Prelutsky, J., &
Berger, C. (2006). Behold the bold umbrellaphant: and other poems. New York: Greenwillow
Books.
Reading level: Not levelable
Interest level: Grades K - 3
Prelutsky curates a curious zoo of
nonsense creatures, among them the eponymous umbrellaphant, the ballpoint
penguin and the alarmadillo. Poems appear alongside cut-paper collages, which
give the page texture and are beautifully done, as well a phonetic
pronunciation of the name.
Each creature is one part zoo animal and one part
common household item. This insistence on the familiar ensures that the
children will be in on the joke, and hopefully understand why it’s funny. In
this classroom, this book is an obvious choice to introduce the concept of
portmanteau. You could also invite your students to make up their own creations
to add to this cadre of creatures.
