STARDINES SWIM HIGH ACROSS THE SKY and Other Poems

Jack Prelutsky, our country's first Children's Poet Laureate, has conceived 16 different species of creatures such as stardines, magpipes, and jollyfish to delight a young audience. His clever wordplay and humor are ideal to capture even those unaccustomed to poetry. Prelutsky's spirited narration adds to the joy. Listeners will learn that plandas plan but never do anything; they just keep making plans. Subtle lessons emerge as tattlesnakes, described as nosy, mean, and annoying: "You don't mind your business, and we don't like your style." Most charming are the fountain lions, who are not predatory but must drink and drink to keep a fountain in the pink. Pronunciation is clear and conducive to vocabulary building, and the zestful presentation keeps listeners attentive. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2013]