Something Sure Smells Around Here: Limericks

Something Sure Smells Around Here: Limericks
Written by Brian P. Cleary, illustrated by Andy Rowland

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-1467760355
Publisher: Millbrook Press
Date of publication: January 1, 2015
Age: Grades 2 - 5
Genre: Poetry

Themes: humor, limericks, puns, a sundry

A combination of joke and poem will make for a great limerick. They're five-lined funny stories filled with silly and sly humor. They have an almost musical beat that makes writing them and telling them a fun thing to do!

Yes, Poetry Adventures is back! You can see the other books I reviewed by Brian Cleary here. But basically, I really appreciate his books of poetry. They're educational, hilarious, and fun—great for grade-school kids. And, what's more, this book is perfect for National Poetry Month! Just check out one of my favorite limericks:

"A frog drove her car down the road.
Hearing one of her tires explode,
the frog didn't panic—
she called her mechanic
and next thing you know, she was toad."

Ha! The only thing negative thing I would say is that the book felt short. I wish there were a few more poems in it. It didn't seem quite as filling as his first two. But still! As a set, they're awesome. Totally recommended!

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Rhyme & PUNishment: Adventures in Wordplay

Rhyme & PUNishment: Adventures in Wordplay
Written by Brian P. Cleary, illustrated by J. P. Sandy

My rating: ★★★★★

ISBN: 978-1575058498
Publisher: Millbrook Press
Date of publication: March 1, 2006
Age: Grades 3 and up
Genre: Poetry

Themes: puns, poems, music, places, food, animals

Okay, normally I make up my own summary, but the publisher's summary really does it better. I cannot compete. See for yourself: "Ready to laugh until you're horse? ...This imaginative collection of silly and sophisticated puns uncovers double meanings that are kind dove hiding in everyday phrases. A helpful pun-unciation guide is included on porpoise to help ewe give it a try!"

You get the idea? This book is HILARIOUS. And I do not go in all-caps for just anyone. He divides the book up by themes--music, animals, food, places--and then has puns corresponding to that theme. Really, there's no other way to describe how hilarious it is without showing you some of my favorites.

In the Music theme:

"They tune into the older films
and love to watch the dancing
'There's too much sax and violins now,
and not enough romancing.'"

Bahahaha. Okay, and then there's also the super clever puns. Check out this one from the Places theme:

"My dad comes home so tired
he can't keep his Bering Strait.
His Sudan Thailand on the floor,
his shoes land on his plate."

Right?? It took you a second, huh? So this book is FULL of these little, simple poems. Plus, (get this), he includes the factual information about whatever puns he uses at the bottom of the page! For instance, with the last poem, he included, "Bering Strait is the narrow stretch of water that separates Alaska from Siberia." So it's totally educational! I'm telling you, Cleary's poetry is genius. Funny and educational. That is what I require. Go and check it out!

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Ode to the Commode: Concrete Poems

Ode to the Commode: Concrete Poems
Written by Brian P. Cleary, illustrated by Andy Rowland

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 9781467744546
Publisher: Millbrook Press
Date of publication: August 1, 2014
Age: Grades 1 - 4
Genre: Poetry

Themes: humor, poetry, anything and everything

Concrete poems are shaped like their subjects--people, place, or thing. These poems cover everything from a toilet flush to an unloved piece of Halloween candy. To really understand it, you should just see some of the illustrations:

See what I mean? Who knew poetry could be so much fun!

Yes, Brian Cleary is getting TWO posts today, because I wanted to cover both of his new books, the start of his "Poetry Adventure" series (see If It Rains Pancakes just below). This one, in particular, was super fun because I hadn't really encountered concrete poems before--or realized what they were, anyway. So, now we all know!

Basically, while being funny (you know I love funny), clever, and heartwarming, it is an excellent exercise for kids to try on their own. The illustrations are cute, too, with those four friends gracing every page. It's perfect for the classroom or storytime, or to encourage some creativity at home! Like, even I want to go try it now...

Find it at your library or on Amazon

If It Rains Pancakes: Haiku and Lantern Poems

If It Rains Pancakes: Haiku and Lantern Poems
Written by Brian P. Cleary, illustrated by Andy Rowland

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 9781467744126
Publisher: Millbrook Press
Date of publication: May 1, 2014
Age: Grades 1 - 4
Genre: Poetry

Themes: humor, poetry, anything and everything

Although a "haiku" just sounds like you're sneezing, and a "lantern" is a lighting source, they're also types of ancient Japanese poetry. And you can have a lot of fun with them. For example: "Haiku:/When you've written one/without enough syllables/you add words. Football." and "Hug:/a gift/that is best/when you return/it."

Brian Cleary may be the newest addition to my favorite-poet list. Yes, right up there with Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky. Why? Because he's hilarious, but totally educational! Just like you should be. My favorites are his "Words Are CATegorical" books, which are just AWESOME (like Hairy, Scary, Ordinary: What Is an Adjective?), Honestly, I wish I had had them when I was trying to figure out English as a kid.

ANYWAY... So I was super excited to see this book and discover Cleary's new series "Poetry Adventures." And I discovered that it is totally hilarious. I think it is so important to be able to laugh aloud while reading. Which this one totally did make me laugh. And feel good. Yes, this book has feel-goods. Plus! It does a fabulous job of explaining how Haikus and Lanterns work, and how kids can try it out on their own. So, great in the classroom, or to laugh at in storytime—either way, I highly recommend it. (This one is probably even more favorite than his others.)

I posted a review for the newest "Poetry Adventures" book today, as well, here.

Find it at your library or on Amazon