How Elegant the Elephant: Poems About Animals and Insects, written by Mary Ann Hoberman and illustrated by Marla Frazee. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette, 2025. $27.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Zebra Stripes

Zebra stripes
In black and white 
From right to left 
and left to right. 

Zebra stripes
In white and black 
From back to front 
and front to back."        

Mary Ann Hoberman is a poet whose work I greatly admire. Her death in 2023, at 92, was a sad loss to the world of children's literature. Ms. Hoberman had an infectious spirit that inspired many young children to find joy in words. This posthumous collection of 60 poems gathered from her extensive body of work is completely focused on animals and insects. She chose her favorites and then added 8 new poems for this partnership with Marla Frazee, a former collaborator. 

As I read the book from start to finish, I found myself remembering a few old favorites and wanting to share more and more of them here. They are full of her spirit, offering riddles and quick-witted looks at some of her favorite animals. Ms. Frazee opts to place each poem in a hotel settling. It makes the reader think that these poems were written to be presented in just such a place. They are listed alphabetically by title and shown on spreads that allow readers to see how happy the animals and insects Ms. Hoberman so loved are while being with friends. They present a cohesive whole for the lively assortment of creatures. 

"Dragonfly

You get what you eat with your feet when you hunt
While you fly which is why your six feet are up front
Like a net. You like meat like mosquitos to eat 
Which you see with your eyes and you seize with your feet. 
Dragonfly."

A lot of research was done in order to write this poetry. There are many scientific facts assimilated for young readers. Then, there is the fun Ms. Hoberman infused into the writing she did for her audience. Kids who are lucky enough to share this book will surely find their very own favorites. The art pays homage to a friend and collaborator. Ms. Frazee fills spreads with details that will have readers hooting with laughter and smiling with pleasure for the scenes created. Done using black Verithin pencil and watercolor, the artwork encourages careful observation and conversation. Be sure to take a close look at So Many Kinds of Animals if you want to see a yoga class in action, then turn the page and check out the donkey's follow-up assignment. 

"Ants

I like to watch the ants at work
When I am out at play. 
I like to see them run about 
And carry crumbs away. 

And when I plug an anthill door
To keep them in their den, 
I like to see them find a way 
To get outside again."