Wendy Cooling (1941–2020)

D is for Dahl is one of those fantastically quick and fun reads that I think every parent should read with their child (or in my case the adult with the heart of a child). This book is especially fun for those fans of the writer who may not know much about the man himself. He was such a unique, kind individual and that spirit shone through in his writings for both children and adults. To learn about the eccentricities of his private life is to have your estimation of the character of Dahl show more increase exponentially. For something delightfully funny with a fast pace, this is the perfect book to pick up. show less

D is for Dahl is one of those fantastically quick and fun reads that I think every parent should read with their child (or in my case the adult with the heart of a child). This book is especially fun for those fans of the writer who may not know much about the man himself. He was such a unique, kind individual and that spirit shone through in his writings for both children and adults. To learn about the eccentricities of his private life is to have your estimation of the character of Dahl show more increase exponentially. For something delightfully funny with a fast pace, this is the perfect book to pick up. show less

If you, like me, have ever wondered how to pronounce Roald Dahl's first name, this is the book for you! It's a short, breezy read consisting of alphabetically organized topics related to Dahl's life and works. I enjoyed the plethora of interesting little tidbits like these:

• James and the Giant Peach was originally James and the Giant Cherry;
• Dahl wrote his books in a secluded hut on his property and his home was called Gipsy House;
• his father died when he was three;
• he was a show more fighter pilot during WW2 and almost didn't survive a plane crash/explosion;
• he loved chocolate with a passion, but not chocolate-flavored foods like chocolate cake;
• he once helped his daughter cheat on a short story assignment for school, writing it for her (and the hilarious thing was, the paper got a C with the comment that she could do better!);
• he and a neighbor invented a therapy that allowed his first wife to recover completely from her strokes;
• he always tried to personalize his comments to children during book-signings, even though this made the signings much longer;
• his partnership with illustrator Quentin Blake went beyond professional respect into personal friendship;
• he loved writing villains and thought beards were disgusting (hence the bearded villains who appear);
• Matilda was the only book he was truly pleased with upon finishing;
• and his family was Norwegian and that's what they spoke at home...

... to mention just a few!

The book is written in a "cute" style that is slightly condescending here and there and a little forced in its humor. It is obviously intended for younger readers, but there are items of interest for adult fans as well. I found it fascinating to learn of Dahl's insecurity about his books and his fear, after the completion of each one, that he would not be able to produce another. Although this book is primarily a goofy celebration of all things Dahl, I appreciate the fuller picture it helped me form of the man behind the zany stories. Now I want to revisit his books!

(Oh, and for anyone who is wondering, "Roald" is pronounced "roo-ahl.") show less

This is a lovely anthology of thirty-six poems that are grouped into subjects relating to the natural world around us, offering different perspectives about both the beauty of the world and the threats to our environment.

Some use humor to make a point, like this short limerick:

"Song of the Open Road
By Ogden Nash

I think that I shall never see
A billboard lovely as a tree.
Perhaps, unless the billboards fall,
I’ll never see a tree at all.”

Two poems on the elephant by Gina Douthwaite will give show more kids lots to think about. One is called “Captivating Creature” and the other is called “Captive Creature.”

The first poem in the book by Elizabeth Honey, which is also the title poem, probably conveys the anthologist's sentiments the best. A mother is wishing for her new baby all the wild wonders and she ends the poem:

"For this wish to come true
We have much work to do
All the wild wonders
All the wild wonders
For you my sweet babe.”

Delicate and whimsical watercolors by illustrator Piet Grobler accompany each poem.

A list in the back gives a brief identification of each poet, chosen from the past as well as the present, and displaying a remarkably diverse set of contributors.

Evaluation: This poems in this book will undoubtedly be very pleasing to children, and will also provide subtle lessons on the importance of cherishing and protecting nature. show less