THE SELDOM-EVER-SHADY GLADES

There are some pleasing poems among the 17 offered here on the flora and fauna of the Florida Everglades, their habitat and their habits, and the author’s affection is evident in every one. Unfortunately, at least as many suffer from forced whimsy, inconsistent meter or muddled information. Focus instead on the quilt-art images with which the poems are paired. Although there seems to be no particular connection between the subjects of the poems and the medium chosen to portray them, some of the textile art is striking—sculptural, full of detail, lovely embroidery and clever use of fabric, pattern and color. An acknowledgement lets readers know that a Smithsonian Zoological Society ornithologist has vetted the poems. There is no note about the art or its creation. Occasional factual asides on the pictured wildlife are tucked here and there, but the creatures are not labeled. Older readers will be most able to appreciate the art. Birders and South Floridians might be the best audience. (Poetry. 9+)