Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant: And Other Poems

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Prelutsky fans are in for a treat with this collection that combines his latest book of poetry with two other favorite anthologies (Scranimals; What a Day It Was at School!) and features several original songs. Each poem spotlights an animal that shares characteristics of some inanimate object (i.e., the title character is an elephant with an umbrella for a trunk). Among the selections that Prelutsky has set to music are "The Ballpoint Penguins": "The ballpoint penguins black and white/ Do little else but write and write./ Although they've nothing much to say,/ They write and write it anyway." Prelutsky's confident reading conveys the witty, matter-of-fact silliness that is the hallmark of his work. His troubadour-like folk-style songs and musicianship on acoustic guitar are an entertaining bonus. Ages 4-up. (Oct. 2006)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.
From School Library Journal
Starred Review. Grade 3-6–Prelutsky is one of the best word crafters in the business, and this collection does not disappoint. Each entry is about a creature that is part animal and part inanimate object. For instance, the Alarmadillos have alarm clocks for bodies, and the Ballpoint Penguins can write with their beaks. The poems are full of fun and wit, with wordplay and meter that never miss a beat. The whimsical illustrations use cut-print media, old-fashioned print images, and a variety of paper textures to create a rich visual treat well suited to the poetry. The detail in the mixed-media pictures makes this a good choice for individual or lap reading, but the poetry begs to be read aloud. This is definitely a do not miss poetry pick.–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.