Noisy Poems for a Busy Day

In light, joyful poems, Heidbreeder explores simple childhood experiences, taking readers from morning (“Riffle- rustle,/ feed down-pound./ Another day/ has rolled around”) to bedtime (“Chitter-chatter./ Monkey-tricks./ Fall asleep/ in three quick ticks”). Smith’s digitally colored pencil drawings feature children with oversize heads and puny limbs at play, at rest, and at the dinner table (manners and playing nicely pop up as poem topics). The bite-size length of the poems, frequent use of evocative onomatopoeia, and inviting imagery add up to an accessible and entertaining collection for preschoolers. Ages 3–7. (Sept.)