The Mouse in the Stout and Other Surprises — Ken Anderson

Poet Ken Anderson continues to observe life's everyday events as if seen reflected in a funhouse mirror. In this, his second collection of poetry, Anderson presents a collection of humorous and whimsical poems that provide a playful take on life.

Employing a variety of rhyming techniques, The Mouse in the Stout and Other Surprises offers such oddities as a flock of alcoholic robins and the hazards of playing the cello and the French horn. It introduces charming ladies, including Barb, the babe from Bickleton; Kelly, the rail-splittin' wife; and the girls of Carbon County. It entertains with unconventional views of Grimm's Fairy Tales and the love life of the praying mantis.

The poems in this collection reflect Anderson's love of language, as in "Cities on the Sound." / She's called The Emerald City / and she rises from the bay, / Sittin' with her pinkie crooked / while sippin' Chardonnay; / The place that's named Seattle stands, / superior and aloof, / Looking down on other towns- / she thinks them quite uncouth. /

Accompanied by illustrations and with a keen sense of humor, The Mouse in the Stout and Other Surprises delights with its whimsical views of life.