Ever see
an anaconda
drive through town
on a brand new Honda?
Don't ask him
for a ride.
You might end up
inside.
From the Allivator to the Zonk, here are seventy-two gloriously witty poems that young readers will love and return to again and again.
Real and imaginary animals, from newts with flutes to boisterous baboons in hot-air balloons, crowd Roger McGough's celebrated collection, now in a new edition for a new generation. Rich in invention, wordplay, and humour, with Roger's own delightful, quirky illustrations.
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"This is a new edition of a classic collection which has delighted readers for many years. It was one of the first poetry books I bought when I started teaching and one which I have used regularly since. Illustrated throughout by Roger, the poems are about both real and imaginary animals from the Allivator to the Zonk...
Rich in word play and puns, each poem is imaginative and full of humour. The words trip off the tongue, making them a joy to perform and very easy to learn by heart as well as it being satisfying for children to explore the ideas, word play and patterns and use these in their own writing."
" - Through The Bookshelf
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"This is a new paperback edition or, in Roger McGough’s words, ‘a refurbishment’ of the classic 1988 anthology of poetry, which includes the poet’s own illustrations and an engaging new cover design. Playful, imaginative and thoughtful, I argue that this collection should remain a staple in any classroom or library.. This is a book that must be read aloud with or to children, in the moment, to appreciate its rhythm, rhyme, humour and creativity.
This is much more than just a collection of wacky, weird poems: the overall message is the importance of observing, creating and pondering. It is about the ‘what if?’ and the simple joy of play!...
This collection may be over 30 years old, yet the poetry remains creative, refreshing and smart in its construction... This book will continue to delight and encourage young ‘bookworms’ in homes, libraries and classrooms."
" - Just Imagine
