Inspired by the strange limericks of Edward Gorey, the OG weirdboy poet/illustrator, Gris Grimly brings us a second volume of his own madcap nursery rhymes about naughty children. He tackles another bevy of classic characters, including Jacks Sprat and Horner, Humpty Dumpty, and Peter Pumpkin Eater by making their stories mildly horrific – okay, some of them are more than scary, since we have more than one case that ends in tragedy for the protagonist. Some of these brats definitely deserve their comeuppance, though, so Grimly’s rhymes (which employ the stick rather than the carrot) are actually a decent teaching tool for children to stay away from the matches, to practise good hygiene, and to take care what they consume. The rhymes were funny (in a depressing sort of way), even though they never quite met the glorious example set by Edward Gorey (or modern writers of mild horror), but Grimly’s illustrations were deliciously sinister. I’m particularly fond of the light fiery motifs in “Little Polly Flinders” (a bright point to finish the collection), the scampering character of Humpty Dumpty (who capered all over the pages with a big grin affixed to his face until his unfortunate fall), and the lucious feasting details of Jack Sprat’s sister (who clearly has her food priorities in line, even if she should exercise some self control). ( )