About This Book
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.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None. The book is entirely secular and lighthearted, focusing on physical objects and linguistic play.
Ideal Reader
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.
Parent Prep
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?"
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