Lewis and Yolen’s latest project
Their new collaboration is Last Laughs: Animal Epitaphs (Charlesbridge, 2012). If you have a somewhat morbid sense of humor (and most kids do), you will love this book! From a horse with (hay?) fever to an unfortunate kitty whose love for yarn led to her demise, these short, mostly-but-not-always rhyming poems will bring on a good laugh. Just don’t choke on it!
Here are two favorites:
Chicken Crosses Over
She never found the answer
to the age-old question,
Why did the chicken cross the ro–?
–J. Patrick Lewis, all rights reserved
For a Frog: Not a Hoppy Ending
In his pond,
he peacefully soaked,
then, ever so quietly
croaked.
–Jane Yolen, all rights reserved
Dark and funny illustrations by Jeffrey Stewart Timmins are in questionable taste–perfect for this offbeat poetry collection.
Diane at Random Noodling has the Poetry Friday roundup. Go enjoy!
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I got my signed copy of this at the IRA convention in April! So fun.
OOh, lucky you!
I had a few small nigglings of concerns about putting this in my classroom library, but kids (boys especially) gravitated (pardon the pun) right to it. When they shared one of the epitaphs during our PF share time, we talked about “dark humor” and how making fun of death is not for everyone. That seemed to be enough to put everyone at ease.
Yeah, I can understand that, Mary Lee. There’s so much death and sadness in the world that it can be iffy to bring in a funny book on the topic of death. Sounds like you handled it just right, giving kids the OK to enjoy or not enjoy it. That is so key. Glad it all went well!
Thanks, Laura. Looks like another winner.
No surprise there, right? It’s very fun!
Oh my, so funny, Laura. I know quite a few students who will love these & more from the book. Thanks for telling about it.
Enjoy, Linda!
There isn’t anything these two can’t do — separately or apart. Another triumph!
So true, Jama:>)
I meant separately or together. Sheesh.
Hehe–I didn’t even notice that!
LOL I am looking for this one.
Have fun with it, Andi!
I love these! I have to find this book soon!
Enjoy, Penny! It’s a hoot!
This one looks like a sure-fire hit if the cover and two sample poems are any indication. Thanks for sharing this one!
Sure thing. I think you’ll really like it!