"Hickory, dickory, dock.
The mouse ran up the clock.
The clock struck one,
And down he run.
The clock struck two,
He turned bright blue.
The clock struck three,
Afternoon tea.
The clock struck four,
He gave a roar."
If you are expecting to hear that this is very funny book of poetry because you are a Jon Scieszka fan, you are not wrong. Basing the poetry presented here on three features of the Dada art movement (irrationality, humor, and silliness), he has created a book that will be much admired by a middle grade audience.
"New Dada Geese,
When they want to wander,
Play around with old rhymes,
To make them goofy grander."
To that end, he has chosen six original nursery rhymes, presenting each one first in its original form. Following that, he pens six Dada versions for each one. Ingenious and hilarious, they will be read often.
Both text and illustrations are based on Blanche Fisher Wright's The Real Mother Goose (1916). As Mr. Scieszka plays with words, so Ms. Rothman offers varied looks at the subjects and their shenanigans. Each new poem is framed by images that encourage laughter and help bring the text to life. Moving from one form to another, her interpretations add context and enjoyment.
Extensive backmatter follows. These notes include definitions, and explanations for the forms included in the collection. They will be helpful for readers, and for teachers using this excellent resouce in their classrooms, be it Language Arts or art itself. Attention is given to Blanche Fisher Wright and her work, as well as a list of her published titles.
Watch carefully for the Dada Geese included in much of the artwork. Meant for kids and adults, this book of poetry is sure to find an audience. Deservedly so.
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