A wide range of poems from across epochs all have the theme of “things” in common, even though, as Janeczko points out in his introduction, physical objects were not common subjects of poems across many centuries, especially in early writing. The “object-ness” of the poems serves as a unifying theme, but the result is a rich and varied collection both stylistically (from a variety of structured forms to free verse) and in terms of familiarity. There are poems that will be recognizable to some readers here, and many that will be new to them. The design features a clean, sans serif font that makes the poems stand out on the white pages, while Raschka’s illustrations can be points of entry to understanding, or fade into the background, depending on an individual reader’s need or preference. (Age 10 and older)

A celebrated duo reunites for a look at poems through history inspired by objects—earthly and celestial—reflecting the time in which each poet lived.

A book-eating moth in the early Middle Ages. A peach blossom during the Renaissance. A haunted palace in the Victorian era. A lament for the hat in contemporary times. Poetry has been a living form of artistic expression for thousands of years, and throughout that time poets have found inspiration in everything from swords to stamp albums, candles to cobwebs, manhole covers to the moon. In The Death of the Hat: A Brief History of Poetry in 50 Objects, award-winning anthologist Paul B. Janeczko presents his fiftieth book, offering young readers a quick tour of poets through the ages. Breathing bright life into each selection is Chris Raschka’s witty, imaginative art.