I Like Mud - by Margaret Grote (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

In the final year of her life, award-winning poet Margaret Grote (1922-2005) handed a collection of poems to her son, David, with instructions to "do something" with them. David jumped right on it, and 17 years later approached his cousin, Marcia Wheelan Coles, a children's book author and illustrator. Truth be told, these whimsical and sometimes poignant poems were gathering dust in David's closet until Marcia brought them to life with her beautiful artwork. Growing up during the Depression, Margaret came to appreciate life's simple pleasures, a theme recurrent in these poems. Mother of four, she was an artist, photographer, writer, and poet. She taught fourth grade for 35 years. Her love of children is on full display in these pages, and although the writing is meant for children, young-at-heart adults will also love this collection. Somewhere, Margaret is smiling, knowing that her son finally kept his promise, and that her work lives on, bringing joy and laughter to a whole new generation of children

Review Quotes

"Eloquent, elegant, engaging, fun...highly recommended." --Midwest Book Review

"A magnificent little book...profoundly positive." --AuthorsReading.com

"One of the best children's poem books I have seen to date...everything from the quality and emotion in the writing [to] the engaging illustrations." Kid's Picture Book Review

"Skillfully captures the delights of childhood, from a visit to the ice cream truck to the unconditional love between a child and a family pet...a heartwarming book...highly recommended." --Reader's Favorite

"An enchanting and heartening anthology...effortlessly readable...illustrations are nothing short of magnificent...a delightful collection of poems that will undoubtedly captivate and enchant children...exceptional verse that celebrates life." --Literary Titan

"Simply written with profound meaning...by turns cheeky and clever. Readers, both young and old, [will find] the temptation to reread it again and again." --The Prairies Book Review

"Sweet, simple and delightful...a joy to read. Illustrations [are] simply stunning. Five Stars!" --Reader's Choice Book Awards

Children's Book International Award Winner

Firebird Book Awards, First Place, Illustrations

Firebird Book Awards, First Place, Children's Poetry

Literary Titan Gold Award

Reader's Choice Book Awards Finalist