Reading, Rhyming, and 'Rithmetic [Hardcover]

Dave Crawley (Author), Liz Callen (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2010 | Age Range: 7 - 9 years

Another zany day at school. Judy is caught kissing Justin. Vanessa is eating paste. Mrs. Reilly, a teacher, turns into a ghoul from the dark side of the moon. And Ollie, the classroom mascot, who happens to be a seven-foot-long snake, is chasing Principal Poole. In other words, it's a day at school as imagined by Dave Crawley, author of the popular Cat Poems and Dog Poems. With lively illustrations by Liz Callen, this comical collection examines everything from taking tests, coming up with ever more original excuses for not doing homework, and the shock of seeing a teacher on a Saturday, buying groceries like an actual human being.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1–3—In 20 rhyming poems, this book addresses the highs and lows of an average school year, including homework, teachers, social life, and vacation. Colorful cartoon illustrations and plenty of white space suit the poetry's bright humor. The selections are upbeat, and even the more serious topics, such as being the new kid at school or last chosen for games, have an optimistic tone. The poems vary in length, and some of the longer ones tend to go on a little too long. Purchase this lighthearted look at school for larger collections.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA
(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

* "Although there are lots of poetry books for kids, the poems in this one are well written, very funny, and right on the mark for elementary students. The 20 poems are all school poems about things to which young readers can easily relate, such as riding the bus, school lunches, spelling, and other kids. the verses flow easily and the rhymes are engaging and well done. Each one lends itself to being read aloud. Kids will love this collection. The illustrations are pleasant, humorous, and just enough to complement the verses. This book could be used in poetry and/or creative writing units, especially at back-to-school time and with a wide variety of grades. It is definitely worth considering, even if you have a lot of humorous books in your poetry section already. What is better than making children laugh at situations they know and understand?" --Library Media Connection, Starred Review

"... The 20 poems range from amusing to thought-provoking and satirize the stereotypical attitudes and behaviors of school employees and students alike...Callen's rather droll pen-and-ink and-watercolor illustrations go hand-in-hand with the poetry, providing cartoon vignettes of hapless, racially diverse characters. A solid collection..." --Kirkus Reviews

The 20 poems range from amusing to thought-provoking and satirize the stereotypical attitudes and behaviors of school employees and students alike...Callen's rather droll pen-and-ink and-watercolor illustrations go hand-in-hand with the poetry, providing cartoon vignettes of hapless, racially diverse characters. A solid collection. --Kirkus Reviews

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 7 - 9 years
  
• Hardcover: 31 pages
• Publisher: Wordsong (March 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590785657
• ISBN-13: 978-1590785652
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,420,212 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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