SUNFLAKES

A charming collection for young children, reflecting their concerns, interests, and point of view and grouped with enticing headings lifted from the poems themselves: ``Me and Potato Chips'' for poems about food; ``The Night Is Long But Fur Is Deep''; ``If Sunlight Fell Like Snowflakes,'' from the title poem; and so on. Almost all the poets are contemporary, or nearly so; the poems—whether merry (the largest group), lyrical, or thoughtful—are notable for their contagious rhythms, lighthearted wordplay, and inspired use of language. Ormerod nicely matches the tone with deft but freely drawn illustrations in soft, rough pencil with simple added color, providing background or visualization but rarely extending the meaning and never intruding. ``Children are lucky if they have poems in their lives,'' begins Moore's inviting introduction—especially if they can start with this fine offering. Acknowledgements are arranged by author—a real plus. Fully indexed. (Poetry. 3-8)