
Reach for this book when your child is in a silly, rebellious mood or when you want to break the tension of a long day with some high energy nonsense. If your child is currently obsessed with 'gross' humor or eccentric characters, these poems provide a safe and literary outlet for that mischievous energy. Gerda Rovetch offers a collection of rhythmic, slightly irreverent verses that celebrate the bizarre and the unconventional. Through tales of men who love rats and people with peculiar habits, the book explores themes of individuality and creative expression. While the content leans into the 'vile' and 'icky,' it remains firmly in the realm of playful absurdity. It is an ideal choice for elementary aged children who are beginning to appreciate wordplay and the humor found in breaking social norms. Parents will appreciate the sophisticated vocabulary hidden within the silliness.
The book is entirely secular and metaphorical. It deals with 'gross' imagery (rats, monsters, odd smells) in a way that is purely humorous rather than scary or disturbing. There are no heavy themes like death or trauma.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewAn 8-year-old who thinks 'normal' books are boring and wants something that feels a little bit 'naughty' or edgy without actually being inappropriate. It is perfect for the child who enjoys Roald Dahl's 'Revolting Rhymes' or Shel Silverstein's darker moments.
The book can be read cold. Parents should be prepared to lean into the performance aspect: these poems benefit greatly from being read aloud with different voices and a strong sense of rhythm. A parent might reach for this after seeing their child perform a silly 'gross-out' stunt or if the child is struggling to find interest in traditional prose.
A 6-year-old will focus on the funny sounds and the icky nature of the animals. a 10-year-old will better appreciate the cleverness of the meter, the sophisticated vocabulary, and the subversion of social politeness.
Unlike many 'gross' books that rely on bathroom humor, this collection uses sophisticated verse and artistic whimsy to make the 'vile' feel charming and clever.
This is a collection of absurdist, rhythmic nonsense poems. Each poem introduces a new, eccentric character or situation, ranging from a man who shares his life with a rat to various monsters and humans with peculiar, 'vile' habits. The focus is on rhyme, meter, and the celebration of the grotesque.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.