Smile Out Loud: 25 Happy Poems (Poetry to Perform)

K-Gr 2--Using the techniques of physical humor as well as wordplay, young readers can experience these poems as they were meant to be shared--out loud. Focusing on the playful aspects of language allows this collection to ramble thematically and introduce different kinds of poems from villanelles to simple ending rhymes. There is an irreverence and freedom present in the lyrical stylings of these poems that fans of Silverstein will recognize. Brief explanations for each poem, from its structure and jokes to the interactive parts, help readers connect to and understand the text before they read it. The book goes beyond using brightly colored illustrations, which it also does to amusing effect, to show and tell novices how poem formats work and why they might be funny. Double entendres, puns, and clever wordplay are the meat of poetry, but they are precisely what can trip up young readers. This collection has cleverly worked to include readers in on the jokes, so they can fully appreciate them and build their reading confidence around poetry. VERDICT A great introduction for reluctant readers who want to learn more about poetry. The interactive elements will work in classrooms and bring an amusing spice to story times.--Lisa Bosarge

Suffused with friendliness and good-natured humor, this collection invites readers to "spread some happiness" by performing its lines for and with family, friends, or classmates. Each poem is preceded by a note with suggestions about how to approach it: the introduction to "Walking Funny," for example, invites readers to "perfect the walks": moving like a chicken while roaring like a dinosaur, or slowing down to "egg-aggerate" motions as if striding through egg yolks. Word play ("I met an armadillo/ who could never chill-o"), spoonerisms ("Today I had a tip of the slongue"), and repetition abound, all well suited to a child's sense of silliness. Coelho intersperses the fun and games with introductions to poetic forms, such as the rondel and the villanelle, while Gray-Barnett's energetic illustrations, representing children with various skin tones, add a sense of fun to even the more staid verses. Ages 5-10. (May)