Don't Put Mustard in the Custard

Poems of the absurd accompanied by the illustrator Quentin Blake.

Grade 3-5 Blake's humorous cartoon-like illustrations are the only highlights of this otherwise uneven group of poems. The 23 original poems range in quality from a rather fresh and charming poem called ``Water'' and a clever selection called ``Bellyache'' to a downright terrifying selection titled ``Nightmare'' (a young boy jumps on the subway tracks to wait for the train and. . .). The remaining poems will leave readers either disinterested or mildly offended and make them want to grab either of Shel Silverstein's books ( Where the Sidewalk Ends 1974 or A Light in the Attic 1981, both Harper) or Jack Prelutsky's New Kid on the Block (Greenwillow, 1984). Indeed, Rosen's book seems to be a vain attempt to approximate the above poets' expertise in describing children's dreams, fears, and often outrageous daily experiences. Unfortunately this group of poems doesn't even come close. Barbara McGinn, Oak Hill School Media Center, Severna Park, Md.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.