Sunday, July 14, 2013

Spinster Goose: Twisted Rhymes for Naughty Children

Spinster Goose

Author: Lisa Wheeler
Illustrator:   Sophie Blackall
Publisher:  Antheneum
Publication Year:   2011
Location: Knox County Public Library- Lawson McGhee

Awards:   Bank Street Best Books of the Year, Kirkus Best Books
Bank Street Best Books of the Year
Great Lakes Great Books Master List (MI)
Kirkus Best Children's Book
- See more at: http://books.simonandschuster.net/Spinster-Goose/Lisa-Wheeler/9781416925415#sthash.cbfb5gmj.dpuf

Summary:  The conceit behind this collection of poetry is that Mother Goose sends bad children to the reform school run by Spinster Goose.  ("Bean after bean, the kids turn green. They sweat, and shake, and drool. As stomachs turn, the kiddies learn the motto: Life is Gruel.")

Classroom Ideas: There is, of course, rhyme and rhythm in these poems. The vocabulary is quite rich and sophisticated for the intended audience (mottled, abhor, sordid, bleak). The theme will absolutely appeal to children who completely agree that misbehaving children should get what's coming to them!  ("The pinchers get pinched, and the pokers get poked...") There are also some fun puns included.

Extras: table of contents

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