THE SHERIFF OF ROTTENSHOT

Another inspired cast of human and animal weirdos munches its way through bizarre, ghostly, and fatal diets; or perks away at feats of fiendish or cantankerous contriving (""I know this does not work for you,/ but ah! it works for me,"" says individualist inventor Philbert Phlurk, while Kermit Keene ends up swallowed by the ""something monstrous, moist, and mean"" that emerges from his transforming machine); or expire with flamboyant originality (sneezer Cecil Snedde finally sneezes his head right off); or simply bumble about exhibiting their exuberantly described peculiarities. Prelutsky's verses, unlike most such, end with a bang, not a fadeout, and his jubilant rhythm and sound are echoed in Chess' zingy miscreations.