Nonsense!

by Sally Kahler Phillips

A rhino with wings, a bat with a hat, a book-reading bunny? Nonsense! But author-illustrator Sally Kahler Phillips shows us more than obvious nonsense--she reminds us that there's another kind of nonsense at large in the world-- a less delightful and more insidious sort that occurs every time a child is belittled or not taken seriously. And that's the kind of nonsense no one should stand for! Sally Kahler Phillips lends her distinctive rhyming voice and cut-paper illustration style to an exploration of all kinds of nonsense.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Humor

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Christine Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Nonsense you'd say. It's a good word to know when you're sure something just isn't so." I used to read this book to my preschool children. The begged me to read it daily!
Nonsense is an amazing book. Nonsense teaches children that what others think of them doesn't matter. It's what you think about yourself that matters.
I love books that can take a complex psychological issue and boil it down so that children can easily understand it. There needs to be more books like this to teach children how to have a health self worth.
Bravo to Sally Kahler Phillips for doing just this!

[Sarah T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute book and a very valuable book about self-esteem. It starts off wacky to teach kids what the word "nonsense" means and helps them apply it to when people belittle or pick on them. Is someone calling you stupid? NONSENSE! etc. I'm definitely keeping this in my arsenal for future storytimes.

[Fjóla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This looked like one of those silly, frivolous books, but the bright pink cover compelled me to pick it up. Indeed, it gave way to some giggles from my 3 year old. We've been reading it over and over, and sometimes 2 or 3 times in the same sitting. He also liked how the word NONSENSE was spelled out in big using plants, flowers, vegetables, and was in general really drawn to the colorful pages and particular details of the illustrations. The last three spreads finally, in a surprising twist, take a more serious (although uplifting) tone, and then you realize this is not a frivolous book at all.

So, a very worthwhile read, and actually, I wouldn't mind having a copy of this book in our personal library. The message is one of self-worth and confidence, and we can do with that.

[Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of our family favorites! Bright, lively illustrations and empowering for my young girls. When someone says something completely ridiculous about you or what you think, you've got the perfect comeback - "Nonsense"!

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good rhyming, silly descriptions and a positive message about self-confidence in this book about the concept of "nonsense".

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful book about goofiness and self-esteem. LOVE this one.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The vibrant colors help add to the positive message of the book. You decide who you are and what great things you can accomplish. Those who stand in the way or doubt you simply constitute nonsense!

[Meadow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as nonsensical as it thinks it is.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silly, colorful pictures and an uplifting message about believing in yourself.