A Ticket to Kalamazoo!: Zippy Poems to Read Out Loud!

PreS-Gr 1–A slim compilation of 19 poems for young children, with several that encourage movement and are tailor-made for reading aloud. Layton’s scribbly artwork alternates between black-and-white pencil lines and full color, which creates a deliberate imbalance as if the work is unfinished. The poems include finger plays and riddles, and invite children to look at the world around them and imagine. “Hug Day” is a brilliant piece that explores feelings by asking questions, such as “Is today a tough day?/ A huff and puff day?” If so, then “you need a hug.” The rhythm and rhyme inherent within makes this an adaptable piece for families to add into their routines as an emotional check, and the questions include feelings of sadness, frustration, tiredness, and more. Choices with graphic design and layout hinders other poems, including “A Ticket to Kalamazoo.” Rather than repeat the refrain, an ellipsis is used. Confusing, due to placement and font choices, similar occurrences happen in “FUSS FUSS FUSS! or…The Goldilocks Rap” and “Busy Bugs.” Although graphic design and art choices create an uneven selection, this is an animated and lively poetry selection for the very young.