FICTION

I've Lost My Hippopotamus

by Jack PRELUTSKY
illus. by Jackie Urbanovic. 144p. index. CIP. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Mar. 2012. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-201457-3; PLB $19.89. ISBN 978-0-06-201458-0. LC 2011002636.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 5—This anthology of more than 100 never-before-published poems will delight Prelutsky's many fans. The selections are infused with smart and silly humor that focuses on both commonplace and bizarre occurrences. Young readers will love such fantastical creatures as the "scritchy scratchy scrootches" and the "blumpazump." Heavier topics, such as running away from home, are handled with the poet's signature wry wisdom. There is something for everyone here, and no two pieces are alike—there are shape poems, haiku, and even a poem written on yo-yos. Urbanovic's black-and-white ink cartoons increase the laugh factor and add a touch of whimsy. Impeccable rhyme and snappy rhythm make these poems ideal for reading aloud or to use during a poetry unit. Don't miss this one.—Rita Meade, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
Relentlessly rhythmic, tongue-twisting poems fill this overlong volume. Limericks, couplets, gross subjects, and nonsense poems are all here in a rather muddled bunch. With standouts such as "I planted a whistle" tickling readers' intellects next to a lengthy poem about upside-down Us and a visit to a dragon store, overall organization is lacking. The black-and-white illustrations seem similarly slapdash. Ind.
Reviewed by Rita Meade , Feb 01, 2012

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