The Owl and the Pussy Cat

And Other Nonsense Poems

Written by Edward Lear
Illustrated by Michael Hague
North-South Books, $18.95

ISBN 1-55858-467-6

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Rhymes and chimes and lots of fun

Review by Alice Cary

Speaking of classics, every child should have a heaping dose of Edward Lear. Michael Hague has done a stunning job of illustrating The Owl and the Pussy-Cat and Other Nonsense Poems by Edward Lear. Hague is known for illustrating classics in the style of Arthur Rackham and N.C. Wyeth while adding his own touches of inventiveness and whimsy. The title page illustration alone is a masterpiece-a magical island peopled by a hodgepodge of characters all waiting inside. Read further and you'll meet a young lady with horribly bulging eyes, monsters, mermaids, fairies, and another young lady whose nose is longer than Pinocchio's.

Alice Cary writes often about children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail at alice_cary@bookpage.com.