Something Big Has Been Here: Hilarious Rhyming Poems and Wordplay for Children (Ages 6-10) - Hardcover

Prelutsky, Jack

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0688064345 ISBN 13: 9780688064341

Publisher: Greenwillow Books, 1990

Synopsis

The long-awaited companion to the bestselling The New Kid on the Block. "A wealth of funny new verse from a favorite poet. Prelutsky's comic muse is at its best here. Another winner."—Kirkus Reviews. "Prelutsky has done it again."—School Library Journal

Something big is right here!

It is this book of wonderful, funny poems by beloved children's poet Jack Prelutsky. If you've read The New Kid on the Block, you have some idea of the treat ahead. And if you haven't, all you have to do is start reading!

Here are four vain and ancient tortoises, a rat of culture, Super Samson Simpson, a meat loaf that defies an ax, five flying hotdogs—and many, many more people, animals, and things that are destined to become part of the lives of everyone who loves to laugh.

Say them, chant them, learn them by heart, or just read them—Jack Prelutsky's poems are incomparable.

About this title

About the Authors

Jack Prelutsky is the best-selling author of more than fifty books of poetry, including The New Kid on the Block, illustrated by James Stevenson, and Stardines Swim High Across the Sky, illustrated by Carin Berger. Jack Prelutsky lives in Washington State.

James Stevenson is an op-ed contributor to the New York Times. His popular column, "Lost and Found New York," has appeared regularly in the newspaper since 2003. He was on the staff of The New Yorker for more than three decades; his work includes 2,000 cartoons and 80 covers, as well as reporting and fiction. He is also the author and illustrator of over 100 children's books. He lives in Connecticut.

From the Back Cover

Something big is right here!

It is this book of wonderful, funny new poems by lack Prelutsky. If you've read The New Kid on the Block, you have some idea of the treat ahead. And if you haven't, all you have to do is start reading!

Here are four vain and ancient tortoises, a rat of culture, Super Samson Simpson, a meat loaf that defies an ax, five flying hotdogs--and many, many more people, animals, and things that are destined to become part of the lives of everyone who loves to laugh. Say them, chant them, learn them by heart, or just read them--Jack Prelutsky's poems are incomparable.

The long-awaited companion to The New Kid on the Block. "A wealth of funny new verse from a favorite poet. Prelutsky's comic muse is at its best here....Another winner."--Kirkus Reviews. "Prelutsky has done it again."--School Library Journal

Reviews

From the intriguing title poem to the final verse, "We're Fearless Flying Hotdogs," Prelutsky has done it again with childwise sparkling wit. Zaniness is in abundant supply with verses about a turkey that shot out of the oven (it was stuffed with unpopped popcorn); Denson Dumm, who planted lightbulbs in his hair (and thereafter was always bright); and the child who wants a pet porcupine. But also present in delightful numbers are serious subjects of importance to children, wrapped in silliness: "I Am Tired of Being Little," "Don't Yell at Me!," and "I Should Have Stayed in Bed Today." Prelutsky's language is neither simple nor sappy, but rich with challenging words such as "disputatious" and "alacrity," whose meanings are clear in context. The poems are short and snappy (many are only one or two stanzas), and Stevenson's accompanying uncomplicated and comical drawings give the book an uncluttered appeal. A winner for individual or group reading. --Lee Bock Pulaski, Brown County Pub . Libraries, Green Bay, WI
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

If this anthology of light verse and black-and-white drawings from Prelutsky and Stevenson were a movie, it would be titled The New Kid on the Block Part II. In format, subject matter and tone, fans of the earlier volumes will rejoice in finding more of the same. These are not poems to savor for their metaphoric language or depth of thought, but are instead frivolous, rib-tickling verses about the "Ghost Who's Lost His Boo," about "Rhododendra Rosenbloom" who buys perfume from a "ten scent store," or about the "Fearless Flying Hotdogs" who are "mustered in formation / to climb, to dip, to dive." Prelutsky's comic monologues focus on such topics as "I am Tired of Being Little" or "I'm Sorry! for being a brat," or the irresistible declaration of love, "Warteena Weere Just Bit My Ear." From Twickles and Moodles to the making of Grasshopper Gumbo, the emphasis is on the preposterous. Stevenson's waggish drawings provide half the fun in this comic collection that skips lightly on the mind and tongue. Ages 5-up.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

We're Four Ferocious Tigers

We're four ferocious tigers,
at least, that's what we seem,
our claws are at the ready,
our sharp incisors gleam,
we're quite intimidating,
our stare will make you blink,
our roar will make you shiver,
at least, that's what we think.

We're four ferocious tigers,
at least, that's what we hear,
our ominous demeanor
will chill your atmosphere,

and yet you need not fear us,

don't scream and run away,

we only eat spaghetti,

at least, that's what we say.

My Neighbor's Dog Is Purple

My neighbor's dog is purple,
its eyes are large and green,
its tail is almost endless,
the longest I have seen.

My neighbor's dog is quiet,
it does not bark one bit,
but when my neighbor's dog is near,
I feel afraid of it.

My neighbor's dog looks nasty,
it has a wicked smile. . . .
before my neighbor painted it,
it was a crocodile.

Edition details

• Publisher: Greenwillow Books
• Publication date: 1990
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0688064345
• ISBN 13: 9780688064341
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Stevenson James
• Edition number: 5
• Number of pages: 160