Genre 3: Book of Poetry

Bibliography


Prelutsky, Jack. 1995. For Laughing Out Louder: More Poems to Tickle Your Funnybone. Ill. by Marjorie Priceman. ISBN 0-679-87063-6


Plot Summary


Jack Prelutsky's book, For Laughing Out Louder: More Poems to Tickle Your Funnybone, is a collection of many funny poems. This second installment to, For Laughing Out Loud: Poems to Tickle Your Funnybone, includes poetry from well known writers from Prelutsky himself to Eve Merriam and even anonymous writers. There are enough poems under this title to keep listerners involved and eager to hear more. Moreover, these silly rhymes will do just what the title says: "tickle your funnybone!"


Critical Analysis


Prelutsky's simple verses make this book easily understood by it's readers. Some of the verses talk about "smelly feet," but no matter what the sometimes crass details are, these rhyming lines will have something to offer the many tastes of children and perhaps even older readers. "Hairless hippopotamus" is an example of the many instances of alliteration throughout the poems. The continuous flow of words never disappoints because from the beginning, the reader knows that there will be a rhyming delight that's sure to please. Although the poems are plentiful in this book, their ability to keep the reader's attention makes it possible to read every single line over and over again.



Marjorie Priceman's illustrations are very fitting for the verses they describe. The pictures are very colorful and can elicit a laugh without the reader ever reading the poem that accompanies it. There are many hilarious pictures to enjoy, but Priceman's depiction of "Big Bert" as he sits on a cushion has to be the best. "I'm much too fat," moaned he. "Who else could be so miserable?" The cushion answered, "me." To see Big Bert sitting on a frowning, obviously uncomfortable cushion, makes Priceman's illustration "priceless"....yes pun intended! Every hue imaginable is used to paint the illustrations, which allows the reader to enjoy even more of the colorful lines and color pictures that highlight every page.


Review Excerpts


*Starred review in Booklist: "There's plenty of silliness in wordplay and situation to show kids that language can be fun."
*Starred review in School Library Journal: "Priceman's elongated watercolor cartoons decorate the pages and reinforce the humor."


Connections


*If there is an audience of children who do not mind sometimes gross humor, this book is a good choice.
*Gather other books of poetry by Jack Prelutsky: The Frogs Wore Red Suspenders.
ISBN 978-0-688-16719-6 and It's Raining Pigs and Noodles ISBN 978-0-06-029194-5
*Gather another book illustrated by Marjore Priceman: Things That Sometimes Happen: Very Short Stories for Little Listeners. ISBN 0-689-83524-8