelutsky and Hopkins himself, are interspersed with unexpected gems from traditionally adult writers, such as Gwendolyn Brooks. Shadows, mealtimes, pets and picture albums make the daylong excursion one of fancy and contemplation, and children used to having their days structured with calls of ``It's time to get up,'' ``It's time to practice the piano,'' etc., may respond particularly keenly. Novak's soft pastel pencil drawings do much to bring unity to the divergent writing styles represented. Well-modulated shifts in tone and mood keep this volume ticking quickly. Ages 4-8. (May)