School Library Journal Review
| Gr 3-6-- Poems about animals and birds (both familiar and unfamiliar), everyday objects, limericks, and a nonsense ABC are accompanied by whimsical pen-and-ink drawings. This revised and enlarged edition includes a substantial number of new poems as well as many that have appeared in Smith's other collections, such as Boy Blue's Book of Beasts (Little, 1957) and Mr. Smith and Other Nonsense (Dell, 1968; both o.p.). Five new sections have been added, and the print is smaller, making the book more appealing to the upper age range although still accessible to younger children as well. --Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. |
Booklist Review
| Gr. 3-5, younger for reading aloud. "There was a Young Lady named Rose / Who was constantly blowing her nose; / Because of this failing / They sent her off whaling / So the whalers could say: `Thar she blows!'" This revised edition of Smith's 1980 collection has been enlarged with a substantial selection of new poems never before published. In addition to satisfyingly silly limericks, it includes a nonsense alphabet, bestiary, and several recipes such as the following for "Chocolate Moose": "Take, if you can, a Moose. / Brush with chocolate. / Move your Moose into the dining room. / Then watch your party break up." The poems are bright and breezy, ranging in tone from gentle whimsy to looniness, with an occasional lyrical gleam. While the collection does contain the odd dud, there are dozens of live ones to choose among for sharing aloud, memorization, or the delight of reading alone. Krahn's zesty black-line drawings enhance the verse. ~--Leone McDermott |
Horn Book Review
| by Delacorte. A welcome revised edition of the original book has the added attraction of some new poems and illustrations. Many of the old favorites also give lasting pleasure, especially 'Mr. Smith,' with its echo of Edward Lear - 'How rewarding to know Mr. Smith, / whose writings at random appear!' Rewarding, indeed. From HORN BOOK 1990, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. |
Kirkus Review
| This expanded reissue of a durable favorite, containing one third new material, is sure to tickle the funnybones of a new generation. Smith has added poems throughout as well as four completely new sections. There are 23 new limericks and, among the funniest new poems, six ""Imaginary Dialogues"" that should amuse even those who don't recognize participants like Granville Hicks and Carlos Baker. Previously undocumented ""Nonsense Birds"" include the ""Common Mudlatch."" Krahn contributes suitably silly pen drawings for many of the new items and a giggle-making ostrich for the jacket, all in keeping with his illustrations for the earlier edition. With 50 more pages, smaller print and dimensions, and less white space, the format here has a new, more crowded look but may be more appealing to older readers--a reason (in addition to the new material) for purchase by libraries that already have the first edition. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission. |
