A City Is

A city is
streets crossing,
fire trucks,
bridges,
sirens,
great towers of stone,
and
one red geranium
on a windowsill.

A tribute to New York City for the very young by a distinguished poet

In this evocative collection of poems about the uniqueness and diversity of the city of New York, savor the beauty of Manhattan from spring through winter. Visit the pocket parks, the sky-high buildings, the bustling streets and celebrate the Fourth of July on the banks of the rivers that surround the city. This tribute by a talented poet and playwright is brought to life in detailed, vibrant illustrations.

Norman Rosten was a celebrated author, poet, and playwright of adult works, many of which were inspired by his hometown of Brooklyn, New York. The poems for A City Is were collected and edited by Mr. Rosten's daughter, Patricia Rosten Filan, after his death in 1995.

Melanie Hope Greenberg has illustrated a number of children's books, including Bethany Roberts's The Wind's Garden. Shortly after beginning her career as a children's book illustrator, Ms. Greenberg met Norman Rosten at a children's bookstore in Brooklyn. He encouraged her by saying "You're a pro. Would you care to read some of my poems that are appropriate for children?" After several years, those poems became A City Is and, by illustrating them, Ms. Greenberg learned even more about her beloved New York City.