There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books!

K-Gr 2–Colandro’s kooky version of the classic rhyme begins, “There was an old lady who swallowed some books… but she didn’t get any looks.” The old lady proceeds to gobble a desk load of school supplies including a pen, pencil case, ruler, folder, chalk, and tote bag. When a big yellow bus rounds the corner, she gives a cheer and out pops a “brand-new backpack.” Lee’s comical cartoon illustrations have lots of energy as the woman kicks up her heels and tosses her next gastronomical delight into her wide-open mouth. While some of the rhymes are awkward to read aloud (“There was an old lady who swallowed a pencil case./Without leaving a trace, she swallowed that pencil case”), this picture book has appeal as a back-to-school selection.-Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada