As part of Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday, I’d like to present:
I’m attracted to messy, silly, rhyming picture books for several reasons:
- They give kids a sense of the rhythm of language and help them predict the word at the end of a line.
- They entertain.
- They appeal to one’s sense of the absurd, especially the illustrations.
- Kids will want to read the book again and again and again….
“Bill the dog loved smelly things,
Like muddy ponds and rubbish bins.
Disgusting stuff he’d stick his snout in,
Sniff and snort and roll about in.”
Don’t you just love ol’ Bill, already?
And, if you are as astute as my son, you noticed that the author used the term “rubbish bin,” instead of “garbage can.” Yes, the author is British.
But back to ol’ Bill. He’ s one stinky character, until Great Aunt Bleach comes to visit (and clean the house).
“When every knife and fork was polished,
Every dirty mark abolished,
Great Aunt Bleach said, “What’s that smell?”
And that is when she spotted Bill.
Bleach twittered, “Come on, doggie-woo,
It’s bathie-wathie time for you!”
Now, for those of you who write in rhyme, I’m sure you noticed that the author plays a little fast and loose with “things” and “bins” as well as “smell” and “Bill,” but it didn’t trip me up as I was reading. And, for the most part, the meter is spot on.
So, for all the dog lovers (and rhyming picture book lovers) in the world who’ve ever tried to wrangle their pups into a bath,
Get me outta here!
this book’s for you. If you want to know what happens to Great Aunt Bleach, well, Smelly Bill exacts his own particular style of revenge.
There’s also a sequel titled “Smelly Bill Stinks Again.” I’m sure he ran off right after the first book and rolled in some sweet skunk roadkill.
Better get the soaking tub ready….
Title: Smelly Bill
Author/Illustrator: Daniel Postgate
Ages: 3-6
Publisher/Pub date: Albert Whitman 2005
ISBN: 978-0-8075-7462-1
Jilanne Hoffmann 
What a cute book. Great title too!
A very apropos title. Have you ever tried to wrestle a smelly creature into an unwanted bath? Other than your sons, of course. 😀
“Have you ever tried to wrestle a smelly creature into an unwanted bath?”—Sounds like something for the bucket list. 😉
I love the sunglasses! The idea of friendships comes through clearly and eloquently. 🙂
Dog don’t wear shades nearly enough! Thanks for stopping by!
Great Aunt Bleach – what a terrifically wonderful name
Yes, she’s hilarious—and very determined.
What a darling book. I like that it rhymes but that there’s a looseness to that, drawing a little outside the lines so to speak. The fact that there’s a sequel is wonderful. Thanks for highlighting another charming book. I think I’ll get this one as a gift.
Yay! Yes, sometimes complete adherence to rhyme and meter detracts rather than adds to the pleasure of reading. This one has just the right touch. I’m sure the recipient will love it!
You have awakened hideous childhood memories of Sandy the poodle and the elephant poo…
Elephant poo!! Oh dear, I’m so sorry to have brought back memories of such a traumatic event. I hope you’re able to sleep tonight.
Sounds fun! And we’ve all probably encountered a smelly dog – brings to mind a day long ago when my dog came home reeking of skunk! (that wasn’t fun – ha! )
Ewww! My brother-in-law just had to deal with his dog being sprayed by a skunk. Makes you want to pay large amounts of money to get other people (and their gas masks) to deal with the result. I’ll bet you went through gallons of tomato juice!
Smelly Bill! So cute. That’s my dad’s name, but he may not be amused if I get him this for Christmas. 😉
Especially if you partner it with some lovely scented soap. You’re right. A different gift would be certain not to offend. 😀
I think I like Great Aunt Bleach!
She exudes charm, along with a telltale trace of eau-de-biocide. 😀
Too fun! I’m with you on silly rhyming book–thank you!
They are a hoot, aren’t they? Nothing like having a little fun with literacy as the goal. Thanks for stopping by!
Oh my that is fabulous! A must read for sure. Cheers, Jilanne!
I’m wondering how many people have traumatic dog washing stories? Do you?
This sounds like a great book! 😀
It is, Erik! If you have a dog, you should read it to him/her. 😀
I love the rhyming and the sound of the excerpts. It’s such a great idea for a children’s book since so many dogs love to roll around in that muddy, marshy stuff – the smellier, the better.
Yes, and the minute they are clean and sweet-smelling, they go off to find something even more smelly to roll in. 😀 Thanks for stopping by, Sheila!
That title should appeal to everybody, if not then i give up my membership to the human race.
Exactly!