Burges Johnson (1877–1963)

A dreadful state they've gotten in,
Because I scream and beg
For them to find a safety-pin
That's sticking in my leg!
I wish another child would come,
And help to educate them some!

I thought it a book of light verse intended for children. It is, actually, intended for adults to give to parents, mildly ridiculing the foibles and faults in child-rearing, as expressed through their children. A charcoal & ink sketch by F.Y. Cory accompanies each verse, and Cory has first billing on the title page, above poet Johnson.

Interesting that this style of precious fun hasn't changed too much in 100 years, though it's become considerably more egalitarian. Most of the pictures feature a maid and nanny equally involved in trying to placate the children, and the parents look dressed for a formal cocktail party. Today they'd be replaced by ... neighbours? Siblings dropped by for a weekend barbecue?… (más)