SPIN A CIRCLE!

Howell introduces original verses and rhymes that will engage young readers.

This collection of simple, playful poems covers a multitude of traditional, familiar topics. All tackle subjects that will appeal to young children, with titles such as “Making a Fort” and “Chasing Leaves.” Many lines encourage movement, such as “Bend your elbow. Tap your knee” in “Follow the Leader”; in “Yoga Moves” a young speaker says, “I stretch around and twist. I bend to touch my toes.” Howell’s verses are easy to read with simple, singsong rhythm and cadence. The majority are brief and light in tone, but a few are longer, such as “Snowstorm,” “Family Treasures,” and “Grandpa’s Day” (“Grampa, hum my favorite song / While I bounce and bob along”), and the reflections they spark add needed variation. The rhymes, in elementary vocabulary, feel natural, and the use of the Dyslexie typeface will allow those with reading disorders to better access the text. The short lines mingle with the charming, friendly, and vibrant illustrations, and the page design achieves balance with small chunks of text appearing in varying locations on each page. The organization of the poems feels haphazard, but readers will be happy to meander through the book.

Fun rhymes with a hint of nostalgia.