A Natural Man

A Natural ManIn this collection of poetry, National Book Award finalist Gary Soto tackles the shabby reality of the world around him and turns it into vivid poetry. Drawing on the Chicano slang of the barrio, Soto gives authentic voice to portraits of life set mostly in California's San Joaquin Valley, where he was born and raised. The theme of the poet as troubadour runs throughout the bookthere is a wry humor in Soto's description of the drunken narrator of "The

Sweet Almond Tart Dough

and big questions that arise when you're flying high

in so doing

a man reputed to have the answers she seeks

Whether she's a new grandmother

• Lacing cards encourage hand-eye coordination

or any form of dance

and finished project photos make it a cinch to create stacks of boutique-worthy greeting cards

Soto gives authentic voice to portraits of life set mostly in California's San Joaquin Valley

and even the occasional out-and-out serendipitous moment (who knew St

Heath Ceramics creates tableware and tiles that are as timeless as they are handsome

This fun and useful book features gorgeous full-color photographs that showcase a new type of cloud on every spread