POETRY Picture Books: From the Ridiculous to the Sublime

Technically, these are not both poetry books. In an award category, the first would be considered a poetry collection by a single author. The second is a concept picture book in rhyme. Both are illustrated in ways that enhance the text, both are smile-inducing, and both will appeal to a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and can be shared for many purposes. 

CAMERON KIDS, 2023

ANIMALS IN PANTS is written by Suzy Levinson and illustrated by Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell This first picture book is, in case you had any doubt, the RIDICULOUS side of the title in the post. I spent many happy minutes simply imagining how the author/poet first explored that premise... What would I have to say about animals in pants? In poems? 

Well, the cover offers hints (and ha-ha's) to invite readers to open up and explore the poems and images inside. The front end papers pose the central question;

"WHAT? You've never seen an animal in pants?"

By the way, the closing end papers suggest there could be a sequel, with this question: "What? You've never seen animals in hats?" After reading this collection I'd happily enjoy that newer offering if it comes to pass.

Let me just say that the star of the title page is a bear in pants who reminds me of a lovable character in one of the earliest picture book collections of my childhood. So I was a fan from the start. Opposite that page are the dedications by the author (To Dan: I LOVE YOU MORE THAN LEGGINGS), and by the illustration pair, to their nieces and nephews (THANK YOU FOR WEARING PANTS). With a start like that, nothing could disappoint! 

An array of animals from the familiar (cats, dogs, squirrels, raccoons, etc.) to the exotic (snakes, antelopes, yaks) and concluding with a clever poem incorporating a surprise tailor.Each poem could become the favorite of a variety of readers of many ages, many lines are memorable enough to become memes, to spread smiles into grins, on to "let me read this to you" funny. So, this, dear readers, is my nominee as a ridiculously irresistible picture book of poems.

LITTLE BROWN & COMPANY, 2022

Next up, WHEN I'M WITH YOU, written by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler, lands squarely in the SUBLIME half of the title. I have come to expect the very best from either of these creators, regardless of their partners in picture book creating. But when they pair their talents the results are often magical. (If you've missed earlier comments about their work together, check HERE for my thoughts about WHEREVER YOU GO and HERE for BE BRAVE!) 

MIller's picture book success is indisputable, and she has also established a strong following for her workshops and webinars to support and coach other writers of picture book text. In those settings and in program presentations I've heard her say that she seldom writes in rhyme. I'll share my thought that when she does, though, she knocks it out of the park. In several of those titles, her rhymed text works perfectly for the purpose of the book, while actively developing the full narrative for the story arc as it unfolds, page by page. in this case, that is true, but it is also true that individual stanzas could stand alone as independent poems that might be memorized and recited by a delighted child who falls in love with the language and sense of those lines. 

An example of one stanza I adore (among many of these) is this:

"You're the numbers of my set,

all the suns I don't know yet.

But if one plus one makes two,

I'm the one who goes with you."

If you assume that every stanza repeats that line prompt, you underestimate the skill and craft that guides Miller's writing, and Wheeler's visual narrative that propel these charming and diverse characters, including a dog-buddy pair, through many life experiences. The ending is satisfying and inspired, making this a kid-friendly picture book that's also a brilliant choice for friends of any age. That might be a friend moving away, a mentor-mentee gift of thanks, a parent-child gift as relationships mature beyond dependence to friendships, or an end-of-school-year gift to a very special teacher. This, though, is why I call it sublime. Whoever the audience, whatever the purpose, this is a picture book you won't want to miss.