Oleg Lekmanov, "Giraffe Dreams of Clouds." Moscow: "Pink Giraffe," 2024 

This collection is unique for a number of reasons. Firstly, it was compiled by renowned philologist Oleg Lekmanov, author of books on Russian literature, and the expertise of his selection alone is an added value. Secondly, this is not only a publishing project but also a parenting project: Lekmanov selected the poems he would like to read to his son. Finally, it is a panorama of works written in the 20th and 21st centuries: Sasha Cherny, Alexander Vvedensky, Grigory Kruzhkov, Masha Rupasova, Artur Givargizov—90 authors in all. The graphic design is by the wonderful illustrator Natalia Yaskina. This vibrant book should appeal not only to children and parents, but also to anyone who occasionally wants to see the world through new eyes. Indeed, that's precisely what poetry is about.

“I don’t drink wine, I don’t smoke tobacco, 
But I have fifteen dogs. 
I get up early in the morning - watch and jacket 
They bring fifteen dogs to the bed."