Ellen Welty (Children's Literature)
This beautifully illustrated collection of poems, selected by the late Bill Martin Jr. and compiled with help from Michael Sampson, will appeal to young children in particular. The poems were selected for their rhythm--a catchy, almost musical cadence that will delight a read-aloud audience. The illustrations are original for this anthology and represent the work of many outstanding current illustrators including Ashley Bryan and Lois Ehlert. The poems are categorized by headings that children will appreciate such as “Animals” and “Nonsense.” There is a title index, a first line index, and an author index, all of which are helpful to the busy parent of teacher. This is one of the best collections of this type that has been published in recent years, and readers will enjoy comparing it to Sing a Song of Popcorn, another excellent anthology with illustrations from award-winning artists. There is a foreword by Eric Carle and an afterword by Steven Kellogg. 2008, Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, $21.00. Ages 4 to 8.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, November 1, 2008 (Vol. 76, No. 21))
A veritable pantheon of illlustrators contributes work to this delicious collection of Martin's favorite poems. The likes of Ashley Bryan, Chris Raschka, Lois Ehlert and more appear matched to such literary lions as Aileen Fisher, Margaret Wise Brown and Langston Hughes. Play is key here: Mary Ann Hoberman's "The Folk Who Live in Backward Town" is presented normally, surrounded by Stephen Kellogg's upside-down and backward illustration; the mirror image of both appears on the facing page—what a hoot! Ranging from the reflective "Hurt No Living Thing," by Christina Rossetti, with colored-pencil illustrations by Aliki, to the raucous "O Sliver of Liver," by Myra Cohn Livingston, illustrated by Henry Cole, the poems represent a variety of syles and moods. Arranged thematically, the anthology includes poems about animals, nature, seasons, people, school, feelings, family and food, as well as nonsense and Mother Goose rhymes. Despite the absence of an illustrator index, this comprehensive collection is top-notch. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Bill Martin, Jr. Library at Texas A&M. (title author, first line index) 2008, Simon & Schuster, 176p, $21.00. Category: Poetry anthology. Ages 4 to 12. © 2008 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Tracy A. Fitzwater (Library Media Connection, April 2009)
Classic poems and fun illustrations are a winning combination, and this anthology combines both. Many are by familiar poets such as Aileen Fischer, Margaret Wise Brown, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Mother Goose. Other poets are as well-known but more contemporary, such as Jack Prelutsky, Judith Viorst, and Bill Martin Jr. The poetry is grouped into 10 sections, and includes Animals, School Time, Me & My Feelings, and Nonsense. Illustrators include Lois Ehlert, Aliki, Robert Quackenbush, and Steven Kellogg. Martin spent years collecting these poems, and readers should enjoy this collection for years to come. This title is co-authored by Michael Sampson, who has worked with Martin in the past. It was refreshing to see old favorites in print again. The volume includes a foreword by Eric Carle, an afterword by Steven Kellogg, an index of first lines, and an index of authors. The late Martin’s favorite poems will find a new audience. Recommended. 2008, Simon & Schuster, 176pp., $21 hc. Ages 5 to 11.