If you are looking for a book of humorous rhyming poems for a 2-6 year old child, or an engaging audiobook of verse, I recommend The Frogs Wore Red Suspenders by Jack Prelutsky. Prelutsky's exuberant rhymes are complemented by the amusing illustrations of artist Petra Mathers in the book and by being set to music in the audiobook.
The Frogs Wore Red Suspenders: The Book
From the cheerful group of frogs in red suspenders on the cover of this oversize book to the hilarious poems inside, you'll find a lot to tickle your funny bone. Prelutsky's verse is set in cities and towns across the USA and features amazing animals, people, places and happenings. These include a garden where galoshes, shirts, hats, and pajamas grow; Granny Gooding who fell into a vat filled with pudding; and Winnie Appleton who bounced a ball from Minneapolis to St. Paul. Each two page spread is filled with a watercolor by Petra Mathers incorporating one of the rhyming poems by Jack Prelutsky. The book includes 28 poems that you will find your child reciting along with you after you have shared the book just a few times. (Greenwillow Books, An Imprint of HarperCollins, 2002. ISBN: 978-0688167196)The Frogs Wore Red Suspenders: The Audiobook
The audiobook version of The Frogs Wore Red Suspenders reveals another of the talents of Jack Prelutsky; he is also a musician. His background as a folk singer is apparent in this joyful audiobook. Your children won't be able to resist the verses set to music and sung by Prelutsky, who also plays the guitar along with John Guth. The musical arrangements by Guth feature bass guitar, mandolin, percussion, and keyboards.When she was a preschooler, my granddaughter, Chase, was a big fan of the audiobook version of The Frogs Wore Red Suspenders. Every time I played it, she immediately started dancing. She listened to it so many times that she learned the words. She's six now and still gets a case of the giggles every time she thinks about frogs wearing red suspenders. You may find yourself singing and dancing along with your child. It's hard to resist this enjoyable audiobook, which is available on cassette or for audio download. (Compare cassette prices) (Harper Children's Audio, HarperCollins, 2002; ISBN: 978-0060012441)
The Frogs Wore Red Suspenders: The Author
Jack Prelutsky is not only the nation's first children's poet laureate, he is also the author of more than 40 poetry books for children, some funny, some scary yet funny. His children's poetry books include Scranimals, The New Kid on the Block, Nightmares: Poems to Trouble Your Sleep and Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant. Jack Prelutsky has also compiled numerous poetry anthologies for children.
