About the Author

Noted poet Lee Bennett Hopkins has edited or authored numerous books for children, including the I Can Read Books Hamsters, Shells, and Spelling Bees; A Pet for Me: Poems; and the ALA Notable Children's Book Surprises. The recipient of a Christopher Award and the University of Southern Mississippi's Medallion for "lasting contributions to children's literature," Mr. Hopkins lives in Florida.

Melanie Hall is the illustrator of many popular books for children, including the I Can Read Book Weather: Poems for All Seasons, selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins, and the Parents' Choice Award- winning book on Hanukkah by Cathy Goldberg Fishman. Ms. Hall lives in Olivebridge, New York.

Reviews

Gr 1-3-A collection of easy-to-read poems that succeeds in rising above limitations on the poetic techniques and vocabulary accessible to its audience. The not-always-rhymed verses are grouped in general categories-sun, wind, and clouds; rain and fog; and snow and ice, with a miscellaneous category at the end, ``Weather Together.'' The poets represented run the gamut from the famous-Carl Sandburg, David McCord, and Ogden Nash-to the unknown. Crayon drawings-double-and full-page scenes as well as vignettes-pull the book together. The dominant colors are pink and orange-more sunny than rainy; in fact, bad weather seems mitigated. There is not much range of feeling in the illustrations, which is consistent with the tone of the poems. The overall impression is of brightness, lightheartedness, and fun-not a bad introduction to poetry, though some might wish for a bit more variation and acknowledgement of nature's majestic and powerful side.-Ruth K. MacDonald, Quinnipiac College, Hamden, CT