SHOUT!

Bagert offers recitation poetry for the very young. In 21 poems, tight rhythmic verse and busy colorful pictures (in acrylics and pastel on illustration board) cover various aspects of a young child’s life. For example, “Kids Rule!” races through a school day; “Snack Time” lists many edible possibilities, ending verses with “Yummy, Yummy!”; “Alphabet Boogie” sasses up that old “A, B, C” song; and “Finger Paints” runs through multiple options for the fledgling tactile artist. In fact, most of these repetitive poems seem tailor-made for setting to music. Yoshikawa’s illustrations all use a wide variety of bright colors, and several depict children in typical (hyper) activity. What Bagert lacks in creativity, he makes up for in accessibility and energy. School-age children might not be engaged, but their younger siblings will want to repeat their favorites over and over. (Picture book. 2-5)