All Join in

Six poems with lots of fun and noise

PreSchool-Grade 3-- Blake's frolicksome illustrations wrap around six rambunctious participation poems, the first and last of which all but demand that audiences "all join in." Tucked between are gleeful noisemakers, dapper ducks, exhilarating slides, musical kettles, and cacophonous cats, all captured in theircomic quintessence by Blake's colorful pen-and-watercolor drawings. Each poem offers a subtle invitation for added verses. At times the illustrations surpass their text or vice versa, but overall they are splendid. The poems are rousing good fun, and when they are at their best the book becomes like a well-loved coat one wishes to toss aside to better enjoy a romp. The creative writing potential, the printed poems to refer to if they slip from memory, and the joyful cartoons guarantee repeated delight. --Jody McCoy, Casady School, Oklahoma City
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The six poems in this rollicking collection invite readers to "join in" these characters' exuberant escapades. Author-illustrator Blake ( Quentin Blake's ABC ; The Story of the Dancing Frog ) once again captures the delight of good, noisy fun--from sliding down bannisters and elephants' trunks ("WHEEEE!") to marching through mud puddles singing the Duck Song ("QUACKQUACKQUACKQUACKQUACK") to sorting out the pots ("BING BONG CLANG"). The chaotically detailed illustrations enliven the festivities, and are sure to provide entertainment through many readings. Youngsters will eagerly memorize the humorous verses ("And if Ferdinand decides to make / a chocolate fudge banana cake / What do we do? For goodness sake!") for the satisfaction of belting out the final refrain, "We ALL JOIN IN." Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.