Bulion, Leslie  Random Body Parts: Gross Anatomy Riddles in Verse
Gr. K–3     48 pp.     Peachtree

Illustrated by Mike Lowery. Various poetic forms take readers on a funny and quirky tour of human anatomy, starting with the stomach and ending with complaints from some often-ignored organs such as the gallbladder. Sidebars contain more straightforward scientific information; humorous cartoons and some color micrographs are included. Appended "Poetry Notes" explain connections to Shakespeare's works and many of the poetic forms. Reading list, websites. Glos.
Subjects: Medicine, Human Body, and Diseases; Anatomy; Poetry; Riddles; Humorous poetry

Cleary, Brian P.  Something Sure Smells Around Here: Limericks
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Millbrook

Illustrated by Andy Rowland. Poetry Adventures series. After a simple description of the form and its "few simple rules," this volume introduces young readers to the limerick with twenty-six silly, kid-friendly examples ("'Ahoy!' said a pirate named MARRRRty, / who was fun loving, healthy, and heARRRRRty") that teachers will appreciate, too. Rowland's cartoons capably reflect the poems' form-appropriate slapstick absurdity. Reading list, websites.
Subjects: Poetry; Humorous poetry; Poetry—Limericks

Above the Dreamless Dead: World War I in Poetry and Comics
edited by Chris Duffy
Middle school, high school     144 pp.     Roaring Brook/First Second

The work of "Trench Poets" from WWI is brought vividly to life by accomplished cartoonists. This stunningly effective presentation does much to inform readers of the emotional and physical horrors of war. The volume's small format renders some of the detail difficult to decipher, but anything larger might be overwhelming. There's very mature content, especially in lyrics of soldiers' songs. Reading list.
Subjects: General Literature; Poetry; History, Modern—World War I; Cartoons and comics; Soldiers; War

Guillain, Charlotte  What Is a Poem?
Gr. 4–6     32 pp.     Heinemann Raintree

Connect with Text series. Two-page chapters introduce poetic techniques (e.g., rhythm, rhyme, alliteration, assonance) and forms (e.g., limerick, haiku, calligram, performance poetry), focusing on the ways that poets use words to "affect as many of a reader's or listener's senses as possible." Colorful information boxes provide examples (contemporary and classic) and feature poets (with photos) for readers' exploration. Poetry-writing activities are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Poetry; Writing; Poets

Raczka, Bob  Presidential Misadventures: Poems That Poke Fun at the Man in Charge
Gr. 4–6     44 pp.     Roaring Brook

Illustrated by Dan E. Burr. The more comical aspects of our forty-four presidents are highlighted in simple four-line clerihews offering the barest biographical points while making fun of some of the men's human flaws. Characteristics such as Washington's false teeth, Clinton's fast-food cravings, or George W. Bush's numerous vacation days are individually observed with editorial-style caricatures. An appendix expands on the historical anecdotes. Reading list, websites.
Subjects: Poetry; History, American; Humorous poetry; Presidents—United States

From the March 2016 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book.