The New Kid on the Block

Written by Jack Prelutsky

Narrated by Jack Prelutsky

From beloved and bestselling poet Jack Prelutsky come over 100 hilarious poems about strange creatures and people—from jellyfish stew to a bouncing mouse, to the very unexpected new kid! For fans of Shel Silverstein and Louis Sachar's Wayside School series.

Here are poems about things that you may never have thought about before. You'll be introduced to jellyfish stew, a bouncing mouse, a ridiculous dog, and a boneless chicken.

You'll learn why you shouldn't argue with a shark, eat a dinosaur, or have an alligator for a pet. You'll meet the world's worst singer and the greatest video game player in history. You'll even find an invitation to a dragon's birthday party....

This playful collection is a wonderful introduction to the pleasures of poetry and word play from a master of the genre, Jack Prelutsky.

“It’s the author’s joyous sense of the absurd that propels the reader from page to page.”—Horn Book (starred review)

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Apr 10, 2007
• ISBN: 9780061448973

Jack Prelutsky

Jack Prelutsky is the best-selling author of more than fifty books of poetry, including The New Kid on the Block, illustrated by James Stevenson, and Stardines Swim High Across the Sky, illustrated by Carin Berger. Jack Prelutsky lives in Washington State.

Reviews for The New Kid on the Block

[wichitafriendsschool · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a volume of "different" poems. You'll be introduced to jellyfish stew, a bouncing mouse, a ridiculous dog, and a boneless chicken. You'll learn why you shouldn't argue with a shark, eat a dinosaur, or have an alligator for a pet. You'll meet the world's worst singer and the greatest video game player in history. You'll even find an invitation to a dragon's birthday party.

[leibrockkr · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book of poetry is very similar to Shel Silverstein's. It draws on children's sense of humor and imagination, but there is more significance to a number of the poems. The poems are accessible and interesting, and fairly simple drawings accompany each. There is also some vocabulary that will be challenging to younger readers, but that will help them develop their own vocabulary because most words can be figured out based on context clues. The poem "Yubbazubbies" is particularly good for this, and it is thoroughly entertaining and imaginative as well.

[kprinc3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Prelutsky's book of poems is a classic. These poems all come with a message that transcends age, and that is what I like most about his writing. The poems are all written in kid friendly language, but still teach the golden rules that a person of any age should know. Prelutsky's poems are friendly, comedic, and heartfelt. These poems would be perfect to read aloud in class during down time. Students will be introduced to new vocabulary words that may be above their reading level while being entertained. The images that correspond with the poems add to the comedic nature of the book. A lot of the poems bring in elements of fantasy or surrealism, like jellyfish stew and a pet alligator. Some of the poems in the book are more realistic, like the poem "New Kid on the Block," which is about a female bully in the neighborhood. The majority of the poems in this book teach great lessons and entertain audiences of all ages.

[ehayne1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This poem is excellent as most readers assume that the "new kid" is a guy, beating up everyone else and being a bully. However, the poem flips it around and the new kid is actually a girl. I think the message in this poem is not to judge a person by their actions, and also different genders can act like each other. Stereotypes of gender are not always correct. This poem stretches the mind of readers and helps them to read outside the box, imagining other scenarios that are possible from the words written.

[stomas5 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Summary: This collection of children's poetry focuses on a variety of topics from homework and younger brothers to jellyfish stew and drump the glump. It has poems that children can relate to and poems that do not make sense. These poems have an adult type humor in them, that is not found in many children's book. It can be humorous to all ages-especially students who are older. It is a fun collection that will make you want to keep reading. Argument: This was a great collection of poetry for many reasons and I would surely recommend these for elementary classrooms. The first reason i enjoyed this book was for its illustrations. The illustrations in this book are in black and white and very simple but that does not stop them from conveying a very deep message. The pictures are creative and vividly describe the poem but they also carry an air of realism to the stories and bring them to life. Another reason, I enjoyed this collection was for its variety in content. This book had a wide range of poems from realistic, relatable stories to complete nonsense. For example, on page 58 the poem is titled, "Song of the Gloopy Glooppers" and on page 7 the poem is titled, "The New Kid on the Block". Both of these poems differ greatly from going to unrealistic to realistic very quickly. Lastly, I recommend this collection of poems because of the sense of humor cleverly put into each poem. The humor in these poems is very subtle and very quick and witty-it will grab your interest and keep you engaged in the book. For example, the poem on page 133 states, "I'm bold, I'm brave, I know no fear. I'm gallant as a buccaneer. Is that a hornet by my ear? Gangway! I'm getting out of here!" The slight humor in the child acting brave and then being afraid of the bee is something that all children can relate to and will find funny. The main idea of this collection of poems by Jack Prelutsky is to get inside the mind of a young child. This book is set up like the thought process of a young child. Each poem has themes and messages that can connect to any child. It has serious themes such as being new and having a younger sibling and it also touches on the imaginative side of children with poems that feature made up monsters such as "The Thing" and "Drump the Glump".

[magarcia-2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Funny and exciting. And it has a funny ending.Great for students to get a laugh at and learn about poetry and new words.

[patrick0shea14 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The New Kid on the Block is a great "Easy-to-read' book filled with many poetry entries that relate to the imagination of e neighborhood child. These poems are filled with exciting adventure that are complete;y different to the next. The first poem is "The New Kid on the Block," it's about a tough kid who punches and gets rough and everyone is scared of him. While every poem is different from the next, this book would interest any young child because who wouldn't want to read about "jellyfish stew" or "a boneless chicken?" This is a poetry book

[elizabethhaaser · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

“The New Kid on the Block” by Jack Prelutsky is a wonderful set of poems that I adore. I love the silly nature of the poetry. Topics include wondering is oysters sneeze, being glad one’s nose is not on one’s face, and a wolf visiting the Laundromat. I think these are really fun and original ideas for poems. I also like that little black and white pictures were included beside each poem. This adds to the playful nature of the poetry collection, because the cartoons are simple yet humorous. I think, as a collection, the theme is surprise. The main poem, about the new kid in town, is a surprising poem with a twist at the end—the bully is a girl! The other poems are surprising in that they are such strange and unusual topics for poems. That is what makes them so fun to read!

[alexwyatt-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The poems from Jack Prelutsky in The New Kid On The Block are funny and very child centered. The poems have funny names like Jellyfish Stew, Drumpp the Grump and I Don’t Know Why Dad is Mad. Mr. Prelutsky has written hundreds of poems for children and each one is funnier than the next. He has written on so many topics from friendship, bullying, homework, siblings, and just plain old silliness.The writing and language go hand-in-hand when reading a poetry book. Most of the poems in the book are written with an ABAB rhyming pattern and when reading it there is a rhythm that makes it almost like a chant. A great example is the poem, Clara Cleech:“The poorest juggler ever seenWas clumsy Clara Cleech,Who juggled a bean, a nectarine,a pumpkin, and a peach.” Mr. Prelutsky uses all kinds of characters in his poems. There are real people like the characters in The New Kid on the Block and imaginary characters like Drumpp the Grump. He is able to make connections with children through humor yet allow them to laugh at themselves. The illustrations of the characters are perfect. They are usually exactly how you picture them when reading the poem. The illustrations are just as funny as the poems. Mr. Stevenson does a great job of illustrating the poems because the illustrations are exactly what the reader would picture when reading the poem. The illustration with everyone hiding in their houses, behind trees and trashcans showed how scared everyone was of the new kid who was a girl.An anthology of poetry can be a quick fun read for children as it was for me. The poems are usually shorter than a story and easier to comprehend. The rhyming patterns also make it more exciting to read. It can cover all kinds of different topics, have people laughing at themselves, and the world around them.

[jraeke1-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

There are reasons I did like this book and reasons I didn't like this book. Is because the illustrations are in black and white. I think if they were in color it would add more to the poems and bring them to life more. The reason I like this book is because the poems are really good. They flow nicely and most of them rhyme. Rhyming is my favorite. An example of a poem I really enjoy is The Neighbors Are Not Fond of Me. me and see rhyme and that and mat rhyme. The main idea of this book of poems is childhood and fun.

[larasimmons2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

"The New Kid on the Block" is a Shel Silverstine type of collection of simple poems. Prelutsky's poems in this collection tend to be short and funny. It is a good introduction to poetry. Many of the poems have some kind of rhyming scheme, which also helps with the reading flow. I like this collection. It does not have any real theme. It includes a large variety of topics, which I tend to like more in poetry books. I like how there are a variety of lengths of poems and there is no set style either. Most of the poems are humorous, which serves as a good introduction for kids.I also like how there are illustrations. The pictures are simple black, grey, and white ink drawings. They are simple drawings, of something from the poem on the same page. The simple line drawings are frequently also equally humorous, adding a fun, simple air to the collection.

[debnance_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I’ve read all the short holiday Jack Prelutsky poetry books...It’s Halloween!...It’s Valentine’s Day...It’s Christmas! But I’ve never taken on one of the longer books. And, I say to myself now, what was I waiting for? I can unabashedly recommend this book now. It’s right up there with Shel Silverstein’s Where the Sidewalk Ends for silliness and delight. Trust me. Need poetry for kids? This is a sure thing.

[shannathomp08 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I rate this book a five. I gave it a five because this book is a two for one special. You get funny illustrations and learn poems at the same time. My thought on this book is that it makes poetry fun. I can remember when I was growing up reading some of the Shel Silverstein poems and enjoying them so I’m sure students today will enjoy this book as well. For content area instruction of course I would use this to introduce poetry and teach about the many features of poetry such as the different types of rhythms, imagery, symbolism, etc.

[alexcirasuolo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This an award winning book. It is a fabulous book of poems. The collection is exceptionally good. It is a must have!!

[candacez_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Summary: The new kid on the block is written by Jack Prelutsky. This book has many different poems in it. Each page has a new title and a new poem. The pictures are in black and white but very cute. It introduces you to jelly fish stew, a bouncing mouse, a boneless chicken, eat a dinosaur or have an alligator for a pet. Personal: I read this book and thought it was very cute. Some of the poems are realistic and others are fiction. This book really lets a childs imagination run wild. The poems are funny and some are more realistics for instance the poem about why is dad upset, the reason he is upset is because of what the child has done. Jelly fish stew and a alligator for a pet are too cute. What child doesn't want a alligator for a pet..Extension Idea: This book could be used in a classroom for teaching poem or rhyming words.

[dawnfires · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Summary: This book is short collection of humors poems that children would find completely funny. Many of the poems deal with kids, school and the things around them. Person Reaction: Since I was a younger child and as an adult I still love reading these poems. I could read them over and over again and still laugh so hard. Classroom Extension Ideas: 1. While the teacher was introducing rhyming to the classroom, reading these poems would help the students use there listening skills to hear the rhyming words in the story2. Another way to use this book in the classroom would be to read one of the poems in the book and let the children paint a picture of what they heard.

[stephanyk_5 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book would be appropriate for pre-k through the third grade. I think younger students would enjoy having the poems read aloud to them because they use silly sounding words. Also there are so many poems that vary in length that I think children in any grade can choose certain poems to read. The book is filled with humorous poems about monsters and children who do out of the ordinary activities. Fun words like super-goopy glue and made up words such as snillies are used throughout the book. Uses in the classroom:- Most of the poems in the book uses rhymes. I would have children create rhymes that they can write into a poem. (phonemic awareness)- I would have children come up with a made up word and make a definition for it. Then I would have them write a poem about it. After I would have them partner up and switch poems and read them out loud. Children can get practice pronouncing words. (phonics)

[lauren0anderson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Summary-The poem is called "New York is in North Carolina",,the poem is about states,cities,capitals,and other countries and the kids answers are WAY wrong,and at the end of the poem it says "these are a few of the answers i wrote when i flunked the geography test!" Personal Reaction-It was a really funny poem! At the beginning when i was reading it i realized all the answers were wrong,so at first i was confused but then i realized what had happened!Classroom Extension-1)Tell them the right answers. 2)Have GOOD Social Studies lessons.

[btivis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When it comes to poetry anthologies, anything by Jack Prelutsky is a sure winner to make you laugh. His play on words and silly topics is loved by children and adults alike. Poems like An Alley Cat with One Life Left and My Brother's Head Should Be Replaced show kids the fun in creative writing.I absolutely love Jack Prelutsky. His poems are packed with excitement and rhythm that makes you want to read more. I have used his poems many times in my classrooms at all grade levels. Some classes I have just read one a day for a good laugh to start the day. I have also used them for my younger kids to show them different types of poetry.

[sadiereads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a wonderful collection of children's poems written b Jack Prelutsky! The poems are comical and surprising and very appealing to children. I remember memorizing "Homework, Oh Homework" when I was in school, but I'm sorry I missed out on other wonderful Prelutsky poems such as the tongue-twisting 'Bleezer's Ice Cream Store' and the witty 'Today is Very Boring'. Because of their high interest and simple rhyming and rhythm patters, these are great poems for introducing children to poetry and memorization. Appropriate for grades 2 and above.

[arielaver · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a silly collection of poems that are really run to read aloud. They are also inspiring to young poets who may want to write about the realities of their lives/neighborhoods in fantastical ways.

[jscheper_2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a super silly collection of children's poems. Jack Prelutsy's poems are very similiar to Shel Silverstein. Short and silly. There are perfect for a child to memorize. These will also be great for children to read aloud in class or at home. Poems include, "An Alley Cat with One Life Left", "My Dog, He is an Ugly Dog", and "Ounce and Bounce". There are simple silly illustrations that match each poem. This is a great addition to any library, especially as a children's introduction to poetry so they know it is fun and easy.

[conuly · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I had to buy this for my niece after I found myself starting a poem from the book and not remembering how to finish it. Imagine that - it's been at least 16 years since I had this book, yet I could still recite stanzas at will. How frustrating it was not to have all of them!Jack Prelutsky is one of the best children's poets out there. You MUST have this book - indoctrinate your kid in the joys of reading poetry aloud when they're young, and you'll never have to unteach them "poetry is boring" when they're older.

[tiamatq_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Have you ever considered the advantages to having your nose on your face? Or what life is like for a boneless chicken? Or lamented a night of homework? Then this book is for you! Jack Prelutsky’s collection 107 poems are silly, catchy, and classic. Readers bounce from poem to poem, carried along by James Stevenson’s squiggly illustrations. Though this is a fast read, Prelutsky’s odd characters, like the Underwater Wibblies and Drumpp the Grump, will keep you giggling.These quirky poems will entertain readers both young and old. Prelutsky’s poems are made for reading aloud, and audiences will enjoy listening to the made-up names and punchlines. Stevenson’s artwork, which can also be found in The New Yorker, fits perfectly with the singsong style of the poems. The black and white drawings wobble and flutter around the text, interacting with it. Prelutsky’s work, combined with Shel Silverstein’s, makes for an excellent introduction into the world of poetry for young readers.

[gi142984 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a book full of poems by Jack Prelutsky. The poems consist of things that all children can relate to but in a humorous and fictional way. Poems like; My Sister Is a Sissy, My Baby Brother, Jellyfish Stew, Homework! Oh Homework and other many other subjects. The rhythm, rhyme, and repetition are very catchy and easy to read that makes all the different poems so much fun. The personification he gives to some of his characters and the figurative language grab the reader’s curiosity and make them want to read more. I think this book is so much fun to read, and I know in elementary school it was one of my favorites. The humor and off the wall topics are what students need to get them into poetry. Starting off with a book like this one will inspire students and maybe give them a better outlook on future poetry projects. In the classroom students can write a limerick and use their own imagination. Another idea is having a different student read one poem out of the book everyday, to give students something to look forward to.