Dr. Seuss - There's a Wocket in My Pocket!: Dr. Suess's Book of Ridiculous Rhymes

The book There's a Wocket in my Pocket by Dr. Seuss was first published in 1974. I am reviewing the board book version that was printed in 1996 and distributed as part of the Bright and Early Board Books.

This book is approximately 4.5 inches by 6 inches in height. The thick pages are easy for little fingers to flip. There are 20 full color pages and the book is recommended for children from infant to preschool age. However, I am sure they are referring to the board book because I can't see setting an age limit for such a charming book of 'ridiculous rhymes'.

The Story

When we were children, many of us had imaginary friends. The character in this book has so many you might wonder if he should have therapy sessions on a regular basis but it is just a story after all.

Each page is full of ridiculously silly rhymes with words that make absolutely no sense whatsoever but then again, that was part of the joys of childhood. Being able to speak a language with your friends that only you understood was always fun. In this case it is our scruffy haired and wide eyed boy in the book with wacky names for all his imaginary friends.

Peering around the corner of the all green room, our character notices a lump in the curtains.

Sometimes
I am quite CERTAIN
there's a JERTAIN
in the CURTAIN

And there was! Sitting at the dining room table, our character is sharing frankfurters on forks with a Zable while the shaggy green Ghair lies beneath the chair.

This story is simply delightful and children will love learning the rhymes and reading along with you. After all, who else but Seuss could get away with such nonsense and teach our children that using mixed up phrases that make absolutely no sense is perfectly acceptable?

The Illustrations

The illustrations are totally characteristic of classic Seuss. Each spread is in full color and filled with zany characters in bright dress.

Everything from the rooms to every little object inside the rooms are cheerful, bright, and a joy to look at. Not one page has a disappointing illustration. Each one goes hand in hand with the rhymes, making this one of the best books available for little readers.

One of my most favorite illustrations in the book is of the Nooth Grush on the Tooth Brush. The Nooth has lime green hair, a long yellow beak, and is sporting a yellow, blue, and pink bullseye sweater that covers his entire body. Don't get too fond of the Nooth because he is not nice according to our young character.

Overall Thoughts

I can't think of a better board book for little readers. Keep in mind however that this is probably not a great choice for getting the little ones to wind down at night. The rhymes and brightly colored illustrations are probably going to get their excitement raging, especially if they have learned to read along with you.

This is a happy, fast paced read with a bizarre rhyme that only Dr. Seuss could have put to paper. You and your little reader will cherish this book for many years to come. If you haven't gotten your copy yet then make a mad dash to the bookstore and toss it in their Easter basket.

You can only pray that your child won't be following you around the house making up their own silly rhymes in a language that only they and their imaginary friends understand.

I really must be going but there is a ZESK on my DESK and a ZAMOO in my SHOE so I won't be getting very far.