PLOT SUMMARY

This collection of 100 of Mary Ann Hoberman’s poetry from over 40 years includes favorites like the titular “The Llama Who Had No Pajama”, “The King of Umpalazzo”, and “Let’s Dress Up.” Hoberman’s poetry tickles your funny bone and let’s you see the world in a different way.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The poetry in this collection includes a wide range of types. There are those that have the clever use of rhyme and words, such as in “Waiters” where the reader is questioned as to who the “waiter” is; the daughter or the person serving. There are poems like “Meg’s Egg” that use repetitive sounds “egg” and where the stanzas are in egg shaped spaces. Some use a lot of alliteration, such as “The Llama Who Had No Pajama” and “Rabbit.” Hoberman is a master of creating verses that catch both your ear and eye.

The illustrations by Fraser, done in gouache and watercolor, accompany each poem and enhance them with their bright colors and humor. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

SLJ review: “Hoberman’s rhythms are lively and agile, and her imagination and sense of humor are still in tune with young readers. Fraser’s simple but detailed gouache and watercolor illustrations exhibit the same qualities . . . Good for beginning or experienced readers of poetry, this should indeed become a favorite.”

HORN BOOK review: “This collection of some forty years of Hoberman verse is a charmer.”

CONNECTIONS

*Have students explore creating their own poetry using repetitive sounds.

*Have students choose a poem to read aloud, practice and record themselves.

*Other poetry collections for reading aloud:

Silverstein, S. A LIGHT IN THE ATTIC (20^th Anniversary Book and CD). Harper Festival 2001. ISBN 978-0066236179

A CHILD’S BOOK OF POEMS. Ill. by Fujikawa, G. Union Square Kids 2007. ISBN 978-1402750618