cover image Freckly Feet and Itchy Knees

Freckly Feet and Itchy Knees

Michael Rosen. Doubleday Books for Young Readers, $9.95 (1pp) ISBN 978-0-385-41250-6

``I'm talking about noses / wet noses / warty noses / sleepy noses / when someone dozes,'' writes Rosen ( We're Going on a Bear Hunt ) in the opening lines of this spirited celebration of children's noses, hands, feet, eyes, knees and bellies. In verses featuring an informal rhyming scheme and a pleasantly irregular rhythm, the author elaborates on (among other things) what these body parts can do and where they can be found. Finally, he involves readers in the tongue-twisting text, entreating youngsters to give those hands a wave, those feet a tickle, those knees a scratch, etc. Sweeten fills each page with kids, grownups and animals involved in colorful, zany antics. Sometimes nonsensical, sometimes silly and always lighthearted, this paper-over-board book is ideal for reading aloud. Its verbal and visual action is nonstop. Ages 5-8. (June)