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Paul Kaplan is an award-winning children’s book author who’s read his silly poems to kids (and adults!) in schools, libraries, cafés, and at nature celebrations.
He’s the author of "The Thingy That’s Stringy", a collection of over 130 seriously silly poems with original illustrations, for ages 8-12 (grades 3-7).
Paul is a husband, father of two, and has ants in his kitchen that never want to leave. They all happily live in a New Jersey suburb, just outside New York City.
Sadly, Paul suffers from “Rhyme-all-the-time” disease; an incurable affliction that drives his wife crazy.
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Upon opening Paul Kaplan's The Thingy That’s Stringy (and Other Ridiculous Poems), young readers enter a playful world of everyday moments and familiar objects that turn into ridiculously silly rhymes. This book is full of short poems that bounce quickly from deli counters selling laughs to runaway noses and glitter explosions that never seem to end. Some quirky characters like Trish the Fish, who strangely doesn’t like getting wet, and a child with a never-ending itch, who twists his body around to try to find it, are also introduced. Everyday life, including shopping, going to school, and food, is reimagined using humor, wordplay, and wonderful punchlines. Each piece stands on its own and delivers laughs and a spark of creativity. What other giggle-worthy adventures are to be discovered in this delightful book?
While reading The Thingy That’s Stringy (and Other Ridiculous Poems) by Paul Kaplan, I found myself laughing out loud more than once, especially at “Salami, Pastrami, Bologna and Ham” and “Glitter!” Each poem is easy to picture, even without the artwork, and is quite Dr. Seuss-esque in its silliness. As an educator, I could see it used to teach the elements of poetry, such as rhyme, alliteration, and repetition. There are also many examples of idioms and double meanings to help explain them to children. After reading, students could be invited to write their own “nonsense” poems based on small moments in their day. These could be shared aloud during class or made into a book. The author's illustrations perfectly match the mood of each poem with visual jokes that add extra layers of fun. Kids who love to laugh (and grown-ups too) will enjoy this clever collection.
