Bookjoy, Wordjoy

In this collection of loosely themed poems, including some previously published selections, Mora (Book Fiesta) expresses her full-on love of language and everything it can create--from libraries full of books ("We belong together, / books and me/ like toast and jelly/ o queso y tortillas") to wonderful mouthfeels and sounds ("I collect words... that have a brown scent, cinnamon, / that sweetly stretch, car-a-mel"). A few of the poems branch out into tributes to nature or family; in Antelope Canyon, she writes of "dark crevices echoing water's roar/ for millions of years." Mora works mostly in tightly phrased free verse, save for one acrostic poem, and some selections blend Spanish and English in literal ways ("Slide into a river of music, / Resbala a un rio de musica"). Her openhearted enthusiasm and sense of wonder is always evident and inviting, and there's plenty of "you go, young poet" encouragement woven throughout the verses. The fanciful, poster-like images by Colón (Listen: How Pete Seeger Got America Singing), inspired by the radiant color work of Rufino Tamayo, match the verses' earnestness and joy. Ages 6-12. (July)

K-Gr 3--Young bibliophiles, logophiles, and poetry lovers will cherish this collected volume of Mora's verse, beautifully illustrated by Colón. Fourteen poems celebrate reading and writing, underlining the importance of literacy for child and adult readers. Mora's love for language and wordplay is infectious; rhyme, alliteration, and onomatopoeia all make their way into the poems and will ensure lively group reading. Colón's artwork, rendered in watercolor and Prismacolor pencils, is rich in dreamy blues and deep earth tones. The illustrations range from everyday scenes of whimsy to stunning views of canyons, imaginary landscapes, and playfully abstract interpretations of the text. Mora reminds readers throughout that writing inspiration is always within them: "Think of the faces, the colors, /the places you've been, the pictures/you carry inside." Librarians and educators could easily use this title in lessons on creative writing, from poetry to memoir. Best of all, after reading, children may share Tomás's sentiment in "Library Magic": "¡Vámos! Let's all go to the library/Join the fun, a treasure house that's free." VERDICT Perfectly suited to libraries, a top addition to poetry collections.--Della Farrell, School Library Journal