You Wait Till I'm Older Than You!

I read this new Rosen collection (engagingly illustrated by Shoo Rayner with black and while line drawings) in one sitting and found that I had laughed aloud several times, smiled in recognition, been amused and wiped away a tear. Yes, Rosen has done it again. This volume has all his usual hallmarks: amusing sayings and conversations (Wipe that face off your smile), word play, long narrative poems, childhood pranks, adults and their foibles. Some of the best poems are about the poet's parents: 'The Torch', 'Shirt' and 'The Cupboard' are three typical examples. Rosen revisits his own childhood and observes those of others with originality, authenticity, wit and affection. That is why most kids and teachers love his work.