This selection of poetry is billed as a children’s book, but I think most, if not all, of the poems also appeal to adult readers. The poems range from the traditional to the contemporary and are classified into seven sections: our universe, the animal kingdom, love and celebrations, people, death, pride and defiance, and the changing times. As can be gathered by the section titles, the poems cover the whole gamut of human life. Some are funny and upbeat while others are more somber, so there’s a poem for every possible mood. Some poems are more sing-song in nature, and I think these would make for great family read-alouds. The illustrations aren’t necessary but are a nice touch. The book also contains several indexes, helpful for finding a particular poem quickly, whether by first line, poet, or country of origin. There is also a glossary and a map, which help make this book into a teaching tool in addition to entertainment. ( )