The New Kid on the Block
What’s inside...
From beloved and bestselling poet Jack Prelutsky comes a collection of over 100 humorous poems about strange creatures and people. These include jellyfish stew, a bouncing mouse, a ridiculous dog, and a boneless chicken. The book explores absurd scenarios like why you shouldn't argue with a shark, eat a dinosaur, or have an alligator as a pet. With engaging illustrations and word play, this collection invites readers to explore the joys of poetry and imagination.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-13
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the new kid felt when he arrived at the block? Can you relate to those feelings?
What are some ways the characters in the book showed kindness to the new kid?
Which poem was your favorite and why?
How can we make new people feel welcome when they come into our lives or community?
If you were going to write a poem about your experience at school, what would it be about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by reading the poem together with your child, then ask them to share their favorite part or character. This can launch a deeper discussion about the themes.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book using creative methods like drawing or composing a simple poem.
Connect the themes of the book to your child's experiences, such as a time they met someone new or were in a new situation themselves.
Discuss the various emotions characters might be feeling in different poems and relate them to real-life scenarios to enhance empathy and understanding.
Praise your child’s responses and observations to boost their confidence in expressing their ideas and feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity and acceptance
Explanation: The book, through its humorous and engaging poems, showcases a variety of characters, each unique in their own way. This helps children understand and celebrate differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the diverse backgrounds and traits of their peers, promoting inclusivity in their everyday interactions at school and other social settings.
Example Lesson: Creativity and expression
Explanation: Jack Prelutsky's creative use of language and rhyme encourages children to explore their own creative skills in writing and art.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to engage in creative activities such as poetry writing, drawing, or storytelling, enhancing their cognitive and expressive abilities.
Example Lesson: The importance of humor
Explanation: The playful and whimsical poems make reading enjoyable and show that language can be fun.
Real-World Application: Children can use humor as a way to connect with others, improve their communication skills, and navigate social situations more comfortably.
Example Lesson: Building confidence in reading
Explanation: The accessible and amusing poems increase children's engagement and interest in reading, helping to build their confidence and competence in reading skills.
Real-World Application: As children become more confident in their reading abilities, they are likely to explore a wider range of books and texts, supporting ongoing literacy development.