LS 5663 Module 1: School Poetry

There Once Was a Very Odd School

Krensky, Stephen. 2004. THERE ONCE WAS A VERY ODD SCHOOL. Ill. by Tamara Petrosino. NY: Dutton Children's Books. ISBN 978-0-525-46974-2

Review:

THERE ONCE WAS A VERY ODD SCHOOL is a collection of 24 silly limericks that describe life at a very odd school. Topics range from the shy new boy to the principal with x-ray vision. The book is not organized in any particular way but seem to flow one to the other with ease. As with most limericks, this book begs to be read aloud. Younger students will enjoy the wacky humor, but older students may require more sophisticated writing.

From evil jello to jousting knights, Petrosino's comic-book style illustrations enhance the humor of the limericks perfectly.

Highlighted Poem:

To learn spelling is such a big grind.
I'm constantly falling behind.
I hate i before e
Except after c.
Why can't i just make up its mind?

Possible Uses:

Teachers could use this poem to reinforce spelling rules.
This would also be a great book to use as a sponge activity or to introduce poetry to children who might otherwise be resistant to it.