The cracks in the sidewalk
that go on forever
Are crazy and crumbling and snaking together.

The Canadian tradition of illustrated children's humorous poetry collections begins with Dennis Lee's Alligator Pie. To that tradition is added this latest worthy contribution, The Cracks in the Sidewalk by Gordon Chisholm.

Many of these 30 poems, accompanied by 32 black-and-white line-drawing illustrations, provide a humorous and playful view of common everyday experiences that children have, such as simply walking along on a sidewalk. Other poems are whimsical flights of fancy or observations of the natural world. All together, these fun verses aim at widening children's sense of curiosity and wonder, and promoting feelings of self assurance and confidence in their abilities.

I wish I had an Artobot
To draw the lines that I cannot,
To choose the colours that fit the scene,
So that my pictures look bright and clean.
An Artobot to shade wherever I please,
To tint and tone with skilful ease.