Awful Teacher's Awful Poetry

Awful Ogre’s Awful Day

published by HarperCollins

written by Jack Prelutsky

illustrations by Paul O. Zelinsky

It is not every day you see a giant ogre running through a field, ripping the cover of a book to pieces, but would it surprise you to hear that Jack Prelutsky was behind it?  I didn’t think so.  Even the title of this book has a poetic ring to it, drawing even the most fearful readers in a little bit closer.  This book does not scream, “POETRY!!!” instead, it breaks through barriers (literally—take a closer look at the cover art) and fully consumes even the most wary poets with an unusual kind of whimsy.  Worried about poetry being too frilly or old fashioned?  Then this is the book for you.  There are eighteen poems spread out over forty pages of captivating snapshots of a day in the life of the one and only, Awful Ogre.

While Prelutsky first introduces Awful Ogre to his audience in the poem, “Awful Ogre Rises,” readers start learning all about his destructive frolics through the mountains on the front cover and the townspeople’s feeble attempts to repair the damage on the title page. I was a little surprised, however, to learn that Prelutsky’s sometimes friend, Lane Smith, was not behind Awful Ogre’s dark and whimsical illustrations.  That being said, I had to look into Paul O. Zelinsky’s illustrated past to see for myself what other crazy images he created for the world of children’s literature.  Interestingly enough, it seems that Zelinsky has a number of styles and has illustrated everything from Beverly Cleary chapter books (Strider) to a popular mechanical book version of The Wheels on the Bus.  His style is constantly evolving in order to best suit the text it is bringing to life, and Awful Ogre is no exception.  I would be very interested in finding out how Prelutsky and Zelinsky came to be partners.

While this book has not yet been honored with any awards for its poetry, Awful Ogre’s Awful Day was voted New York Times Best Illustrated Book in 2001.  While that in it self is a great honor, I do not feel like that award alone does this poetry collection justice.  This book actually makes you laugh out loud.  Then, after you catch your breath, you take a better look at the pictures and you lose your breath laughing again.  The only person that I have seen keep a straight face while reading these poems is Paul O. Zelinsky himself reading “Awful Ogre’s Hot Dog Lunch” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToXyZd5s1vw).   This particular poem was not my favorite, but you can see a piece of my favorite poem, “Awful Ogre Dances,” on the HarperCollins website: http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/books/Awful-Ogres-Day/?isbn13=9780060774592&tctid=100 (click the “Brose Inside” button).  I don’t want to give away too much, but see the first four and a half poems illustrations for yourself!

 

P.S. There is a sequel to this poetry collection!  Awful Ogre Running Wild is another whimsical collaboration between Prelutsky and Zelinsky about the same Awful Ogre.  It does not have quite as strong a voice or a visual presence as Awful Ogre’s Awful Day but it is another great way to get even the wariest of readers interested in poetry.