Never Wear Your Wellies in the House

'Poems to make you laugh' claims the sub-title, juxtaposed with a photo of Tom Baker in his Dr. Who outfit. For once the personality plug is unnecessary --- the content of the book stands up on its own. The success rate of 'making you laugh' was impressively high among a mixed group of tens to twelves to merit a recommendation for the collection's inclusion in the Junior classroom library. The 33 poems vary in style, from exaggerated, rhyming 'nonsense' effects to produce a belly laugh, through the subtleties of wordplays, to the conversation poems of Michael Rosen and Mick Gowar. However, the balance and blend of material provides a wealth of read-aloud humour to amuse throughout the seven to eleven range. Brilliant, poignant illustrations, which superbly complement the poems, are provided by children from a variety of Special Schools. (A royalty on each copy of the book goes to Mencap, the National Society for Mentally Handicapped Children and Adults).