The Wizard by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Brandon Dorman.

This is a gorgeous new edition of Prelutsky’s poem which originally appeared in Nightmares: Poems to Trouble Your Sleep.  Prelutsky’s skill with words is as evident as ever as is his connection with children.  I appreciate that Prelutsky is not worried about the use of words like “gaunt” “perplexed” and “fiendish.”  Rather he allows the poem itself to frame and support these jewel-like words, giving children a chance to reach for them. 

The illustrations in the book are equal to Prelutsky’s work.  Dorman has brought the world of the wizard alive using interesting perspectives, lush colors, and scores of details in each image.  It is a book worthy of poring over, growing with, and adoring. 

Highly recommended as a read aloud for elementary age children learning about poetry.  It will also be successful in storytimes about magic for preschoolers.  But I do think that its darkness and its words will be most appreciated by slightly older children.