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

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