About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts playing with words, making up their own jokes, or showing a budding interest in the elasticity of language. It is the perfect antidote to a literal-minded day, offering a whimsical bridge between vocabulary building and pure, joyful absurdity. Written by the master of wordplay, Norton Juster, this collection transforms animal names into clever puns that challenge a child's linguistic logic. While technically a short chapter book, it functions more like a gallery of wit. It celebrates creativity and the 'aha!' moment that comes when a child finally 'gets' the joke. It is ideal for children ages 6 to 10 who are developing the reading confidence to appreciate double meanings and phonetic overlaps. You might choose this to encourage a reluctant reader who prefers humor and visual cues over traditional narratives.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None. The book is entirely secular and focuses on linguistic humor. It avoids potty humor or mean-spirited jokes, maintaining a sophisticated yet accessible tone.
Ideal Reader
A second or third grader who is a 'language explorer.' This is the child who loves riddles, crosswords, and making their own comic strips. It also serves as a fantastic bridge for a child who finds dense blocks of text intimidating but loves to be the one to tell a joke at the dinner table.
