DID YOU KISS A CAT TODAY???

Eclectic poems by Lipschultz, Berger, and Stevenson that explore what it means to be a child.

Written by a trio of authors, these children’s poems range in subject matter from family and dreams to changing seasons and fanciful sea creatures. Some are delightfully silly (“Burnt up paper / to dance and caper: / That’s a fun party / till I bring / the paper scraper”), while others have a more melancholic feel (“‘If you want to live forever and more,’ / said the diamond to the fern, / ‘don’t follow in my footsteps. / Steer clear of coal and time’”). Each poem, signed by its respective author, is accompanied by Stevenson’s fanciful illustrations, most of which are simple black-and white drawings that reflect the poems’ subject matter, punctuated by bright boxy shapes in various hues that dot the page. The authors have created a delightfully fun introduction to poetry for children. While some pieces may read as a bit repetitive, the majority contain emotional nuggets that change meaning depending on one’s life stage (“There really aren’t monsters / anywhere in the house / but sometimes at night / there are”). These small moments of contemplation elevate the book, making for a compilation that’s both joyful and thoughtful. The book includes a sticker sheet and space for readers to write their own poems.

A collection of whimsical children’s poetry that expertly sneaks in moments of profound reflection.