"Indie was a boxer dog
His only claim to fame
Was that his farts were so prolific
He put other dogs to shame."
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Giggle Rhymes for Kids by Sue Maitland Trafford Publishing
book review by L. Alonso
Sue Maitland's Giggle Rhymes for Kids is an illustrated collection of light hearted verse designed to amuse children through the self-described "naughty" themes. Focused mainly on feces, phlegm and flatulence, these brief and sometimes cautionary rhymes are designed to appeal to the seven to twelve-year-old age group and aim to encourage even the most unwilling of young readers to become absorbed in the silly and often gross subjects Maitland introduces.
The book opens upon "Zackie," a "rude dog" who spends an extraordinary amount of time sniffing the rear ends of people and pets alike. Until, that is, Granddad decides to teach him a lesson. This quirky collection is also home to a farting dog, a snotty snail, an itchy canine bum, as well as various offending odors, a nose picker, and a nude granny. Maitland even tries her hand at rewriting some familiar verses: "Mary, Mary quite contrary / Had a nasty fad, / No silver bells or cockle shells, / She picked her nose like mad."
For the most part Giggle Rhymes for Kids succeeds at eliciting laughs and groans equally. Maitland banks on the fact that boogers and butts will delight the juvenile reader, and it is a pretty safe bet. While the rudimentary drawings are probably not as well incorporated and evocative as they could be, the illustrations do add a certain color and whimsy to the off-color collection. Although the rhymes occasionally seem forced and slightly off rhythm, there is little doubt the naughty themes will find a receptive audience.