The fun, puzzling and poignant moments of youth come to life with Erik Korhel’s latest rhyming picture book “The Kid with the Red Juice Mustache and Other Nostalgic Companions.”

“I write my poems from a child’s point of view and for children, but I know adults relate to them, too. I see them smile and know they are remembering a feeling from long ago,” said the Black Diamond author, whose book includes tales of having a brand-new bike stolen, science projects, pranks, braces, babysitters, haircuts and the intricacies of catching a fast-moving ice cream man before he is sold out.

“Elementary school was the best time of my life and writing about my experiences gives me the opportunity to re-live it − even the embarrassing things,” said Korhel, who spent his early school years in Covington, where he was certain he would be Spider Man when he grew up.

In 2009, his first book of children’s poetry, “My Tooth Fell in My Soup,” impressed New York City’s Education Department so much it’s listed as a must-have for teaching poetry to third- through fifth-grade students.

“My Tooth Fell in My Soup” also inspired Kent’s South Side Dance Force to turn all 21 poems into a show. The troupe appears with Korhel at book stores to act out titles. Their live-action collaboration has also toured local schools, libraries and a hospital.

Korhel, an artist who has exhibited in the United States and Europe, selected Celia Marie Baker of Everett to bring his poetry to life with her illustrations, many of which are based on his childhood photos and memories.

The book is available through Korhel’s publishing company, Piecemeal Publishing, for $15. For information, or to order visit the website at www.piecemealpublishing.com.