FICTION

An Ambush of Tigers: A Wild Gathering of Collective Nouns

by Betsy R. ROSENTHAL
illus. by Jago. 32p. glossary. illus. Millbrook. Apr. 2015. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781467714648. LC 2014009383.
COPY ISBN
RedReviewStarK-Gr 3—Collective noun books have been multiplying this past decade, and this compendium of poetry stands out for its artistry and creativity. Each collective noun couplet whimsically describes a group of animals: "Would a labor of moles/wear polka-dot ties/when it goes to work/for a business of flies?" The laugh-out-loud illustrations depict the events described, often serving as strong mnemonic devices: a "rumba of snakes" dances; a "bouquet of pheasants" sprout from a vase; the ambush of tigers creep across the grass, tails curled high in the air, sights set on the horizon; and a "bed of oysters" literally rest on a bed, snoozing away. The writing is pithy, with an iambic thrum that make memorization easy.
VERDICT This crash course in juxtaposition and imagination should be celebrated with a peal of bells. An inspiring addition to any poetry collection.
Reviewed by Teresa Pfeifer, The Springfield Renaissance School, Springfield, MA
"Would a labor of moles / wear polka-dot ties / when it goes to work / for a business of flies?" Rhyming text features the proper collective noun terms (which may require some adult explanation) for thirty-three animal groups. Textured illustrations of often-personified animals will help readers pick up on the wordplay and enjoy the text's humor. Glos.
, Feb 01, 2015

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