GOOD RHYMES, GOOD TIMES

A poet known for his theme-based anthologies (Small Talk, p. 469, etc.) collects nothing but his own work in a pretty picture book. A few new poemsincluding ``Mother's Plea,'' ``Split,'' ``Winner'' and the succinct ``Winter'' (NEVER/quarrel/with/winter./It/ALWAYS/wins.)join with old favorites, including the title piece, exhorting the joy of reading, ``Valentine Feelings,'' ``Sing a Song of Cities,'' ``Behind the Museum Door,'' ``Puppy,'' ``Overnight at the Vet's,'' ``Cat's Kit,'' and more. Lessac's vivid multicultural urban landscape is as accessible as Hopkins's enthusiastic verse; adults will find this a pleasure to read aloud, with its celebration of events important to children: the loss of a tooth, a new puppy, or a Valentine from someone special. (Picture book/poetry. 4-7)