Odd Owls & Stout Pigs: A Book of Nonsense
PreSchool-Grade 2—This collection of nonsense rhymes and poems explodes with fun and frivolity. With the help of an archivist, Arnold Lobel's daughter found undiscovered poems and tiny books with illustrations that her father originally gave as gifts. The first half of this book is dedicated to owls, and the second half focuses on the escapades of pigs. The verses cover a wide variety of topics, and the words create sound patterns that will engage listeners, who will be filled with glee as they hear the contradictions and absurdity of nonsense that at times appropriately shifts into light poetry. Original illustrations were scanned and enhanced with oil pastels and colored pencils. They play buoyantly off Mr. Lobel's clever text and provide a breezy feel. On one page, readers are challenged to "Explore this picture carefully, for all these owls are here to see/And if you really use your eyes, you'll find one owl is a surprise." Of course this book will be enjoyed by Lobel fans, but it is also a perfect choice for adults to introduce children to the spontaneity and playfulness of rhymes. Many of them can be used for shorter transitions during themed storytimes. This collection will evoke laughter and provide fun whether shared one-on-one or in a group setting.—Anne Beier, Hendrick Hudson Free Library, Montrose, NYCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.