Doctor Dwarf and Other Poems for Children

Laurence Steven is Chairman of the English Department at Laurentian
University and author of Dissociation and Wholeness in Patrick White’s
Fiction.

Klein was a masterful Canadian poet, not only for adults, but for
children as well. A significant number of the pieces in A.M. Klein:
Complete Poems were written for nieces and nephews prior to World War
II. These poems continue to hold a wonderful appeal for youngsters and
have now been assembled by Downie and Robertson (editors of the
marvelous anthology The Wind Has Wings) with Geltner’s enchanting,
whimsical illustrations. Her intricately detailed line drawings
accompany Klein’s delightful poems with an element of playfulness.

This edition reflects Klein’s Jewish heritage in the spirited
retelling of myths and Yiddish folk tales. The young reader is invited
to journey into the land of fairies, animals, and magical characters who
light-heartedly represent elements of Jewish lore through riddles,
rhymes, and word games. “Elijah,” one of Klein’s characters,
“Wished he, he could gather / The stars from the skies, / And juggle
them like marbles / Before our very eyes.” The prominent figure in the
title poem is a plump, bearded, little wise man who administers
naturopathic medicine to a sick child: “an almond for a pill / a
raisin for dessert.” He also heals others: “There was a hunchback in
our town / he was so hunched, was he, / That when he looked up he still
looked down. / Now he’s as straight as me.” Brief lines of
entertaining rhyme, such as these, capture children’s attention and
are a wonderful way to deepen their appreciation of poetry.

Klein’s amusing and often touching verse transcends age and cultural
barriers. An added dictionary of Jewish terms allows the book to be read
by anyone, for leisure purposes or as an educational text. Gearing this
edition to children—a new audience for Klein—is an intelligent and
appropriate way to enhance the poet’s reputation. The editors are to
be congratulated.