FROM DAYBREAK TO GOOD NIGHT

Smith-Ary makes this skimpy but thoughtful introduction to Sandburg’s poetry a personal one, both by folding in two poems by other poets, and by illustrating the selections with scenes of the white-haired Sandburg happily entertaining a visiting group of children—plus an occasional zebra—on the North Carolina farm where he spent the latter years of his life. Yes, the oft-reprinted “Fog” is here, but the other poems are less well known: the poet addresses a bluebird in “Bluebird, What Do You Feed On?” advises readers to “Try Being A Goat,” notes that “Spring” is a good time to look at the world from fresh new angles, orders “Milk White Moon, Put the Cows To Sleep,” then closes with the suggestion that there are many ways to spell “Good Night.” Smith-Ary’s art, crayon on acetate and then more crayon, has child appeal galore and it captures the relaxed and comfortable side of the poet who sometimes sang with the children who visited. It’s just a sip of Sandburg, but a rich one, and an old but outstanding collection, Rainbows Are Made (1982), is waiting in the wings for children drawn to his distinctive voice and sensibility. (Poetry. 6-10)