I THOUGHT I'D TAKE MY RAT TO SCHOOL

Teachers who know it all, mealtimes with Chicken Surprise, recess, ``propper'' English—all are trotted out, spoofed, or pummeled in this worthy anthology. Judith Viorst has a thing or two to say about awards; Russell Hoban is one of three rhyming scribblers to scrutinize homework. Also appearing are Farjeon, Prelutsky, McCord, Aileen Fisher, Colin McNaughton, Gary Soto, and more. X. J. Kennedy, who shares copyright with the selector, ties Myra Cohn Livingston with four pieces each, as subject after subject is treated with comic ferocity. Ebullient b&w drawings of cranky hot-lunch cooks and leaning schoolhouses reflect and celebrate the gleefully rebellious tone. Index. (Poetry. 7-10)