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The New Kid on the Block

by Jack Prelutsky Publisher: GREENWILLOW

Critically Recognized
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A comic menagerie in verse

$14.41 USD
$24.02 USD $14.41 USD
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Paperback New English

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Awards & Recognition

  • Critical praise

    Horn Book starred review

    A starred review praises the author’s joyful absurdity as a force that carries the reader through the book.

AlbakiReads Editorial

A comic menagerie in verse

More than 100 short poems turn everyday logic upside down with jellyfish stew, bouncing mice, unusual pets, and a surprising newcomer. The collection moves through imaginary creatures, outsized personalities, food, games, and animal encounters, using playful situations to introduce poetry as a space for jokes and wordplay. Its browseable arrangement also makes it easy to dip into a single poem or sample several at a time. Illustration is part of the book’s presentation, accompanying the comic inventions on the page.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children who enjoy absurd humor and silly animal scenarios
  • Beginning poetry readers exploring rhyme and wordplay
  • Fans of Shel Silverstein or the Wayside School books

Themes

HumorWordplayAnimals and imaginary creaturesEveryday absurdityPoetry

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

From beloved and bestselling poet Jack Prelutsky come over 100 hilarious poems about strange creatures and people--from jellyfish stew to a bouncing mouse, to the very unexpected new kid! For fans of Shel Silverstein and Louis Sachar's Wayside School series. "The illustrations bring the frivolity to a fever pitch."--School Library Journal.

Open this book to any page to begin your exploration. Here are poems about things that you may never have thought about before. You'll be introduced to jellyfish stew, a bouncing mouse, a ridiculous dog, and a boneless chicken.

You'll learn why you shouldn't argue with a shark, eat a dinosaur, or have an alligator for a pet. You'll meet the world's worst singer and the greatest video game player in history. You'll even find an invitation to a dragon's birthday party....

This playful collection is a wonderful introduction to the pleasures of poetry and word play from a master of the genre, Jack Prelutsky.

"It's the author's joyous sense of the absurd that propels the reader from page to page."--Horn Book (starred review)

Shipping & returnsShipping options, delivery timing, and our return policy.

In-stock items normally dispatch within 1–2 business days. The ZIP-code estimator on this page is informational only; the final shipping method, price, and availability are confirmed at checkout for your full order.

For the initial delivery estimate we use these transit windows after dispatch: Standard 5–8 business days, Expedited 2–4 business days, and Priority 1–2 business days. Holiday delays are not included.

Eligible items can be returned within 30 days in accordance with our return policy.

Customer reviews

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AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

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Ella

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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Olivia

Smooth.