In this contemporary yet timeless collection, acclaimed anthologist Lee Bennett Hopkins brings together sixteen selections that reveal through poetic word imagery the common universal emotions and feelings we all have, whether they be happy, excited, wishful, proud, sad, or lonely. The poems taken as a whole reflect the great variety of people in our society, bringing children of today into focus as they meet with childhood experiences and also interact with adults in their world. The moving and insightful verses--more than half of which were commissioned specifically for this collection--were created by many well-known writers, including Joseph Bruchac, Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Nikki Grimes, Lee Bennett Hopkins, Carole Boston Weatherford, Jane Yolen, Pat Mora, and Janet S. Wong. Glowing illustrations by Chris Soentpiet infuse the poems with life, exquisite settings, and atmosphere. Readers of all ages will want to feast their eyes on these captivating poems and images again and again.