My kids love it, both the paintings and the poems. I liked a few of the paintings, and adored the poems. My daughter's favorite was It Is What It Is, son's was Black Jesus. I myself was captivated by Porky Pine and Star-Flower. We all felt warm and cozy seeing and reading The Slapout Christmas Tree. My son was so captivated by the art and the Meet Mr. Mose Tolliver section in the back that he wants to meet him in real life. I can't say I blame him.