Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?: And Other Riddles Old and New [Hardcover]

Joanna Cole (Author), Stephanie Calmenson (Compiler), Alan Tiegreen (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up

Cole and Calmenson bring together every silly, kooky joke they can find in a collection bound to please the second- through fourth-grade set, who can never get enough of bad puns, wacky witticisms, and, of course, chicken jokes. Vigorous line drawings extend and enhance every groaning line.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-A delightful collection of over 200 riddles, grouped by subject. A brief introduction gives a definition of "riddle" and some historical background. Answers are printed upside down and backwards, in smaller type, directly below each question. Joseph Rosenbloom's Zaniest Riddle Book in the World (Sterling, 1985) is similarly organized; however, Chicken's larger format, use of white space, and bold lettering are more inviting to young readers. Tiegreen's black-and-white cartoons, which appear on each page, are humorous and clever. A helpful subject index is included, as well as a list of additional sources. "What did one library book say to the other?" "Can I take you out?" Be sure to take this one out for fun!-Mary Ann Bursk, Bucks County Free Library, Levittown, PA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 2-4, younger for reading aloud. In the same format as Cole, Calmenson, and Tiegreen's earlier books, Anna Banana: 101 Jump-Rope Rhymes, The Eentsy, Weentsy Spider: Fingerplays and Action Rhymes, and Pin the Tail on the Donkey and Other Party Games, this presents a wide variety of clever riddles. Each page or double-page spread features one subject (geography, animals, doctors, letters, or sports) or type (tricky, rhyming, noisy, descriptive, or nursery rhyme). Although unusual in a riddle book, the spacious format and large print combine with Tiegreen's cartoon-like ink drawings to give the book a readable look. Equally unusual is the inclusion of an index, making this a useful resource for teachers, and an excellent bibliography for children seeking more riddle books. Carolyn Phelan

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow & Co (September 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688122027
• ISBN-13: 978-0688122027
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 8.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,660,542 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)