Product Description

Children's poet Dennis Lee tickles kids with words. From "Alligator Pie" to "Tony Baloney" to "Willoughby Wallaby Woo," here are dozens of his playful poems--and an irresistible invitation to jump in and join the read-aloud fun!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1198282 in Books
• Published on: 1999-03-16
• Released on: 1999-03-16
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

Amazon.com Review
Canadian poet Dennis Lee's poetry is well loved by children around the world. This collection of 41 poems was selected by anthologist Jack Prelutsky from Lee's four previous books of poetry, including The Ice Cream Store. Children in the early grades will chuckle at poems about dinosaurs and alligators, monsters and mud puddles, bears and bees, and belly buttons. Debbie Tilley's exuberant watercolor illustrations perfectly complement Lee's verse; both have the same bouncy good humor that kids love. Invite a dinosaur to dinner at your house (and don't forget some alligator pie for dessert). (Ages 4 to 7)

From Publishers Weekly
Watchers of TV's Fraggle Rock and Barney already know Lee's (Alligator Pie; Jelly Belly) lively lyrics. This zesty miscellany offers many a silly ode on food, mud, bugs and the author's homeland ("Taller than the CN Tower,/ Bigger than Quebec:/ Don't fool around with/ Torontosaurus Rex!"). From the insults of "Georgie, Georgie,/ Wash your face,/ Or we'll kick you out/ Of the human race" to the squirm-inducing "Pizza, pickle,/ Pumpernickel,/ My little guy/ Shall have a tickle," a good-natured tone predominates. There's a Shel Silverstein-like bounce to the rhythms and unerring meter, but Lee lacks Silverstein's dark edginess; even the monster of "I Eat Kids Yum Yum!" is no match for an equally hungry girl. The choice of illustrator is inspired: Tilley's (Riddle-icious, see p. 77) watercolors of playground antics and dinosaur-like green lizards bring out the poems' mischievousness and bratty verve. Not all of the entries are puckish, however: among the finest poems is the lullaby "Silvery," which ends the collection on a lyrical note ("Silverly/ Silverly,/ Over the/ Trees/ The moon drifts/ By on a/ Runaway/ Breeze"). Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 4. Prelutsky has selected some of his favorite poems by his highly praised Canadian counterpart, Dennis Lee. The 41 selections are humorous, wacky, and wonderful, appealingly presented from the first page to the last to create a treat for young poetry aficionados. Many of the pieces have to do with eating and food, but not all?one or two are quiet and contemplative?and they all speak to a child's everyday experiences. The beloved "Alligator Pie," as well as less-known but amusing favorites, such as "The Muddy Puddle" and "The Perfect Pets," are included Most of the choices come from collections that are not currently available in the U.S.: Alligator Pie (1974), Garbage Delight (1977), and Jelly Belly (1983), all originally published by Macmillan Canada. Tilley's imaginative illustrations are filled with bright colors and characters bursting with fun. A happy collection that belongs on most library shelves.?Judith Constantinides, East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

tremendously funny
I read this book to my nephew and we giggled our way through the whole thing. The poems are quite imaginative. Some are long, others short. All very funny. My nephew is only 4, and he enjoyed picking out the things "that really wouldn't happen." He and I both loved it

Nobody does it better
Dennis Lee is a treasure. My daughter and I devoured Alligator Pie when she was a little girl, chuckling merrily over author Lee's zany humor and vivid imagery. I have subsequently given each new Lee book to the children (and even some of the adults) I know, happy to introduce this outstanding author to those who haven't yet discovered him. Want to make your children/grandchildren/neighborhood kids laugh out loud? Get them anything Dennis Lee has written. He's truly gifted, truly tapped into the mind of the child in all of us.
My highest recommendation.