Grimericks

Bibliography

Pearson, S. (2005). Grimericks. Ill. by Gris Grimly. Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish Children.

Review

Limericks with their simple rhyming pattern and humorous topics are a favorite among kids. Pearson’s Grimericks are even more appealing with their spooky illustrations and haunting topics. Each Grimerick is accompanied by an illustration in watercolor and ink by Gris Grimly who is known for his ghoulish art. Many of the pages are outlined in spider webs and numbered with spiders. The introduction is even written in a Limerick:

Dear Reader, please lend me your ear.

If ghosts, ghouls, and goblins you fear,

           don’t open this book.

           No—don’t even look!

There are spooky things hiding in here.

Despite the frightful content, students will still enjoy this book since the poems are more silly than scary. It would be a great one to pull out to read throughout the month of October in preparation for Halloween. Even though every poem doesn’t adhere to the rhythm pattern typical of Limericks, there are several instances of alliteration and word play that children of all ages will enjoy!

Classroom/Library Connection

Recommended audience: upper elementary

Before reading: Visit giggle poetry to learn about the pattern of Limericks.  

During reading: Read the following Limerick aloud to students, and then allow them to choral read it.

There are skeleton horses out west

who deliver the mail without rest.

They ride night and day.

I heard someone say

his letter was bony expressed.

After reading:  Have pumpkin, ghost, and witch hat cut outs available to allow students to practice writing their own ghoulish Limericks. Paste them throughout the library at eye level for students to read.