Prayers for a Better World

The tender poems in this British import address themes of nature, peace, and appreciation. Most are original poems; one pays humble thanks ("God bless the birds of springtime/ that twitter in the trees/ and flutter in the hedgerows/ and soar upon the breeze"), while another, based on Scripture, addresses war ("O God,/ Settle the quarrels among the nations./ May they hammer their swords into ploughs/ and their spears into pruning knives"). Delicate collages in springtime colors enhance the optimistic tone, and the inclusion of poets like Coleridge ("He prayeth best, who loveth best/ All things both great and small") should broaden the audience for this gentle, earnest compilation. Ages 5–7. (Jan.)