Collection of nonsense stories and rhymes for children of all ages.

How pleasant to know Mr. Lear! Who has written such volumes of stuff. Some think him ill-tempered and queer, But a few think him pleasant enough. So wrote Edward Lear upon the first publication of these Nonsense Songs in 1871, and few poets indeed have captured the imagination of children as he has. His playful use of language, his celebration of the absurd, his love of pure nonsense have secured his place on the shelves of childhood libraries for generations. This new edition of his Nonsense Songs has all the favorites--the romantic "Owl and the Pussy-Cat" and the silly "Jumblics"--as well as many other rhymes that may be new to young readers--"The Pelican Chorus" and the hilarious "New Vestments." Newly commissioned illustrations by Jonathan Allen and an introduction by Naomi Lewis make this the edition of choice for a new generation of readers. His Waistcoat and Trousers were made of Pork Chops;-- His Buttons were Jujubes, and Chocolate Drops;-- Hi Coat was all Pancakes with Jam for a Border, And a girdle of Biscuits to keep it in order.

Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards (1850-1943) was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to a high-profile family. During her life, she wrote over 90 books, including children's, biographies, poetry, and others. A well-known children's poem for which she is noted is the literary nonsense verse Eletelephony. In 1917, she won a Pulitzer Prize for The Life of Julia Ward Howe, a biography, which she coauthored with her sister, Maud Howe Elliott. Among her most famous works are: Queen Hildegarde (1889), Captain January (1890), Melody (1893), Marie (1894), Hildegarde's Neighbors (1895), Nautilus (1895), Three Margarets (1897), Geoffrey Strong (1901), The Green Satin Gown (1903) and The Silver Crown: Another Book of Fables (1906).

Ikey Ford was the first to make the discovery, and he lost no time in carrying the news to the others. Great was their consternation! Moving into the Brown house? Nonsense, Ikey, you are making it up! Carl exclaimed. What shall we do about the banquet for King Richard?cried Bess, sitting down on the doorstep despairingly.

Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards (1850-1943) was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to a high-profile family. During her life, she wrote over 90 books, including children's, biographies, poetry, and others. A well-known children's poem for which she is noted is the literary nonsense verse Eletelephony. In 1917, she won a Pulitzer Prize for The Life of Julia Ward Howe, a biography, which she coauthored with her sister, Maud Howe Elliott. Among her most famous works are: Queen Hildegarde (1889), Captain January (1890), Melody (1893), Marie (1894), Hildegarde's Neighbors (1895), Nautilus (1895), Three Margarets (1897), Geoffrey Strong (1901), The Green Satin Gown (1903) and The Silver Crown: Another Book of Fables (1906).