The Dummy's Dilemma and Other Poems
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Cover Story
The anarchic hero of many daring adventures, William, as depicted on our cover by Thomas Henry in one of his effective, humorous pen and ink illustrations, is now a period piece. A William de nos jours illustrated by Tony Ross and aimed at a younger audience stands alongside him. This new William will be featured in adaptations of the stories by Martin Jarvis. Richmal Crompton, author of the William books, is the subject of this issue's Authorgraph. Thanks to Macmillan Children’s Books for their help with this November cover.
The Dummy's Dilemma and Other Poems
Mary Norman
John Mole is an accomplished poet whether writing for children and adults often giving a new twist to old forms. There are a variety of themes here, from atmospheric poems with relatively sophisticated vocabularies to simple word plays and human-interest stories. A variety of moods, too. From the jokey: 'I'm the oldest known gnome,/No gnome is oldest known gnome/Though an unknown gnome there may be' to the poem on the facing page 'Gliders,' a brilliant evocation of stillness and wonder. 'Almost they repose/Above their own shadows/Almost they keep/Watch over their own sleep'-a stanza that ought to bring shivers down anyone's spine. Despite titles like 'Hamlet's Counting Rhyme' and 'Doctor Samuel Johnson Consults His Dictionary Upon Being Stung By A Critic,' the collection largely stays within children's perceptions and predilections, without ever offering them less than the best. It goes to show, too, the amazing things you can do with the simplest ideas; read 'Time to Get Up', a clever variation on 'This is the house that Jack built'.