The Red Ear Blows Its Nose: Poems for Children and Others

Rhymes abound in this wide-ranging collection of 99 new and previously published poems by Schechter. Grouped loosely by subject, frequently humorous verse relies heavily on ballad stanzas while exploring a variety of topics, from poetry writing to nature and beyond. Some pieces embrace whimsy for tongue-twisty readaloud effect (“Though losing/ is gruesome/ and winning/ is winsome/ I win some/ and lose some/ and losing/ I wince some”). Others lightly touch on more existential questions, such as “Unlucky,” which concludes: “I bought a coffin./ It’s worth a try./ With my bad luck./ I might not die.” Most successful are those previously published, including “Colors,” which invites reflections on perspective (“I wonder if what you call red/ would look like red to me”). Federico’s occasional ink drawings provide doodle-like imagery, contributing to the collection’s casual feel. Figures’ skin reflects the white of the paper. Ages 7–up. (Apr.)