Module Seven: Picture Books in Verse and Poetry

Bateman, Teresa. 2004. APRIL FOOLISHNESS. Ill. by Nadine Bernard Westcott. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman & Company.

*Plot Summary

Grandpa tries unsuccessfully to avoid falling for an April Fool’s joke, but Grandma along with the grandchildren gets the last laugh.

*Impressions

The characters in this book consist of Grandpa, Grandma, the children, and, of course, the farm animals. The animals on the farm are important to the plot because they are the source of all of the potential problems that could occur if what the children say is true. Grandma is a spirited, fun-loving character who plays a role in the surprise offered at the end of the story. Readers will have fun identifying with the jokers and victim of the jokes played. Moving the plot along is each claim made by the children, and the illustrations add to the humor by portraying what could be happening on the farm. The plot contains a clear climax and humorous resolution. Although the plot is fun, it is also believable. The farm setting is important to the story because the problem involves the farm and animals; the farm setting also makes the story interesting.

Rhyme and rhythm define the style of the text and make the story great for reading aloud. Repeated words and phrases also add to the fun. There is also an air of drama as the children attempt to pull a fast one on their grandfather. The story also contains lots of dialogue. Adding to the light-hearted feel of the book are the humorous illustrations which show the farm animals sunbathing and listen to an iPod. The cartoonish colorful pictures also add details which support the plot and aren’t stated in the text. Finally, the themes of the story include humor, family, and holiday traditions.

To conclude, this is a fun book to share in the classroom or in the library. Students will enjoy the rhyming text and the fun of the illustrations.

*Review Excerpts

"The book's double-edged joke (Grandpa won't be fooled, and so he's more foolish) and the fact that kids love the idea of adult-sanctioned mischievousness makes this a surefire giggle-inducer."
Publishers Weekly

"Cartoon artwork closely follows the action as the disarray grows, drawing readers into Grandpa's imagination and disbelief. Bold watercolors, punctuated by ink detail, frame the animals' frolic as described in the rhyming verse. Wake up a storytime about farm life or save this one for April foolishness."
School Library Journal

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