
Reach for this book when your child is in a high-energy phase of noticing everything in their environment, from the buttonholes on their shirt to the drain in the bathtub. This whimsical collection of poetry by Eve Merriam transforms a simple concept into a masterclass in observation and wordplay. It encourages children to see the negative space in the world as something full of purpose and humor. Appropriate for preschoolers through early elementary students, the book uses rhythmic verse to explore holes found in nature, household objects, and food. It is an excellent tool for shifting a child's perspective from what is there to what isn't, fostering a sense of curiosity and abstract thinking. Parents will appreciate the clever wit that makes repetitive readings enjoyable for adults and children alike.
None. The book is entirely secular and lighthearted, focusing on physical objects and linguistic play.
A 4 or 5-year-old who is currently obsessed with "why" and "how" things work, or a 2nd grader who enjoys riddles and wordplay. It is perfect for a child who likes to stop and inspect every crack in the sidewalk or every bead on a string.
This book can be read cold. The rhymes are rhythmic and easy to perform, though some older vocabulary (like specific types of locks or tools) might require a quick sidebar explanation for younger toddlers. A parent might reach for this after a child asks a difficult-to-explain question about a mundane object, like "Why does the macaroni have a tunnel in it?" or "Where does the water go in the sink?"
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewFor a 3-year-old, the book is a game of "I Spy," identifying shapes they recognize. For a 7-year-old, the book serves as an introduction to poetic devices like metaphor and alliteration, showing them how language can be used to describe empty space.
Unlike standard concept books that focus on solid shapes, Merriam focuses on the absence of matter. It is a rare example of a book that teaches kids to appreciate negative space through high-quality, mid-century modern poetic wit.
This is a concept-driven collection of poems that identifies and describes various types of holes found in everyday life. From the functional (keyholes and buttonholes) to the tasty (doughnuts and swiss cheese) to the natural (woodpecker holes and caves), the text uses rhythmic, witty language to define what a hole is and why it matters.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.