Module 9: The New Kid on the Block

Summary: In this expansive and exuberant collection of over 100 poems for children, Prelutsky writes about anything and everything. Poems range from those about jellyfish (Jellyfish Stew) and ice cream (Bleezer’s Ice Cream) to sibling rivalry (Mean Maxine)  and responsibility (Homework! Oh, Homework!). Most pieces are humorous reflections of things everyday kids deal with while growing up.

Reference:

Prelutsky, J. (1984). The new kid on the block. New York, NY : Greenwillow Books.

Impressions: I have such fond childhood memories of this poetry collection. I received a copy for my birthday when it was released, and devoured all the poems. They are still funny, clever, and full of energy. Poems like “My Mother Says I’m Sickening” jokes about all the ways one should not play with his food. Another like “I am Flying!” speaks to the adventurous spirit and wonder of childhood imagination. Others like “The Zoosher” and “The Flotz” describe monster-like characters with attributes too silly to make them scary. There is so much whimsy to Prelutsky’s poems, and illustrator James Stevenson’s pen and ink drawings, that it is hard to picture a child not being able to find at least one poems that speaks to them personally. This is definitely a great book to read aloud with children, to highlight the musicality, rhythm, and rhyme of the poems. It is timeless in its themes and writing style.

Review: 

“The pair-up with Stevenson is the coup here: both have an offhand drollery that knows no age distinctions. A fat, squat book, full of jolly rhymes and juicy drawings, that's fun just to have around.” - Kirkus Review

(1984, August 20) [Review of the book The new kid on the block, by J. Prelutsky]. Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved from: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jack-prelutsky-10/the-new-kid-on-the-block/

Library use: This is a perfect book for a children’s poetry event. Offer it, along with other famous children’s poetry books, to kids wanting to participate in a poetry reading afternoon. Have kids come with poems memorized, or allow them to read one aloud. Discuss what they like about each poem, and if it holds personal meaning to them.