Prelutsky has invented a method he calls “poemstarts” to help children get started in writing poetry. He provides several introductory lines of a simple poem and then offers some open-ended suggestions for its completion. In this thematically organized collection, Prelutsky offers ten poemstarts on different popular themes, complemented by three short poems on the same subject by different authors. The poemstart and related text is set off on a gold background on the upper right of each spread, with the three short related poems incorporated within a thematic illustration in So’s delightfully loose watercolors. Some of the subjects covered are dogs, bugs, snow and best friends. Prelutsky’s short suggestions for young writers include possible rhyming words, point of view and incorporating personal experiences and feelings into poetry, all offered in a light-handed manner. Though the volume’s intent is as a springboard to writing poetry, the thoughtful selections and So’s winning watercolors make this a successful poetry collection even without the writing prompts. (author’s note, indexes of titles and authors) (Picture book. 5-8)
