I found this book last summer when I went to Connecticut on a work trip (back when we could travel).  It was such a lovely and pleasant surprise that I had to save it just for this month.

“Leave Your Sleep” is a collection of poems by quite an assortment of older poets, that have been turned into song by Natalie Merchant and illustrated by Barbara McClintock.  I had the pleasure of listening to Barbara McClintock at the Barnes and Noble in Storrs, CT and was able to get her to sign this very book.

Barbara McClintock’s illustrations sometimes remind me of some of my favorite illustrators from the Golden Age of Illustration (Howard Pyle, Kay Nielsen, Cicely Mary Barker, etc.).  And this is definitely one of her books where you would see that kinship.  BUT alas, I didn’t choose one of the poems that would show you exactly what I mean.  Instead, I chose a funny poem because it made me laugh, and I have a weakness for things that make me laugh these days.  Can’t we all use a little bit of laughter?  So here it is:

And if you’re looking for more poetry fun this month, be sure to check out the Kidlitosphere Event Roundup!