Travel around the country with Carl Sandburg, a twentieth-century poet who has been called the voice of America. Visit rural back roads and busy cities, and meet friendly animals and ordinary people going about their daily lives. More than thirty of his wonderful poems are presented here, along with specially commissioned illustrations that capture the spirit of his words.

Wrap yourself in the quiet mist of Fog.

Giggle at the definition of Arithmetic.

Learn the lessons in We Must Be Polite so you know what to say if you happen to meet a gorilla or an elephant.

Find out what gives a building life and meaning in Skyscraper.

Listen to the snappy music of Jazz Fantasia.

Relax and drift off to sleep with the help of Sheep.

With a magic touch, Sandburg manages to find the laughter and meaning in everyday things -- doors, rain, colors, the sea, a telephone wire, words, and even a rat! So, pack your imagination in your hobo bag and get ready to take a special trip with the words of Carl Sandburg.

From the back cover

Take a real-life hobo's journey with one of American's greatest poets, Carl Sandburg. Born in Illinois in 1878, he spent a great part of his lifetime wandering about the United States, and his poetry reflects the wide range of wonderful images, people, and feelings he encountered and experienced.

Feel the pleasure of a single moment such as the sight of a young farmworker at dusk in "Plowboy," or a ride on a railroad at night in "Window." Discover how a telephone wire can take on a special meaning in "Under a Telephone Pole," and bask in the joy of fresh "Summer Grass." More than thirty of Carl Sandburg's remarkable and enchanting glimpses of the world are presented here, along with helpful notes and beautiful, full-color illustrations to enhance the poetry.

Just as he was happiest travelling from place to place, Sandburg did not restrict himself to traditional forms of poetry, but instead worked his mastery in free verse -- poetry that does not have a regular meter or rhyme. He played with the sounds of words and the description of images, often giving inanimate objects the characteristics of people or animals, such as "The fog comes on little cat feet" or "An open door says, 'Come in.'"

Sometimes he is quite serious, as in "Old Woman," when while looking out a window he sees a homeless woman in the rain, or when he speaks of the fate of Native Americans in "Buffalo Dusk" and "A Coin." But often he is filled with joy, finding silliness and delight in the little things in life, such as "Boxes and Bags" and "Arithmetic," or having fun with sounds as in "Phizzog" and "Jazz Fantastia."

Let Carl Sandburg show you the world through his eyes. You'll start to see the music and magic in all the things around you, from the grass at your feet to the moon and starts overhead, and everything in between.

The Poetry for Young People series is an ideal way to introduce young readers to the marvels of poetry. By pairing classic poems with stunning illustrations and providing helpful definitions and commentary, the series opens up a whole world of words.

From the dust jacket