Something Big Has Been Here

Something Big Has Been Here is a collection of children's poetry by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by James Stevenson. The book contains over 100 poems that explore everyday experiences through a child's perspective. The poems cover topics from food and animals to school and family life. Stevenson's black-and-white illustrations complement the verses with sketches that capture the humor and energy of each piece. The verses range from short four-line stanzas to longer narrative poems, employing wordplay and rhythm throughout. The collection maintains an upbeat tone while touching on both silly situations and relatable childhood moments. This collection demonstrates how poetry can transform ordinary experiences into moments of discovery and imagination. The accessible language and universal themes make it appealing to young readers while encouraging their own creative expression.

Parents and teachers report this collection connects with elementary school students through its silly humor and relatable themes. Readers highlight Prelutsky's wordplay and how the poems capture childhood experiences like dealing with siblings or eating ice cream. Likes: - Engaging illustrations by James Stevenson - Short poems work well for reading aloud - Humor appeals to reluctant readers - Mix of simple and complex vocabulary Dislikes: - Some poems feel repetitive in structure - A few readers found the humor too silly/basic - Limited appeal beyond elementary age group Ratings: Goodreads: 4.23/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (180+ ratings) From reviews: "My second graders beg to hear these poems daily" - Teacher on Amazon "The rhythms stick in kids' heads and get them excited about poetry" - Parent reviewer "Not as strong as his other collections but still gets laughs" - School librarian on Goodreads

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🌟 Jack Prelutsky was named America's first Children's Poet Laureate by the Poetry Foundation in 2006 📚 The book features playful illustrations by James Stevenson, a prolific artist who contributed over 2,000 pieces to The New Yorker magazine 🎵 Many of Prelutsky's poems, including those in this collection, are written with strong rhythm patterns that make them perfect for singing and musical adaptation 🖋️ Prelutsky originally wanted to be an opera singer, not a writer, and studied voice for several years before discovering his talent for children's poetry 🎨 The book's memorable title comes from one of its featured poems about a mysterious creature who leaves enormous footprints, encouraging young readers to use their imagination