As a dyed in the wool cat lover AND a children's librarian I knew that I needed this book even before I actually saw it. I have not been disappointed. Cats are wonderful, complex creatures and these children's book illustrators have provided a delightfully wide range of viewpoints. From the cat who during WWII miraculously brought home a steak to its owner, to the mama cat who had her kittens in the closet among dad's shoes (kittens were appropriately named Etonic, Reebok, Nike, Converse, and Adidas), to Tuxedo the cat who had his own birthday party (the guests were a beagle, a kitten, a rabbit, a goldfish, and a parakeet!), this book is chock full of wonderful anecdotes of cats loved and remembered and terrific illustrations to accompany them. The fact that each illustrator has a different voice and artistic style only serves to make the book even more enjoyable. Note also the bonus that the fees, royalties and part of the profits from the book go to help animals in need. (Additional side note: If you're into dogs, check out the companion volume, Speak also edited by Mr. Rosen.

Speak! is such a jewel. It's a cross-over book, great for kids and adults. Children love the quirky pictures. The stories are charming and from the heart. This book can be re-read, finding something new each time.

This first book by Rosen is a great book of poetry the hard way: it takes topics that have been written about thousands of times and sheds new and tender light on them. Modestly titled, I thought this collection announced the arrival of a fine poet who will continue to make more exciting contributions to our poetry today.

I recently came across this book and was thrilled at what I read. Rosen is a wonderful storyteller, his poems are spun seamlessly. Although his use of language is fairly conventional, it is full of surprises. I highly recommend this to any poetry reader who is looking for a book that will reinvigorate your belief in the power of common speech.

The Spanish translation of this book is BETTER than the original in English. The story, about a father and his children pretending that they are going on a bear hunt, is imaginative and entertaining. And the ending is funny and exciting. (The bear gets away unharmed.) This book is great fun to read aloud. I highly recommend it.

I'm a preservice Language Arts teacher, and since starting my reading block have rediscovered children's books. This was one I *had* to buy. I love wordplay, so I worked it into a literary session with my student. I had planned on reading 4 selections, but she wanted to read the entire book -- so we did! I always use student enthusiasm when I can. There are poems that "teach" phonics, punctuation, spelling, etc. This is more than a grammar book masked as a fun book. It's a fun book in and of itself.

The best possible book of poetry for children, this collection features funny, anarchic poems that will crack up children and adults. This was my favourite book of poems as a child and twenty years later it's just as great. A great resource for teaching kids (or adults) that poetry can be about bus tickets and imaginary policemen, not just hearts and flowers.

Doctors don't always know medication either. While vacationing in Annapolis a doctor over medicated me and I slept for hours. I hope he buys this book!

I think both patients and doctors should buy this book. I was once over medicated by a doctor while vacationing in Annapolis and slept for hours! I sure hope he buys this book!

why is the editor of this book listed as Andrew j. Buda in the search and Brenda Adderly in the link?

This book is a compilation of funny writings by prolific American writers. Betwixt a strange look at Pokémon and a letter from the Census takers, there are great things, like the periodic table of rejected elements, and 100 favorite body parts. This book is hilarious, and I recommend it to all people, except for people who make census, and the creator of Pokémon.

I heard some of the humorists from this book on our local NPR station, and the interviewer gave the best description: Half-kidding, he just said that editor Rosen was the Bob Hope of the USO tour, but without the golf club. And it's all humor for the page, not the stage. But since we're all feeling somewhat like weary troops these days, this kind of humor--smart, reflective, surprising, trusty--is just what's needed. Best of all, it's not humor that banks on profanity or insanity to win you over. It's a great series. I bought the 6 CD set for holiday gifts, for folks who have too much drive time and not enough laughing during the stopping and starting of rush hour. Bravo, this "loose canon of American humor." And thankfully it's not just another survey starting with Train and ending with Keillor. Lots of new talents as well.

This is a terrific compendium, with a little something for everyone, no matter how high or low their brow. There are some head scratchers, to be sure, but for the most part, the contents are sheer joy. Smart but accessible--The New Yorker meets Dave Barry.

I bought this book for my dressage teacher for Christmas, and couldn't help reading most of it. Now I need to buy me one to finish and to keep. Highly recommend!

Although one can argue that the relationships we have with our pets is merely an interplay of stimulus and response, those who can describe that interplay in a deep and meaningful way can create powerful portraits of love, devotion, anger, fear and loss. In short, all the emotional responses that you or I would have with another person. The best pieces in this book do just that. In portrait after portrait, each author describes the relationship they shared with a particular, individual horse. Many times, these descriptions are merely reflections of the author's own state of mind, but in a handful of these stories a picture of the animal's personality also emerges. Particularly good are pieces by Michelle Huneven, Gretel Ehrlich, Lucy Grealy and Jo-Ann Mapson. There is also quite a bit of artwork in the book, of uneven quality. The photographs are all excellent, as are the sculptures. The selections from video pieces seem fairly intriguing, but the drawings and paintings are rather middling. All in all I'd say this is definitely a worthwhile read, not just for horse-lovers, but for anyone who is interested in human-animal relationships.

This collection is very well done, a classy collection of stories and illustrations. The pieces are all a pleasure to read, especially the Jane Smiley and Henry Taylor contributions. I have found that most books of this kind are either too cheesy or poorly written to read, but this one stands out as a new standard. A great read.