This fine collection, published posthumously, brings together 56 of Brown's lesser-known or previously unpublished stories and poems. In his introduction, Leonard S. Marcus eloquently describes why Brown was one of the most sensitive writers for preschool children, but the actual poems and stories prove that she was ahead of her time. Organized loosely under 11 subject headings, the selections cover such diverse topics as "Adventure," "Nature," "Nonsense," and "Big and Little," all with an unerringly child-centered perspective. The pieces play with language, rhythm, and patterns ("Spoon up the moon" sings a bird in "Two Little Raccoons").

Brown's exquisite attention to detail (like the "bugs that laugh themselves awake" in "Song of Little Things") is echoed in Krupinski's excellent paintings that grace every page. Most entrancing, however, is the emotional truth demonstrated in such stories as "You Be Little and I'll Be Big," where all creatures, no matter what their size, can feel big or little, and sometimes need to have others take care of them. The bright, expressive illustrations focus mainly on animals and details of the natural world, and reflect the characters' emotions. Gentle humor is evident throughout, particularly in the opening illustration of "Belonging," which shows a mouse holding two sticks to his head like antennae, in an attempt to look like his two ladybug friends.

Illustrations and text are an ideal match here. This is a beautiful book in every sense of the word, with much to treasure for children, adults, and scholars.

Very cute pictures.