My son is a train fanatic and now that he is four he can really appreciate this book. It's comic book style and repitition have also encouraged him to read parts of it (a word here and there). The book has enough depth to stimulate discussions about time, how people lived "in the old days", etc. From this starting point we have branchedout to read as many Stevenson books as the library has to offer, since they all have his wonderful sense of humor and offer a sympathetic view of the world and children.

This book is excellent for any type of baseball fan. It has wonderful photos with excellent information. It is truly a worth-wild buy for baseball fans, no matter what the age!

This is a pen and ink/collage book done by some guy with a very not-underground indie sense of humor (ie: actually funny), but with a truly indie look. He just did it and did it quick - and it totally works. It's a slacker-sexy-political-social satire stream of consciousness story that you can follow. All based around the basic Jack and the Beanstalk storyline. An excellent book for any comic artist to own. A true inspiration to let it all hang out and be true to what YOU think is funny and relevant! Now if I could only find a copy of the damn thing...

Once again, James Stevenson has united a variety of short poems that range from ryhming, to free verse, and always include a twist of one kind or another. The poems are accompanied by small watercolour and black pen sketches, or laid out in different patterns and orientations in ways that relate to the poem's subject. Varying the text size and font as well create visual images simply with just the words. While not as popular as the rhyme and simple humour of Jack Prelutsky or Shel Silverstein, Stevenson's own work is something innovative and new, introducing children to non-rhyming free-verse. Although the humour is not the type that makes you crack out laughing, with a little extra thinking, it will definitely make you smile. The layout of the book is simple and consistant, with page numbers and titles at the top, and then the poem spread over the page or mixed with illustrations. Overall, the book seems to be a nice hidden gem filled with amusing quirks.

Psuedo- advice guy Louis Phillips shows us his greatest wit yet in this selection. I was attracted to this book because walruses are my absoulute favorite animal. Even though most of the book is not about walruses, it was still a pleasure. Covering every topic form English to History. How do you lift a walrus with one hand? You'll just have to read this to find out.

James Stevenson has united in this newest volume, focusing on everyday objects, a variety of short poems that range from ryhming, to free verse, and always include a twist of one kind or another. The poems are accompanied by small watercolour and black pen sketches, or laid out in different patterns and orientations in ways that relate to the poem's subject. Varying the text size and font as well create visual images simply with just the words. While not as popular as the rhyme and simple humour of Jack Prelutsky or Shel Silverstein, Stevenson's own work is something innovative and new, introducing children to non-rhyming free-verse. Although the humour is not the type that makes you crack out laughing, with a little extra thinking, it will definitely make you smile. The layout of the book is simple and consistant, with page numbers and titles at the top, and then the poem spread over the page or mixed with illustrations. Overall, the book seems to be a nice hidden gem filled with amusing quirks.

I thought that this book of poems was great! The poems werereally interesting and could be really useful in a classroom. It is areally good way to get children interested in the poetry genre. It isrelatively inexspensive and I would recommend that every teacher buy this book for their class.

This is a comforting book about the warm relationship between a grandfather and his grandson, and sharing the love of hockey. The author manages to capture the exhilirating sights and sounds at a hockey game so accurately and the emotions of Matt and his grandad so vividly. Together with the whimsical drawings and colours, it all adds up to a delightful book that we all enjoy.

A little mouse goes on a boat trip to France with his parents. He is definitely not excited about going. His trip goes from bad to worse, with only frequent bouts of seasickness and some annoying experiences to break his constant boredom. Lonely, he cannot find any friend among the snotty, sneering kids aboard. The stowaway brings excitement and friendship to his life, helping him to overcome his fears. My seven year old son loves this story. I think he can somehow identify with the mouse. I find the book very typical of James Stevenson's style. He seems to understand perfectly our children's struggles, and very effectively communicates unpredictable and unconventional solutions.

TEXT SUMMARY= James Stevenson has united in this volume a variety of short poems that range from ryhming, to free verse, and always include a twist of one kind or another.

VISUAL SUMMARY= The poems are accompanied by small watercolour and black pen sketches, or laid out in different patterns and orientations in ways that relate to the poem's subject. Varying the text size and font as well create visual images simply with just the words.

CRITIQUE= While not as popular as the rhyme and simple humour of Jack Prelutsky or Shel Silverstein, Stevenson's own work is something innovative and new, introducing children to non-rhyming free-verse. Although the humour is not the type that makes you crack out laughing, with a little extra thinking, it will definitely make you smile. The layout of the book is simple and consistant, with page numbers and titles at the top, and then the poem spread over the page or mixed with illustrations. Overall, the book seems to be a nice hidden gem filled with amusing quirks.