I absolutely loved reading this book, as all of the poems are very well written and they bring back fond memories of my own childhood and getting to grips with poetry in primary school.

Don’t’ by Michael Rosen Activity sheet for ‘Don’t’ by Michael Rosen

Both books went on to be bestsellers and both poet and artist are stellar names in the world of children’s books. Overall I enjoyed reading this book because the fun nature of the poems alongside the interesting illustrations. These short poems would be perfect to use within English lessons and when exploring phonics and different language techniques. One of the first things I learned when I started work as a press officer in 1997 was that it’s perfectly acceptable. I really enjoyed reading this and although some of the poems are only a few sentences in length, they are powerful and packed with amusing language.I believe it is quite versatile and could be used from early year’s right up until primary key stage 2, it would just depend on the lesson it was being used alongside. Michael Rosen, a recent British Children’s Laureate, has written many acclaimed books for children, including WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, and I’M NUMBER ONE and THIS IS OUR HOUSE, both illustrated by Bob Graham. You Can’t Catch Me' and 'You Can’t Put Mustard in the Custard' were first published 25 years ago and were groundbreaking collections of poems for children. And the words that he uses in many of them indicate that very fact, he has picked them up and put them together to make onomatopoeic poems that are a delight to read aloud or, as is possible with this volume, to listen to on the associated CD. There are poems about growing up, pets, nightmares and siblings all of which are good discussion points for younger children.

Mustard, Custard, Grumble Belly and Gravy | Centre for - CLPE Mustard, Custard, Grumble Belly and Gravy | Centre for - CLPE

Michael Rosen’s talent to articulate everyday situations in a child’s life is amazing, coupled with Quentin Blake’s ability to bring these topics to life. They are also perfect for whatever time of the day; they can be used for bed time stories or for acting out poetry within the classroom. As adults we stop spending as much time pondering small things like why Keith, who has so many toys, never plays with them in the poem “ Keith’s Cupboard”. Having read the book with one's own voice modulation, it is interesting to hear the author read the poems and put his interpretation on them when sometimes it puts a different complexion on the verse. To Sea' is a lovely little poem, with a delightful illustration, 'I put out to sea/in a wooden row-boat/with a cheese and pickle sandwich/and a yellow hat and coat' conjures up a simple pastime that is so enjoyable.This book is an excellent collection of short poems by Michael Rosen and the distinguished illustrations of Quentin Blake. The poems are meant to be read aloud and they would be great to act out and read aloud to a reception, year 1 or a year 2 class at the end of the school day. There are many more, peas, eggs, cuddles, shorts, the nursery and the bathroom all get the Roden treatment and all are great stuff. The people he produces on the pages of this book aren’t cutesy, they are wild, impulsive, and sometimes goofy. With Blake’s vivid full-colour illustrations and Rosen’s conversational and occasionally nonsensical prose this book could engage with children completely on their level making it a delightful read.