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. Before becoming a full-time illustrator and author, Ruth Chan spent her childhood tobogganing in Canada, her teens living in and exploring China, a number of years studying art and education, and a decade working with youth and families in underserved communities. She now writes and illustrates in Brooklyn NY and enjoys hanging out with alpacas very, very much. Visit ohtruth.com for more info.
What do pandas who make stir-fry, a bike with no pedals, New Year's resolutions, and perturbed vegetables have in common? Not much, but they sure are a hoot! . . . With steady rhymes and consistent meter, Prelutsky employs his characteristic wordplay, humor, and absurdism. . . . Chan's grayscale cartoons . . . add wry amusement and often enhance the poems' textual meanings. . . . A quick-witted delight. -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) U.S. children's poet laureate emeritus Prelutsky delivers his signature silliness and wordplay in this collection of 100 poems . . . Prelutsky is reliably playful . . . With their rhythmic meter, easy rhymes, and offbeat punch lines, these are poems that beg to be memorized. Lively black-and-white drawings by Chan are perfectly in pitch. -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) Prelutsky's new poetry collection is a gift to the ears and eyes. Written in a variety of rhyme schemes . . . Black-and-white cartoon drawings accompany each poem and bring the words--both comical and descriptive--to life. Prelutsky is a master of humor and poetic device. . . . A well-written, must-have collection of poems. -- School Library Journal (starred review) The first U.S. Children's Poet Laureate once again exhibits his knack for rhyme and giggles in this collection of over 100 new poems. With his signature silliness, Prelutsky imagines outlandish situations . . . Topping off the playfulness is delightful black-and-white spot art. A read-aloud-ready anthology. -- Booklist The legendary first children's poet laureate returns with a bumper crop of over 100 new poems in this compendious volume. . . ., there's plenty of Prelutsky pleasure here with kid-appealing final twists and tight, tongue-twirling rhymes and witty investigations. -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Fans of humorous poetry . . . should find just what they're looking for here: nonsense confidently delivered in lines that scan satisfyingly, surrounded by Chan's exuberantly cartooned black-and-white line drawings. . . . The collection includes a few different forms: a section of haiku from various animals' points of view breaks up the silliness . . . Bon appetit! -- Horn Book Magazine