This successor in format to The Random House Book of Poetry equals that title in its capacity as a basic work for any child's book collection and surpasses it as a worthy example of its illustrator's work. No corners are cut here, either in text or illustration (although the quality of paper and reproduction could be better). Most familiar Mother Goose rhymes are found in their entirety, as well as many that may be new to the reader. All are illustrated, in a cornucopia of drawings which demonstrates the range of Lobel's technique and imagination Some rhymes have each verse illustrated in a tiny but detailed sketch; others have an entire, two-page spread devoted to one short lyric (as in "Wee Willie Winkie"). Some pages show an ingenious combining of the themes of several verses to create one illustration: "Bye, baby bunting," "The north wind doth blow," and "Baa, baa, black sheep" together create a pleasant, winter pastoral scene, for example. Most illustrations are rollickingly entertaining, but a few, such as "Misty, moisty morning;" are thoughtful or even, as "Diddle, diddle dumpling," extend the idea in a new, more poignant direction. This book's beauty and wit will extend its use far beyond the nursery, both as a treasury of verse and a treasure chest of Lobel's art.
