"In my work I usually edit serious books with in-depth research and facts galore, but sometimes I like to do something different.

Doesn't everyone?

So, here is a bunch of rhymes (poem is too strong a word) that I hope will amuse you. They are not targeted toward a specific age group; some adults like silly stuff and some kids like serious stuff. There's a little of both in here.

Don't expect to cry or experience any revelation. Do expect to smile a bit.

'When I'm in the mood to write serious verse,

I hold my breath 'til the mood is gone.

To me, you see, such an urge is a curse,

And, when I come to, I write on.'"

? Leo Moss

Leo Moss is a contributing editor for Yucca Road's Knowledge Blaster! series of educational study guides. When he approached us with the idea for a humorous book of poems, we were surprised that, (a) he writes poetry and (b) he has a sense of humor!

Turns out, his humor is wickedly twisted in a most enjoyable way, as in "The Switch," where a conceited jock gets his comeuppance from a skinny young man smoking cigarettes in the boys bathroom. Or in "The Exploding Amphibian," where a puffed-up toad tries (unsuccessfully) to con an alligator.

Moss' short tales range from silly (try "The Battle Of Piggledy Snout" about elementary school kids on recess) to profound (read "The Wonder At Widow's Lake" about a pastor's dire dilemma when twenty orphan kids speed down a twisting mountain road in a bus with no brakes.)

For a bit of the bizarre, there's a mental patient's hallucination: "Elvis At The Laundromat." And the tale of "Frostbite Jane" who created not only the first polar bear but also the aurora borealis.

We were not, however, surprised by the range of subjects, having experienced Leo's variety of interests in a work setting. Consider "Longing For Star Trek," "Red Maserati," or "The Fabulous Rutabaga." Sure, we acknowledge that classic TV and fast cars have intrinsic allure, but the veggie thing was a reach. Or so we thought. Then we read "The Devious Plot Of Doctor Frankenpickle," wherein

"From a giant, yellow, forked squash

The trunk and legs were crafted,

And on its round green cabbage head

Potato eyes were grafted."

What is it with Moss and veggies?

Anyhoo, there's a good variety in this book, and it is suitable for all age groups. Except age groups with no sense of humor.

'Bye now.
And, oh yes, buy now!

? Yucca Road Staff