I saw a Peacock

"I saw a peacock with a fiery tail

I saw a blazing comet drop down hail

I saw a cloud with ivy circled round

I saw a sturdy oak creep on the ground

.  .  . "

Ramsingh Urvel chose to illustrate this lovely and puzzling 

poem written in 17th century England to create a book

that may have special appeal for children with autism.

First of all, it rhymes.

Next, the illustrations combine simple and complex

elements in an interesting way that intrigues those

who like to study lines and repetitive patterns. 

Lastly, the whole poem is a play on words. 

The illustrations include strategically placed holes, 

which are both fun and a bit problematic for some

readers. Don't get this one if ripping a page bothers

you or your child.

The illustrations present puzzles of their own. 

Despite their simple black/white contrast and

simple outlines, they contain complicated 

repeating patterns. The shaped holes reveal

portions of both text and pictures.
From the description inside:

"Even the youngest of readers will delight in

The overturning of logic, and the 'trick' with

which meaning can be made to return . . .

Is the difference between fantasy and reality

largely grammatical?"