DAYS LIKE THIS is a book of celebration—whether it's the novelty of sleeping outdoors, the delight of picnicking on the beach, or the sheer joy of bouncing on the bed in the afternoon. These small poems, some familiar, some new, have been carefully selected by Simon James, the acclaimed author-illustrator of LEON AND BOB, whose expressive line and watercolors portray an everyday world overflowing with wonder and possibility. With words and pictures given space to breathe, this is a collection of poems to read and revel in from beginning to end. "My first day at school to-day. Funny sort of day. Didn't seem to learn much. Seemed all we did was play. Then teacher wrote some letters On a board all painted black, And then we had a story and... I don't think I'll go back." Sure, Mama said there'll be days like this, but little did she know they could be so perfectly captured in a poetry anthology. In this catchy collection, Simon James gathers 19 poems by writers such as Rod Hull ("First Day of School"), Eve Merriam, Ogden Nash, and Charlotte Zolotow; illustrates them; and wham! Days like this become something to look forward to. Celebrating the joys and trials of summer days at the beach, strumming a one-string guitar in the moonlight, bouncing on a bed, and watching rain fall, this buoyant book is worth a second, third, or 99th look. James's sensitive watercolor portrayals of the world as seen through the eyes of small people will amuse and touch readers of all ages. Simon James is the author-illustrator of many acclaimed picture books, including Leon and Bob , a New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year. (Ages 4 and older) --Emilie Coulter Kindergarten-Grade 3-Pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons reflect the everyday world as expressed in poems by writers such as Eve Merriam, Ogden Nash, Aileen Fisher, Charlotte Zolotow, and the selector himself. The soft art embellishes the short, playful rhymes and free verse about love, adventure, music, and nature. A multicultural cast of characters brings pizzazz to settings like a swimming hole or snowy hill, creating unique visual interpretations of each verse. A lively variety of perspectives and flashes of humor make this book worth many returns. This wholesome collection is fine for the younger set, yet provides a seedling for older budding writers as well. Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. The light, scribbly line-and-watercolor illustrations remind you of James Stevenson as do the the 19 simple, unpretentious poems that capture the physical joy and the wonder of a small child's everyday world. Some of the best children's poets are here, and they speak directly in casual words that sing with rhyme and rhythm and sounds that reinforce the sense. James himself writes about the exuberance of "Bouncing" on the bed. Aileen Fisher's "Seed" expresses the elemental mystery of a tiny seed" ("How does it know / this little seed, if it is to grow / to a flower or weed . . ."). Words and pictures leave space for the child's imagination. The scenes range from the seashore and the woods to the crowded city sidewalk. Always the kids are having fun, whether running with the wind, sledding with friends, watching the rain from a window, or sleeping outdoors. This anthology is a natural companion to Mother Goose for reading aloud together. Hazel Rochman Its the small things that count in these snapshots of random moments that are captured here by James (Leon and Bob, 1996, etc.) in poetic form. Guppy hunting, stepping over stones across a creek, puzzling over the wonder of seeds, sledding, sleeping under the stars, and bouncing on the bed are a few favorite delights gathered for this collection. From Eve Merriam and Ogden Nash to traditional verse, and rounded out by the author himself, each poem glimpses a timeless moment with quiet, warmth, and good humor. Small gems offer readers wee wisdom, such as It takes a lot / Of slow / To grow in Merriams A Lazy Thought or, A seed is so small / where do you suppose / it stores up all / of the things it knows? in Aileen Fishers The Seed. Loose pen-and-ink line drawings reminiscent of James Stevenson are washed lightly with watercolor. Whether its lazing under the spread of a tree or rushing amidst the hustle-bustle of a city street, James uses line freely to convey the movement. Each small poem allows for pause, inviting readers to look, listen, and linger. (Poetry. 4-10)-- Copyright © 2000 Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. Simon James says, "Over the years I have come across many delightful small poems and have always wanted to give them room and expand on them visually. In DAYS LIKE THIS, I set out to make a genuine picture book of poetry."