Sat down to read Gramps' Nonsense Poems with my 10 year old daughter, thinking they would be a little childish for her but maybe we could have a few laughs together, we were both a little confused by the book. I felt that the poems were not written for children, and some were true to the name and were straight nonsense. She really enjoyed the illustrations in the book, but we were left wondering what each poem was about, they seemed like knock knock jokes with no punch line. I understand the name says nonsense but this seemed to take that to far.

This book was definitely something! I can't exactly determine right away if it's a good something or a bad something. I definitely think that lots of little kids will be laughing out loud at each poem in this book. The author did a great job of understanding who the audience was, and writing a book made exactly for them, which is a special thing to see. Additionally, the illustrations matched each poem perfectly due to their lively and quirky mood.
However, despite these positives, I do have some few edits and critiques to make.
1. On page 35, I think that "image" should be changed to "imagine".
2. Solder (sah-dur) does NOT rhyme with boulder (bohl-der)...at least not very smoothly.
3. The "King of the Jungle" poem felt a bit off. It felt repetitive in some spots and just too long. Additionally, I found the line "their skins usually white" to be odd, and I think it could have been removed or changed to another idea that still matched the rhyming scheme.
Overall, though, I genuinely think that this book will be a joy for many kids!

In celebration of World Poetry Day on March 21, 2025, I had the pleasure of reviewing Gramps' Nonsense Poems by Michael White, with delightful illustrations by Ian R. Ward. Mr. White retired in 2004 and has since devoted his time to writing—mainly poetry, a passion he’s nurtured for over 40 years—was inspired to create these whimsical verses by the arrival of his two grandsons. This children's fiction collection blends humor and satire, making it a perfect read for elementary-aged students. The playful poems and engaging verses not only entertain but also offer opportunities to incorporate learning into subjects like geometry, shapes, insects, and light and energy. With its fun rhythm and charming illustrations, it would be an excellent choice for a read-aloud, especially when introducing young readers to the world of poetry. Gramps' Nonsense Poems is sure to bring laughter and learning to any classroom or home library!

These poems are humorous and a little absurd. Kids should read as much poetry as possible so they can enjoy language and the cute pictures will help hold their attention. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

Is anyone surprised it was the corgi on the cover that sucked me into this book immediately? It was also the first poem I flipped to and read and was, as expected, not what most would expect. Instead, we have a poem about the Queen's corgis being, uh, unable to hold it in while riding in the Queen's royal vehicle. Since I'm convinced my Daisy considers herself royal by sheer corgi breed connection, it made me grin. Not that Daisy would do that, of course.

That was my introduction to a fun, even silly read. And, don't think that's an insult to the author. He says in his intro that that is exactly what his poems are meant to be, fun and entertaining. I think I'd have liked him as a grandfather. Kids love silly stuff, though I note a few more serious thoughts that made me think creeping in amidst the silliness. Or maybe nostalgia, such as the tribute of a sort to ol' time horse drawn plows as opposed to our modern mechanical machines, done with levity, of course. I enjoyed them all, even the geometry party, but I loved the thought pattern of My Shadow being attached and only free of us when we leap and that maybe elves and goblins make the Cobwebs we inevitably run into somewhere along the line. Oh, and walking a squirrel. Something tells me my Daisy, who considers the resident squirrels her nemesis, wouldn't find that one funny, however cute it is.

Bottom line, designed to be fun, which the illustrations add to, and does a good job doing so with ideas and whimsy that will surely appeal to children. Thanks #Troubador for the gift of laughter and ability to revert to my goofy child-self for a bit. The made me think and laugh.

Good book for an anytime read with kids. "Oddo Bird" was their favorite poem. Great illustrations that match the poems.

This book of poems was delightfully whimsical. I would recommend it to my fellow educators . I would also recommend it to grades 3 and 4 it's a bit more relatable .