HONEY SANDWICH

This illustrated collection of 54 poems, about half of them rhyming, was originally published a decade ago in Australia. They vary widely in content, form, and quality, including some concrete poems; funny, short ones about pets and siblings and naughty little children; and longer, rambling ones in stream-of-consciousness or dialogue format. While some of the selections are funny, just as many aren’t, and several would be offensive to many parents and teachers, specifically three about older women, one called “The Hippos,” for instance. The jacket copy admits that some of the poems are “downright rude,” and they certainly are. Though this collection clearly crosses over the boundaries of appropriateness and good taste in several instances, there are those children who will enjoy the humor, both sweet and tart. (Poetry. 7-10)