Misleading
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Upon my purchase of my third possum related novel, i was bitterly disappointed at the absence of the beloved and elegant possum. My first purchased novel, giving me insight into the world of possum boxing, was a marvelous journey into the deeply intriguing origins of these gracious creatures. This book has left a sour after taste, as there is little to no involvement of the fore mentioned possum. The title is very misleading and i feel taken advantage of. In my opinion, the highly spoken of T.S. Elliot should only be praised for her ability in exploitation. Quite frankly this is a possum short of a pygmy.
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WONDERFUL POEMS.
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T S Eliot wrote these poems for his godchildren. It is most unfortunate that he didn't have any children of his own, because he has shown in these poems how he could relate to children and their fun and interests.
The Pollicle (Poor Little) Dogs shows how he is gently teasing the pronunciation by children of these words as well as Jellicle Cats (you work it out).
Most people know many of the poems because of the musical 'Cats' which also has some beautiful phrases from his collected poems in it 'The burnt out ends of smoky days' from his poem 'Preludes' for example, but the lyrics come mostly from these poems for children.
He was a master of rhythm and children love rhyme as it appeals to their natural instincts, so Macavity the Mystery Cat with its repetition of 'Macavity's not there' would be loved by children who call out the line with joy!
T S Eliot was called 'Old Possum' by some of his friends as a joke and he appropriated the name for his young friends as well.
I love to think of this serious man who had many problems in his life, out of which arose 'The Waste Land' but who also wrote 'Four Quartets' when his life began to change for the better, sitting with a little collection of enrapt children and reading or reciting these poems.
Do buy this book, it's not only children who love these poems!!!
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Holiday Games
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Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats is a superb book of light verse. Some of the language might be a little difficult for young children (though it's always good to learn new words), but your kids are certain to warm to such a disreputable bunch of street-cats! Adults too will enjoy the skill and wit of Eliot's rhymes. Personal, I'm a big fan of the poet and I rate this collection alongside The Wasteland and The Love song of J. Alfred Prufrock.
Of all the editions available I think this is the one to own. Edward Gorey's illustrations are very funny (particularly his illustration of 'Firefrorefiddle the Fiend of the Fell!'). If you don't get this one, then the Faber pocket series with the cat painting on the cover is also very nice (that one contains the original illustrations, which are quite sweet).
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my kids reading poetry!!!!!
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My daughters love the musical Cats, so brought them this book. I have never seen an 8yr old and a 6yr old so interested in poems. Even I thought it was a lovely book, and it has now become a family favourite. I would recommend this book to everyone.
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