Book Pick—Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant and Other Poems by Jack Prelutsky
From SLJ October 2006 (Starred Review)
Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT -- School Library Journal, 9/25/2006
PRELUTSKY, Jack. Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant and Other Poems. illus. by Carin Berger. 31p. CIP. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Oct. 2006. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-06-054317-5; PLB $17.89. ISBN 0-06-054318-3. LC 2005022185.
Gr 3-6–Prelutsky is one of the best word crafters in the business, and this collection does not disappoint. Each entry is about a creature that is part animal and part inanimate object. For instance, the Alarmadillos have alarm clocks for bodies, and the Ballpoint Penguins can write with their beaks. The poems are full of fun and wit, with wordplay and meter that never miss a beat. The whimsical illustrations use cut-print media, old-fashioned print images, and a variety of paper textures to create a rich visual treat well suited to the poetry. The detail in the mixed-media pictures makes this a good choice for individual or lap reading, but the poetry begs to be read aloud. This is definitely a "do not miss" poetry pick.
