A review by Nalini Haynes
Poo! * and other words that make me laugh is a joyous exploration of the English language for younger children to read with a carer or older sibling. It reads like poetry, with alliteration and assonance as well as a few rhymes.
Vivid illustrations depict children of all skin tones revelling in the sound of words. Writing is curved and follows unusual tracks, requiring readers to – at times – turn the book. Meanwhile child characters look like they’re exuberantly somersaulting around the text.
Needless to say, the word Poo shows up… written on a diaper. I get the impression that diaper smells.
At the end a glossary provides definitions of words, even some I assumed were the author’s flapdoodle. Like Bumbershoot. The glossary even includes the word Poo.
The verdict
Poo! *and other words that make me laugh is a fun book to encourage a love of language and reading. A new generation may grow to love this book like I loved the ‘Triantiwontigongolope‘, learning to read by sounding out syllables. Learning to love language by rolling words around their mouths, relishing the sounds. However, this is a book for littles to share with a more experienced reader. Family time, perhaps.
Book details
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
ISBN: 9780733341427
ISBN10: 073334142X
Imprint: ABC Books – AU (HarperCollins Australia)
Released: 2021
Format: hardcover, 40 pages
Age: From 3 years
Category: JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Words
