
A parent might reach for this book when their child shows a love for puns and wordplay, or as a gentle, hilarious introduction to poetry and literary devices. "Figures of Speech" is not a story, but a clever collection of short, rhyming poems, each accompanied by a whimsical ink drawing. Author Mervyn Peake takes common idioms, like "a skeleton in the cupboard" or "a square meal," and interprets them literally in his art, creating absurd and delightful results. This book champions creativity and curiosity about language, making it a perfect fit for a budding artist or wordsmith. It’s a wonderful, low-pressure way to spark imagination and conversation about the magic hidden in everyday language.
None. The book is entirely lighthearted. A "skeleton in the cupboard" is depicted, but it is a humorous cartoon skeleton, not a frightening or morbid image. The tone is consistently absurd and playful, with a secular and universally accessible approach to humor.
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Sign in to write a reviewAn 8-11 year old with a quirky sense of humor who loves puns, wordplay, and drawing. It is perfect for the child who is always asking what things literally mean or for a reluctant reader who prefers short, visually engaging content over a dense narrative. This book resonates with kids who appreciate cleverness and absurdity.
No preparation is needed. The book can be read cold. A parent might enjoy having a conversation after reading, explaining the figurative meaning of each saying to contrast with the book's literal interpretation. This can be a fun, spontaneous learning opportunity. A parent hears their child making up their own puns or notices they are fascinated by the multiple meanings of words. Alternatively, a parent is looking for a way to introduce concepts like metaphor and idiom in a fun way that feels like play, not a lesson, or wants to share a classic, artistic book with their child.
A younger child (7-8) will primarily connect with the silly drawings and the pleasing rhythm of the verses. They will enjoy the visual gags. An older child (9-12) will have a deeper appreciation for the linguistic concept, understanding the cleverness of the pun and the gap between literal and figurative meaning. They may be inspired to create their own idiom-based art.
Unlike many brightly-colored, modern books about idioms (e.g., the Amelia Bedelia series), Peake's classic, gothic-inspired ink drawings give this book a unique, artistic, and slightly eccentric feel. It is as much a work of art as it is a book of children's verse, sharing a stylistic lineage with artists like Edward Gorey and Shel Silverstein. The focus is on the poetic and visual wit rather than a narrative.
This is not a narrative book. It is a collection of approximately 30 short, rhyming verses, each paired with a full-page, black-and-white ink drawing by the author. Each verse and illustration comically interprets a common English figure of speech in its most literal sense. Examples include a man literally pulling his socks up, a tree with family members perched on its branches (a family tree), and a disembodied hand appearing from a thundercloud (a bolt from the blue).
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.