Smelly Locker: Silly Dilly School Songs

"Time for mul-ti-pli-ca-tion! Like two times three times three. The teacher knows the answer, so why's she asking me?" Are you mad about math? You'll LOVE these COOL school songs for cool kids!

The kids loved it, and even my husband said it was the kind of book he'd have liked to have when he was a kid. The only drawback was that my kids didn't know most of the songs that the poems are sung to the tune of, and I had to sing them for them the first few times. A drawback because my singing voice is like nails on a chalkboard. So, except for bringing home the realization that there's a whole generation of whippersnappers out there that don't know the tune of "My Darlin' Clementine", this book was enjoyed by the whole family.

At first glance I thought that this was an obnoxious book. But after singing the songs with my kids and them loving it, I realize that they really are more silly than anything. It's the kids sense of humor that adds the real tone of the lyrics. If your kids are naturally out of control then this book wouldn't be for them. If you kids are more reserved then this book may be a source of fun and a way to release some school related frustrations or anxieties. My kids thought these songs were hilarious. I agree.

I got this book to share with my two daughters (ages 5 and 3) who really enjoy reading and being read to. I thought we would sit down and read a few of the poems at a time but, as it turns out, we read the entire book in one sitting! It is not a long book but it is so entertaining, we could not quit reading! The book is hilarious -- all three of us were laughing hysterically as we turned the pages. I think the greatest appreciation comes from anyone who has attended school and can relate to the topics (i.e., finding unknowns in your locker that have been there for the entire year, doing a dreaded oral report, the disdain of constant homework, the mystery meat provided by the lunchroom, getting caught in the hall without your "hall pass",...). The poems are set to old time popular tunes ("Take Me Out to the Ball Game", "Oh My Darling Clementine", "Frere Jacques", "Home on the Range", "I'm a Little Teapot","The Battle Hymn of the Repbulic",...) which make them exciting and fun. I love Alan Katz books and this one did not disappoint -- it lives up to the reputation of his others. David Catrow's illustrations are fabulous too. I would recommend this book to anyone with young children. You will not be disappointed.

WOW! There was not one poem/song in this book that didn't make me want to laugh out loud! Each is cleverly written with funny lines and pictures to portray the poem. The kids sang along to the words and then wanted to make up their own lyrics for songs. You'll definitely not be able to sing "Frere Jacques" anymore without thinking of "Smelly Locker" and laughing.

The creators of TAKE ME OUT OF THE BATHTUB have done it again with SMELLY LOCKER, a collection of hilarious song parodies that poke fun at the trials and tribulations of being a kid in school. These songs are laugh-out-loud funny, and the illustrations are a perfect match. They remind me of some of my favorite song parodies from Mad Magazine when I was a kid, such as Mad's send up of "Mary Had a Little Lamb," a song I can still recite with mischievous glee. For example, "Mad About Math" (to the tune of "Itsy Bitsy Spider") begins-- "Time for mul-ti-pli-ca-tion! Like two times three times three. The teacher knows the answer, so why's she asking me?" What kid wouldn't find that funny? Kids ages 6-11 will want to learn these songs by heart, so they can sing them at the top of their lungs . . . and maybe annoy some humorless adults. Most teachers and librarians today, however, should appreciate that SMELLY LOCKER is a delightful class or library read-aloud sure to grab the attention of young listeners and have them laughing in their seats. Recommended.