retrieved from nanasbooksforkid.com on 3/19/2013

Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant

Written by: Jack Prelutsky

Illustrated by: Carin Berger

Published by: Greenwillow Books

Year: 2006

ISBN: 9780060543181

Critical Analysis:

This fun and creative Prelutsky work invites children and adults alike to laugh out loud as they enjoy the combination of Prelutsky’s word fun and Berger’s wonderful illustrations. The author cleverly combines a variety of animals with everyday objects to create new and hilarious creatures that are wonderfully and creatively illustrated by Berger with collages that are both amusing and unique. The rhythmic nature of the poetry invites the reader to share these poems out loud. This can be seen in The Pop-up Toadsters:

                               

                                                    The POP-UP TOADSTERS hop and hop.

                                                    Then startlingly, abruptly stop

                                                     And place in slots atop their heads

                                                     Fresh slices of assorted breads.

Younger children may not understand all of the wordplay but they will definitely enjoy the rollicking sound of Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant:

                                                    Behold the bold UMBRELLAPHANT

                                                    That’s not the least afraid

                                                    To forage in the broiling sun,      

                                                    For it is in the shade.

                                                    The pachyderm’s uncanny trunk              

                                                    Is probably unique,

                                                    And ends in an umbrella

                                                    That has yet to spring a leak.

And the fun of a Bulboa as it lights up its way with its brilliant behind. This is an all-around marvelous, fun filled read.

Awards, Honors, Prizes:

3x3 Children’s Book Award, 2006; Best of Show United States

Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, 2007; Honor Book United States

Best Children’s Books of the Year, 2007; Bank Street College of Education; United States

Publishers Weekly Book Review Star Review, August 28, 2006; Cahners; United States

School Library Journal Book Review Star Review, October 2006; Cahners; United States

Connections:

Science: study the various animals and objects that are in each poem. Write a brief description of what each animal and object is and does.

Literature: create your own unique animals by combining an animal with another animal or object. Write a poem or paragraph about this new animal. Create illustrations with various art mediums and then create a class book