The Beauty of the Beast: Poems from the Animal Kingdom

First published in 1997 and unavailable for three years, this ALA Notable Book of 200 poems for animal lovers is now being reissued with a price lowered from $22.95 to $19.95. Culled by Jack Prelutsky from the works of more than 100 highly acclaimed poets of the twentieth century, here is a poetic parade of the animal kingdom that ranges from the lowly earthworm to the majestic whale and just about every creature in between. Some of the poems are playful and funny; others are insightful and thoughtful--but all are brief and fun to read aloud. Whether by Ogden Nash or Seamus Heaney, William Carlos Williams or Marianne Moore, the striking images of each poem are captured in the deft brushstrokes, sure sense of color, and lyrical compositions of Meilo So, a brilliant young watercolorist. The Beauty of the Beast is a big, joyous book offering lasting value. Altogether, it is a beautiful gift for the whole family to treasure, grow with, and cherish. Complete with author and title indexes.

The Beauty of the Beast : Poems from the Animal Kingdom is a stunning collection of poems celebrating "the beauty and wonder of the animal kingdom." Poet and anthologist Jack Prelutsky has chosen 200 works by 123 poets from Carl Sandburg to Seamus Heaney, with a tip of the hat to his own "The Multilingual Mynah Bird." Not surprising for someone who grew up near the Bronx Zoo, Prelutsky has arranged the poems into five zoological classifications. The vibrant watercolor illustrations for this book were created by Meilo So, a brilliant Hong Kong-born artist. A welcome anthology for poetry lovers, watercolor enthusiasts, and children's book collectors alike. (Ages 8 and older)