ABOUT THIS BOOK

What is orange? What is pink? What is white? Since its original publication in 1961, Hailstones and Halibut Bones, Mary O’Neill’s renowned work of poetry about the colors of the spectrum, has become a modern children’s classic. In 12 vivid poems, O’Neill explores and celebrates colors, showing how each one can be heard, touched, smelled, and seen.

John Wallner’s lavish illustrations, added to the book upon its reissue in 1989, perfectly complement O’Neill’s rich, rhythmic language. Children, parents, educators, and librarians continue to be engaged by this book, a true adventure in poetry and color.

Mary O’Neill’s Hailstones and Halibut Bones was published in 1961, becoming an instant classic.

John Wallner is the award-winning illustrator of more than 30 books for children.



REVIEWS

“An exploration in imaginative, evocative verses of the world of color and its relationship to the other senses.”
—The New York Times Book Review, “Ten Distinguished Juveniles of 1961”

“Has inspired young poets all over the country.”
—Publishers Weekly


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary O'Neill knew from childhood that she wanted to be a writer. She began her careeras an advertising copywriter, and after becoming a partner in her own agency, she moved to New York. There she divided her time, as author and housewife, and she started to write children's books for Doubleday, of which Hailstones and Halibut Bones is the most famous.

John Wallner is the award-winninf illustrator of more than thirty books for children. His many awards and honors include several ALA Notables, the Certificate of Excellence from the American Institute of Graphic Excellence(1080), and the American Writers award for best illustrator (1977).


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