Quick, Let's Get Out of Here

Quick, Let's Get Out of Here is a collection of poems and stories from Michael Rosen's childhood memories. The book captures everyday moments between Rosen, his parents, and his brother in their London home during the 1950s. Each piece focuses on a specific incident or interaction from family life, including sibling squabbles, parental negotiations, and childhood mishaps. The text maintains a child's perspective throughout, presenting events with direct language and occasional humor. The stories are accompanied by black and white illustrations by Quentin Blake, which complement the text's informal style. The format allows readers to jump between different moments and memories rather than following a single narrative arc. Through these snapshots of family dynamics and childhood experiences, the book examines how children process and interpret the adult world around them. The collection demonstrates how ordinary moments can become lasting memories that shape our understanding of family relationships.

Readers describe this poetry collection as relatable and humorous, with many noting how well it captures everyday family moments and childhood experiences. Parents report their children request repeated readings, particularly of poems like "Chocolate Cake" and "Eddie and the Car." Liked: - Accessible language that appeals to both children and adults - Memorable narrative style that works well when read aloud - Illustrations complement the poems' humor - Reflects real family dynamics and sibling relationships Disliked: - Some found certain poems too simplistic - A few readers noted the black and white illustrations feel dated - Limited availability in some regions Ratings: Goodreads: 4.29/5 (289 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.7/5 (466 ratings) "My kids laugh out loud every time we read it" - Amazon reviewer "The poems capture those small but significant childhood moments" - Goodreads review "Perfect for reluctant readers" - Teaching resource review

When We Were Very Young by A. A. Milne The poems capture everyday moments of childhood through a mix of humor and observation.

All in the Blue Unclouded Weather by Robin Klein Four sisters navigate family life, neighborhood adventures, and childhood mishaps in post-war Australia.

The Suitcase Kid by Jacqueline Wilson A child tells her story through weekly episodes that chronicle life between divorced parents.

The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay Technical concepts transform into stories through a combination of detailed illustrations and narrative explanations.

Love That Dog by Sharon Creech A boy's journal entries evolve into poetry as he processes life experiences through writing.

🌟 Michael Rosen wrote this collection of poems based on real events from his childhood, making them especially relatable for young readers 📚 The book was first published in 1983 and has remained continuously in print, becoming a classic of children's poetry in the UK 🎭 Many of the poems are written to be performed aloud, reflecting Rosen's background as a children's performer and broadcaster ✍️ The book's illustrations by Quentin Blake (famous for illustrating Roald Dahl's books) perfectly capture the humor and energy of Rosen's poetry 🏆 "Quick, Let's Get Out of Here" was part of a series of autobiographical poetry collections that helped establish Rosen's reputation before he became Children's Laureate (2007-2009)