I'm Just No Good at Rhyming: And Other Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-Ups
on Goodreads (1,690)
What’s inside...
Meet Chris Harris, the 21st-century Shel Silverstein! His debut poetry collection is already receiving critical acclaim, being compared to literary icons such as Silverstein, Seuss, Nash, and Lear. The collection combines wit, wordplay, nonsense, oxymoron, and visual and verbal illusions in captivating ways that transform the reader's perspective of the world. The book is uniquely crafted with surprises at every turn, including a rivalry between creator and illustrator, misnumbered pages decipherable only by a special poem, and a rhyming fact-checker calling out poetic exaggerations. Renowned illustrator Lane Smith complements the text with nearly a hundred pieces of whimsical art, enhancing the playful and mischievous nature of the collection. Endorsed by luminaries like Lemony Snicket, Judith Viorst, and Andrea Beaty, this collection is a delightful and innovative addition to the world of children's poetry.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite poem from the book and why did it stand out to you?
How do you think the author uses silly words and phrases to make us think in a different way?
Can you think of a time when something didn't go as planned, just like in some of the poems? How did it make you feel?
If you could create your own silly poem, what would it be about?
Which poem made you laugh the most and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the poems. Validate their feelings and share your perspectives to foster a deeper connection.
Use expressive reading techniques, such as varying your tone and volume, to make the reading experience more engaging and fun for both of you.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene or character from the poems. Discuss why they chose that particular scene or character.
Create a playful atmosphere by suggesting to write a silly poem together. This encourages creativity and helps reinforce language skills.
Discuss the underlying themes of humor and resilience in the face of challenges. Relate these themes to everyday situations to enhance your child’s understanding and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity is limitless
Explanation: Through whimsical and inventive rhymes, this book showcases how language and ideas can be played with in endlessly creative ways.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by experimenting with their own ways of expressing themselves, whether through writing, storytelling, or art, exploring their unique voices without fear of mistakes.
Example Lesson: Humor is a valuable tool for communication
Explanation: The book uses humor and silly poems to engage readers, demonstrating that laughter can make learning more enjoyable.
Real-World Application: Kids can use humor to make their interactions more engaging and memorable, whether it's through jokes during presentations or playful conversations with peers.
Example Lesson: It's okay to make mistakes
Explanation: The title itself, 'I’m Just No Good at Rhyming,' sets a playful tone that encourages embracing imperfections in creative endeavors.
Real-World Application: This can reassure children that perfection isn't necessary for success, encouraging them to try new things without fear of getting it wrong, which is crucial in all learning processes.
Example Lesson: Resilience through persistence
Explanation: The poems often twist and turn through seeming nonsense, showing that sticking with a tricky task can yield surprising and rewarding outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist through difficulties, understanding that resilience can lead to unexpected success and personal satisfaction.