Type of bind: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 811.54
EAN num: 9780618133048
ISBN number: 0618133046
Label: Houghton Mifflin
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 32
Printing Date: March 26, 2001
Publishing house: Houghton Mifflin
Age index: Ages 9-12
Sale Popularity Level: 1310413
Studio: Houghton Mifflin
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
When Daniel Pinkwater performed Calef Brown's poetry on NPR, the response was tremendous. Pinkwater's animated personality and his appreciation for the delightfully silly make him the perfect voice to bring alive the inventive story-poems of Polkabats and Octopus Slacks.
Calef Brown's distinctive illustrations have appeared in numerous magazines and on book covers, CDs, soda cans, and gallery walls. In addition to the highly acclaimed Polkabats and Octopus Slacks: 14 Stories, he has written and illustrated Dutch Sneakers and Fleakeepers: 14 More Stories.
Amazon.com Review:
Author and illustrator Calef Brown is a blue elephant, we're told on the back flap of the book, and we half-believe it, judging from this exuberant, unforgettable collection of 14 ultra-hip rhyming stories about everything from sleeping fruit to a funky--and we mean funky--snowman. In comical folk-art paintings, bathed in truly delicious colors, we meet Ed. 'Introducing Ed, / with cherries on his head. / He says, 'I like the color,' / So all his stuff is red...' One odd hamlet is described like this: 'Clementown is greenish, / the people tall and leanish, / the dogs bark very loudish, / but not because they're meanish.' Brown sings the praises of 'Snails' as well: '...they don't make threats, / they don't eat meat, / they don't place bets, / they almost always pay their debts / and never puff on cigarettes.' These poems are as nonsensical as Edward Lear's, but clearly for modern hipster kids, and, well, adults, too. (Click to see a sample spread. Illustrations © 1998 by Calef Brown.) (All ages) --Karin Snelson
User popularity level:
Rated by buyers 
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In my daily life, I read way too much. Legal documents, blogs, news, you name it. At the end of the day, reading a few poems by Caleb Brown reminds you why the English language is so versatile and inspiring.
These poems are short, using words that most 5 y/o's know, and yet are fun and interesting. The illustrations are another review themselves - just fabulous! Now my stepsons ask for poetry at night, and even some poems by name. I never thought they would come to appreciate poetry, but feel great that my hubby and I have a renewed interest in this genre.
Life is so very serious, but having fun should be a serious endeavor too, no? Go get this book - and get ready to use your best acting voice. Borrow it from the library if you're not sure (as we did) and only buy it and take up space in your house if you really love it.
Rated by buyers 
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Children's poetry books have a tendency to be bland and mind-numbing. This collection of 14 poems is a refreshing exception to that convention.
Brown's poems have a unique sing-songy feel that are not childish, but hip and stylish.
I highly recommend this book for kids from 5-12 years old and parents who are sick of watered-down kids' books.
Rated by buyers -
This book is beautifully illustrated, with clever silly poetry. I enjoy reading it to my children as much as they do listening.
Rated by buyers -
This is a beloved book in our home. We got it as a gift when my very first son turned 3 and he wanted to read it every night. My second son, now 2 1/2, now wants to read it every night. Tonight after the bath I found him thumbing through the pages saying parts of the poems by himself. What a priceless moment. This is one of the books I will put away for all time.
Rated by buyers -
My daughter and I both love this book! The rhymes are ridiculously fun, and the rhythm of the poetry makes it fun for me to read.
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