Around My Room

by William Jay Smith, Erik Blegvad (Illustrator)

William Jay Smith has gathered in this volume twenty-nine of his poems that have a special appeal for small children. Such all-time favorites as "The Toaster," "People," "Polar Bear," and "Seal" are here, together with a number of new and uncollected pieces. All are delightfully illustrated by Erik Blegvad. In this winning collaboration, pictures and poems alike demonstrate the enduring wit and charm of two masters whose work has charmed and amused young readers for over four decades.

Poetry for first readers

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1953

About the author

William Jay Smith was an American poet. He was appointed the nineteenth Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 1968 to 1970.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming illustrations by Erik Blegvad, an illustrator I have a great fondness for, are throughout this collection of pleasant poetry for children. Some of the poems feel dated with references to overshoes and steamships and Mary, Queen of Scots, but there are a few gems (besides the lovely art)- to make this worth a look. My favorite entry being a limerick:
"There was a Young Lady named Rose
Who was constantly blowing her nose;
Because of this failing
They sent her off whaling
So the whalers could say: "Thar she blows!".
Fabulous, yes?