The Tighty Whitey Spider

June 1, 2010
Gr 1-4-This collection of 58 animal poems features imaginative flights of fancy and comic exaggeration. Some use wordplay (like "Abrocat the Acrobat"), others are story poems, and many are spoofs on well-known pieces. "If You Give a Mouse a Motorcycle" includes the lines: "He'll start working at the circus/Where he'll take away your breath/As he rides with other rodents/In the flaming cage of death." This contemporary, irreverent tone is sure to please children, especially boys. Not all of the verses are technically perfect, and some are lacking in originality and surprise (in "Frog Ball," the creature excels, of course, at catching flies). But adults may notice these faults more than the intended audience. The sketchy ink cartoons add a slapdash quality but not much more. This isn't on a par with Shel Silverstein's work, but it's similar in some ways and may appeal to the same audience. Collections looking for poetry with high appeal may want to add it."Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL"

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