Poetry: IT'S RAINING PIGS & NOODLES

Bibliography





Prelutsky, Jack. 2000. It's Raining Pigs & Noodles. Ill. by James Stevenson. New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 0-06-02915-8





Plot Summary

This collection of Jack Prelutsky's lively poetry looks with humor into the world of childhood. He investigates the woes of liver, homework, and cleaning your room. Some poems, such as "I'm Building a Bridge of Bananas", tickle the imagination and others are nonsense, shape poems, or gleefully "gross" in the manner of "Chocolate Covered Salami".

Critical Analysis

Variety, both in form and substance, keeps the poems fresh and interesting as the reader peruses more than 100 poems in this collection. The manner in which Prelutsky plays with words is as appealing as the words he chooses themselves; "unabated chaos", "in need of extrication", and "mere amphibian" roll off the tongue. After reading very few poems like "I Took a Sip of Water", the reader begins to watch for the twist at the end that transforms the poem into a joke. Though some of the nonsense poems grow tiresome ("The Yaks Convened a Meeting"), the vast majority of these poems are delightful to share aloud.

James Stevenson matches the energetic and zany style of Prelutsky's poetry with his bold strokes and simple drawings. The subject matter follows the descriptions in the poems, presenting exactly what one imagines while reading.

Prelutsky's work has appeal to adults as well. "Deep in Our Refrigerator" could be inspired by my own kitchen -- where leftovers languish until they are unidentifiable. I also enjoyed "I'm Standing in the Corner" though from a different perspective as the mother of a toddler. The humor that reaches children, also touches those of us who loved childhood.

Review Excerpts


Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books: "Prelutsky short of great is still superior to most poets' best, however, especially combined with Stevenson's high-spirited and irreverent line-and-wash art. With inviting possibilities for readalone, readaloud, chorus, and performance, this one will offer welcome expansion to your poetry shelf. . . . Grades three to six."

The Horn Book; "Prelutsky plays his way through silly images, nonsense words, and corny punch lines. Some of the one hundred and six poems here celebrate childhood mischief. . . . And it wouldn't be Prelutsky without a bit of the gross. . . . Stevenson deftly follows the goofy tone in small homely pen sketches sprinkled among the verse."

Connections

Collect other books by Prelutsky to study how he effectively uses language, humor, and unexpected objects in his work.

Prelutsky, Jack. A Pizza the Size of the Sun. ISBN-10: 0688132359

Prelutsky, Jack. New Kid on the Block. ISBN-13: 978-0688022716

After reading a selection of his poems, children may wish to try their hand at poetry. Tips and insights from Jack Prelutsky as well as exercises to get kids started:

Prelutsky, Jack. Pizza, Pigs, and Poetry: How to Write a Poem. ISBN-13: 978-0061434488