Calef BrownPolkabats and Octopus Slacks: 14 Stories

Love this book!! I buy it for freinds having a child. Last one was never delivered. Amazon handed it to someone but not at the address I provided. I like USPS better then Amazon for deliveries.

Both Grandpa and grandson love it.

In my daily life, I read way too much. Legal documents, blogs, news, you name it. At the end of the day, reading a few poems by Caleb Brown reminds you why the English language is so versatile and inspiring.These poems are short, using words that most 5 y/o's know, and yet are fun and interesting. The illustrations are another review themselves - just fabulous! Now my stepsons ask for poetry at night, and even some poems by name. I never thought they would come to appreciate poetry, but feel great that my hubby and I have a renewed interest in this genre.Life is so very serious, but having fun should be a serious endeavor too, no? Go get this book - and get ready to use your best acting voice. Borrow it from the library if you're not sure (as we did) and only buy it and take up space in your house if you really love it.

If you haven't read Calef Brown yet please do yourself (and your kids) a favor. His writing is brilliant, creative and will keep you turning the pages.

Calef Brown is awesome and this is the best of the best. Who doesn't love Kansas City Octopus when he's wearing fancy slacks?

Polkabats and Octopus Slacks holds a special place in my heart. It was my favorite book when I was little, and the poems still stick with me. From Ed with cherries on his head to Skeleton Flowers to Snails, each poem is witty and the illustrations are so fun. When I have kids, it'll be a must-have in my nursery.

If you love this book, there's another one that comes after it called "Dutch Sneakers and Flea Keepers." On top of that, there's a cd by a group called Clementown. They took all of Calef Brown's poems and made them into songs. They totally rock and it's probably one of the only "kid's music" cds that I'll gladly listen to on a daily basis. This book of poems is the first half of the cd and I highly recommend both the books and music. Your kids can follow along in the books or use each for its own merits!

Calef Brown's poems are hilarious and off-beat. Our family can recite several of these by heart. One of our most read children's books, and it's always on my list of new baby presents.

Such a fun collection of poems, rhymes and stories that kids of all ages would enjoy and most adults too!

fun images and words. My son was reciting these poems at a very young age (1.5-2!) It was pretty cute. He still loves them, and adults don't get tired of reading the same book often because it is entertaining for us too.