Falling Up

Falling Up is a collection of poems and drawings by Jack Prelutsky that features over 140 verses about fantastical characters and scenarios. The book combines whimsical illustrations by James Stevenson with Prelutsky's signature rhyming style. The poems explore topics from imaginary creatures and silly situations to childhood experiences and dreams. Each piece stands alone while contributing to the book's overall sense of playful adventure. The collection demonstrates how poetry can transform everyday observations into moments of wonder and humor. Through creative wordplay and unexpected perspectives, Falling Up invites readers to see the world through a more imaginative lens.

Parents and young readers praise the whimsical poems and imaginative illustrations in Falling Up. Readers note the silly wordplay appeals to children ages 5-12, with many commenting that kids request these poems repeatedly at bedtime. Readers highlight: - Poems that make children laugh - Creative illustrations that enhance the text - Accessible vocabulary for early readers - Mix of short and long poems Common criticisms: - Some poems feel forced or awkward - Not all poems resonate with adults - A few readers found the illustrations "too busy" Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.25/5 (22,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (1,900+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.8/5 (90+ ratings) One parent noted: "My 7-year-old memorized several poems and recites them randomly throughout the day." A teacher wrote: "Students who claim to hate poetry end up loving these poems. The humor draws them in."

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🌟 Jack Prelutsky was named America's first Children's Poet Laureate by the Poetry Foundation in 2006 🎨 The book contains over 140 poems paired with whimsical illustrations by New Yorker cartoonist James Stevenson 📝 Many poems in "Falling Up" play with impossible scenarios and nonsensical situations, like a child who grows down instead of up or a pizza topped with motorcycle parts 🎭 Prelutsky originally wanted to be an opera singer and studied voice at the High School of Music and Art in New York City before becoming a writer 📚 "Falling Up" was published in 1996 and became one of Prelutsky's most popular works, following the success of his previous collections like "The New Kid on the Block" and "Something Big Has Been Here"