Praise

A Kirkus Reviews Best Kids Book of March 2025
A Barnes & Noble Best Kids Book of March 2025

“Burgess displays a keen intuition for what will get kids laughing — and what will make them think. . . . Broad and subtle in turn — verse to stay with readers for years to come.” —STARRED REVIEW, Kirkus Reviews

“Burgess offers fantastical fragments and affirming messages throughout this rich trove of impish verse. In digitally colored pencil drawings, some stylistically reminiscent of Maurice Sendak’s in A Hole Is to Dig, Caldecott Medalist Salati offers slyly understated vignettes of children dancing, dreaming, encountering creatures, and more.” —Publishers Weekly

“Burgess twists the strands of language into invented words that make perfect sense in Salati’s scene of feasting monsters. . . . Poets and artists can accomplish magic.” —Imaginary Elevators

“Words with Wings and Magic Things is a whimsical illustrated poetry collection for young readers. . . . [containing] over 50 poems showcasing the author’s love of language, words and rhyme. Readers can’t help but smile at its combination of silliness and heart. Burgess’ poems are a playful celebration of imagination, being yourself, and making magic out of the mundane.” —Quebec Library Association