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kelleemoye's review against another edition
4.0
This collection of 'nonsense' stories, poems, riddles, & rhymes is actually much deeper than it seemed at first read. I'll be honest, I was not impressed with the first story so I did not have high expectations for the rest of the book; however, the second poem hit the ball out of the park and sucked me in.
The book is broken into four sections (Breakfast, Seaside, Doctor, Bedtime) and within each section Rosen includes a variety of stories and poems. There are a few that weave their way throughout the book- "What If..." and "Nat and Anna".
I, personally, loved the "What If..." poems the best because I think it is a wonderful way to have children not only think about amazing possibilities, but also is an easy format to duplicate to help students write their own poems. It would be so much fun to have students write their own "What If..." poems based on the unit's theme. It could also be pushed a little bit farther- it'd be a great way to discuss essential questions or to do an anticipation guide.
The "Nat and Anna" stories also allow for a chance to discuss narrative elements as, with 4 short stories, you have quite a nice collection of stories about these two siblings. The characters have quite a dynamic relationship which could definitely lead to some great characterization conversations.
One of the most surprising aspects, for me, were the more serious poems that are scattered throughout the book that are filled with imagery and alliteration:
"Over my toes
goes
the soft sea wash..." (p. 25)
"Outside after dark,
trains hum and traffic lights wink,
after dark, after dark." (p. 65)
The book is broken into four sections (Breakfast, Seaside, Doctor, Bedtime) and within each section Rosen includes a variety of stories and poems. There are a few that weave their way throughout the book- "What If..." and "Nat and Anna".
I, personally, loved the "What If..." poems the best because I think it is a wonderful way to have children not only think about amazing possibilities, but also is an easy format to duplicate to help students write their own poems. It would be so much fun to have students write their own "What If..." poems based on the unit's theme. It could also be pushed a little bit farther- it'd be a great way to discuss essential questions or to do an anticipation guide.
The "Nat and Anna" stories also allow for a chance to discuss narrative elements as, with 4 short stories, you have quite a nice collection of stories about these two siblings. The characters have quite a dynamic relationship which could definitely lead to some great characterization conversations.
One of the most surprising aspects, for me, were the more serious poems that are scattered throughout the book that are filled with imagery and alliteration:
"Over my toes
goes
the soft sea wash..." (p. 25)
"Outside after dark,
trains hum and traffic lights wink,
after dark, after dark." (p. 65)
snowelf's review against another edition
3.0
I'll give it one extra star for the illustrations, but I was starting to find it a little tiresome to read through some of the stories and poems in here. In any case, I don't think it makes for a great read aloud, but it might be enjoyed better in private. It's somewhat silly but not all that funny. All in all there were probably three or four poems that I enjoyed. My son may have been less discriminate, but even he declared there were some he really didn't care for. For a slightly similar read, but one that's a heck of a lot more rollicky, more gross and more funny, I'd recommend [b:Vile Verses|255452|Vile Verses|Roald Dahl|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386924906s/255452.jpg|247577]. It would probably appeal to mostly the same audience but it's just all around better.
michelle_neuwirth_gray9311's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed the illustrations by Quentin Blake (who is one of my favorite illustrators) but I found the writing to be kind of choppy.
maidmarianlib's review
4.0
Interesting combination of literary forms, would make for a good classroom comparison of each.
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