One of my favorite poems, which I recite often, is Ogden Nash’s “The Kitten” - “The trouble with a kitten - is that - eventually will become - a cat.” Nash (1902-1971) is a satirical American poet, and while not a children’s literature author, many of his works have become well-favored by them, such as his Musical Zoo. Each poem is a short verse about a variety of animals from the domestic kitten to the exotic jellyfish (even the illusive germ!). Vernon Duke (1903-1969) is a Russian-American composer, best known for popular jazz tunes on stage and screen, notably his touring military service show, Tars and Bars, and “Autumn in New York” (1943) for Thumbs Up!. In 1947, the two collaborated on a musical song cycle of his twenty poems for voice and piano. Each song is relatively short, barely a minute, and with a charming light air that enhances the frivolity of Nash’s text. However, they are not as easily hummable as other songs in the exhibit. Similar to A.A. Milne and Harold Fraser-Simson’s Hums of Pooh, the book encompasses colorful illustrations by Frank Owen and a message from the author to the singer, which I cannot outdo - “Here are irresistable tunes and delightful lyrics for the young and sweet, the old and cynical, and the middle ageless. If you hum a waltz, try “The Mouse;” if you can’t carry a tune, you can flicker with “The Firefly;” and if you’re the operatic type, “The Sparrow” is especially recommended. But be sure not to miss a single bar - for these tunes will suit your most ridiculous mood, be it as wistful as “The Seagull,” as pompous as “The Rooster,” or as busy as “The Ant.””

Collections of Ogden Nash’s letters and papers can be found at the Harry Ransom Center.