Roger McGough's "What on Earth Can it Be?" is a delightful interactive poetry collection that masterfully combines visual intrigue with playful verse. The book's central mechanic, featuring die-cut shapes on one page that lead to a reveal on the next, is highly engaging for young readers. It encourages active participation, prompting children to guess and imagine what could be hidden. The accompanying 'wacky verses' are often humorous and unexpected, making each reveal a moment of joy. This book handles the concept of shapes and observation in a direct, lighthearted manner, without any heavy themes. The emotional arc is consistently gentle and uplifting, focusing on the fun of discovery and the satisfaction of a good guess. It's specifically for children who enjoy interactive books, riddles, and rhyming poetry. A parent would reach for this book when they want a quick, fun read-aloud that sparks curiosity and encourages imaginative play, or to introduce basic shapes in an unconventional way. No specific preparation is needed, though parents might enjoy extending the guessing game beyond the book. Younger children (4-6) will love the tactile element and the surprise reveals, while older children (7-8) might appreciate the cleverness of the verses and the challenge of the riddles. Its interactive die-cut format and the poetic reveals set it apart from typical shape or guessing books, offering a unique blend of visual and linguistic play.
