A new book of children’s poetry by Texas Poet Laureate Alan Birkelbach. Entitled Smurglets Are Everywhere, the book is splendidly illustrated by Susan J. Halbower, whose drawings perfectly capture Birkelbach’s droll imagination and wacky use of language.
This is TCU Press’ first venture into children’s literature, and the staff is very pleased with the results.
Every page of this fun-filled poetry book will appeal to kids and adults alike.
Birkelbach tells you not only where Smurglets come from, but, using captivating rhythms, goofy rhymes, and wonderfully made-up words, he tells readers from 5 to 50 why Ogres Hate Okra, about what happens when Blob Junior Goes to Camp, and the dire consequences of losing your Galoopa!
Illustrated by prize-winning artist Susan J. Halbower, the book will lure readers again and again to read about, and marvel at, Giggleville, Komodos, and Weldon Wing (The Armpit King!) … not to mention all the other creatures and crazy situations.
Teachers will discover this is the new book they have been searching for at story-time and for teaching about poetry. It’s playful, entertaining, easy to read, and easy to memorize. Not too hard to understand, not too grown-up, and not too many pages—it’s the perfect book to get kids to read (and make them giggle.)
Alan Birkelbach is the 2005 Poet Laureate of Texas. He has been writing poetry since he was twelve years old. He thinks writing poetry is the most fun ever. He lives in Plano, Texas, with a big, white dog.
Susan J. Halbower is an award-winning artist who lives in Fort Worth. She designs bow-wow CARDS™ and has been drawing pictures of animals for years and years and years (which means she’s really good at it.)
TCU Press titles are available at your local bookstore or by calling 800.826.8911
Texana Review, Ed Blackburn, books, children's poetry, Alan Birkelbach, Susan Halbower
