My boys and I love silly rhymes, so I was excited when I stumbled upon this wonderful book of whimsical poems and illustrations. Florian filled Omnibeasts full of delightful short poems that seamlessly combine fun, wit, and fact.

In one of our favorites, Florian writes [in successively smaller font], “The itty-bitty, pretty tetra / Is small, minute, petite, et cetra.” In another, he describes the praying mantis: “Upon a twig / I sit and pray / For something big / To wend my way; / A caterpillar, / Moth, / Or bee — / I swallow them / Religiously.” And of Persian cats, he pens: “I am a cat of longhaired version. / A pet-igree that’s known as purrrsian.”

Not only are these clever rhymes paired with beautiful watercolors, many of the poems mirror the shapes of their subjects: the humps of a camel, porcupine quills, the curl of a python, and salmon leaping upstream. Florian also sprinkles in some terrific wordplay: “Woodpeckers are peckuliar things” and “Orange newt. / Orange you cute” (and, of course, the above mentioned “purrsian”).

Omnibeasts will appeal to kids of all ages. My 6-year old can pick up on some of the word play, and he finds it hilarious. My toddler likes the lilting cadence of the poems as I read them out loud. And they both like to look at the pictures. I love the unexpected little twists in the poems, as well as how Florian integrates the art of painting with the art of poetry.

Omnibeasts would make a great addition to a child’s library, and can serve as an excellent place to begin teaching children about poetry. During the next few weeks, I’m sure I’ll see the influence of Florian’s art – both words and paintings – in the work of my 6-year-old.

You can order a copy of Florian’s Omnibeasts HERE.