Exploding Gravy: Poems to Make You Laugh

Do you like to laugh... to smile? Do you like poetry? If you like one, two or all of the above, this is the book for you. Inside these covers you'll find the best funny poems of X. J. Kennedy, a poet who knows what tickles us, all combined in a collection that pleases the ear and delights the mind. In Exploding Gravy you will meet an absolutely terrible baby-sitter, a vain witch, be told who to pet and who not to, be introduced to several dinosaurs, told some mixed up tales and yes, find out all about that exploding gravy - and that's just for starters.

To accompany these wonderful poems illustrator, Joy Allen has created striking and amusing drawings. They give another whole delicious dimension to the work. When Allen's drawings are added to X. J. Kennedy's poems they combine to create a wonderful recipe for fun. Bet you anything you'll be asking for seconds of Exploding Gravy.

Grade 2-5-This collection is just a bit much-too many subjects, too many drawings, and too wide a focus-to be entirely successful. "Far-out" families, monsters, food, and animals are a few of the subjects covered. Some of the poems are clever ("Whenever I Eat ravioli I fork it fast And chew it sloli"), while others are a bit disturbing (Granddad "gropes the floor for his loose glass eye And plugs it in its socket, Straps on his wooden leg again And twists a key to lock it"). Halftones and or line drawings appear on every page, occasionally sweeping across the spread. Some sections work better than others. Overall, an additional purchase where the demand for humor is high.
Anna DeWind Walls, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

X.J. Kennedy offers a plethora of poetry and tickles the funny bone in Exploding Gravy: Poems to Make You Laugh, illus. by Joy Allen. Some of the poems have been published in previous anthologies, but the poet's fans will welcome this extensive round-up of his work. With themes like "Far-Out Families," "Giants and Dinosaurs" and "Peculiar Characters," Kennedy has kids covered. Allen's playful drawings strike just the right note.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.