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Rhymes for the Times: A Book of Poems, Limericks and Nonsense Verse
Ruskin Bond brings a refreshing twist to his writing palette with this collection of humorous, whimsical,
zany poems, limericks, terse verse, and more.
This collectible edition has a little bit of everything we all need—fun, humour, positive thoughts and wise words to inspire reflection and joy. From an ode to a mischievous cat to the nonsensical grammar of the ‘Idiot’s Alphabet’, Bond’s eclectic and spirited poems are sure to lighten your days and lift your spirits!
zany poems, limericks, terse verse, and more.
This collectible edition has a little bit of everything we all need—fun, humour, positive thoughts and wise words to inspire reflection and joy. From an ode to a mischievous cat to the nonsensical grammar of the ‘Idiot’s Alphabet’, Bond’s eclectic and spirited poems are sure to lighten your days and lift your spirits!
96 pages, Hardcover
Published November 25, 2024
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 18, 2025
Rhymes for the Times by Ruskin Bond is a fun book for children aged 8 and above. Humorous poems, limericks and nonsense verse are the contents of this vibrant book.
This book is a light-hearted mix of humour with gentle wisdom. Simple language and fun rhythms talk about everyday life, animals, nature and small human quirks. Some poems are silly and nonsensical, while others give a quiet message and make you think, which keeps the collection lively and engaging. The illustrations add to the charm and make the book appealing for young readers. Overall, it is an easy, delightful read that brings a smile, encourages imagination, and shows Bond’s unique ability to find joy in simple moments.
This book will serve to be the perfect source of entertainment for children and adults as well, so buy it, gift it, borrow it, read it and enjoy it!
This book is a light-hearted mix of humour with gentle wisdom. Simple language and fun rhythms talk about everyday life, animals, nature and small human quirks. Some poems are silly and nonsensical, while others give a quiet message and make you think, which keeps the collection lively and engaging. The illustrations add to the charm and make the book appealing for young readers. Overall, it is an easy, delightful read that brings a smile, encourages imagination, and shows Bond’s unique ability to find joy in simple moments.
This book will serve to be the perfect source of entertainment for children and adults as well, so buy it, gift it, borrow it, read it and enjoy it!
January 17, 2025
Rhymes for the Times by @ruskinbondofficial is a whimsical collection of limericks, nonsense verses, and playful rhymes crafted by the legendary Ruskin Bond during a challenging post-Covid period. Written while battling a skin infection that often kept him awake at night, this book reflects his resilience and unmatched ability to turn life's struggles into something magical and uplifting.
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The poems offer an eclectic mix of light-hearted playfulness, but also subtle profundity. From the antics of his mischievous cat Mimi to the absurdities of a café serving bugs in soup, and the hilarity of a man whose head falls off when he laughs, each verse offers a delightful escape. There are rhymes about making space for elephants, the grammar of food, and even tender reflections on faith and prayers.
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The collection is filled with Bond's ability to make ordinary experiences whimsical and full of depth. What makes this book special is its emotional depth. Written during sleepless nights, the poems are full of a unique mix of humor and introspection. The verses are accompanied by Siddhi Vartak's charming illustrations, which bring Bond's playful imagination to life. Favorites like The Strange Café and Make Room for Elephants are laugh-out-loud funny, while others offer quiet wisdom, making this a versatile read for every mood.
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This is not just a collection of rhymes; it's a testament to finding joy and creativity even during difficult times. Whether you're a child marveling at its absurdity or an adult savoring its wit and wisdom, this is a one-sitting wonder that leaves you smiling. Vibrant, quirky, and deeply heartfelt, this collection reminds us why Ruskin Bond's words always feel like a comforting hug.
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The accompanying illustrations by Siddhi Vartak perfectly complement the whimsical tone, adding an extra layer of charm. The color scheme and representation just add extra to the book. A beautiful keepsake that is sure to make you smile again and again!
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The poems offer an eclectic mix of light-hearted playfulness, but also subtle profundity. From the antics of his mischievous cat Mimi to the absurdities of a café serving bugs in soup, and the hilarity of a man whose head falls off when he laughs, each verse offers a delightful escape. There are rhymes about making space for elephants, the grammar of food, and even tender reflections on faith and prayers.
.
The collection is filled with Bond's ability to make ordinary experiences whimsical and full of depth. What makes this book special is its emotional depth. Written during sleepless nights, the poems are full of a unique mix of humor and introspection. The verses are accompanied by Siddhi Vartak's charming illustrations, which bring Bond's playful imagination to life. Favorites like The Strange Café and Make Room for Elephants are laugh-out-loud funny, while others offer quiet wisdom, making this a versatile read for every mood.
.
This is not just a collection of rhymes; it's a testament to finding joy and creativity even during difficult times. Whether you're a child marveling at its absurdity or an adult savoring its wit and wisdom, this is a one-sitting wonder that leaves you smiling. Vibrant, quirky, and deeply heartfelt, this collection reminds us why Ruskin Bond's words always feel like a comforting hug.
.
The accompanying illustrations by Siddhi Vartak perfectly complement the whimsical tone, adding an extra layer of charm. The color scheme and representation just add extra to the book. A beautiful keepsake that is sure to make you smile again and again!
.
January 17, 2025
There was an old man in Landour
Who wanted young folk to laugh more
So he wrote them a book
And with laughter they shook
As they rolled down the hill to Rajpore.
Genre: Poetry
Age 10+
Published in Puffin books by @penguin
Format: Hardcover
Ebook available
Ruskin Bond's latest book is a collection of Zany poems, Nonsensical couplets, Limericks, sometimes something serious or contemplative. This collection dips its toes into whimsy and wit. The poems are both light hearted and thought provoking with some having a satirical tone to them. The poems are sure to uplift your mood and make you laugh all throughout. Although the poems sound very much simple they have a certain depth to them. The poems are accompanied by minimal lively illustrations.
Ruskin Sir has the power to make even the mundane things appear extraordinary.
Writing about the musings of his cat Mimi to the nonsense about that strange cafe that served bugs in the soup to the man whose head fell off everytime he laughed, and about making space for the elephants, and questioning about the disappearing birds and flowers...the book has a little of everything. That's what makes this collection stand out.
Ruskin sir's ability to communicate even the serious things in a playful manner shines throughout the book. There is a good balance of playfulness and profundity that is sure to envelope the readers into the world where humour meets Wisdom.
Overall a light hearted 'feel good' book that caters to readers across all age groups. This book also makes for a perfect gifting option.
Who wanted young folk to laugh more
So he wrote them a book
And with laughter they shook
As they rolled down the hill to Rajpore.
Genre: Poetry
Age 10+
Published in Puffin books by @penguin
Format: Hardcover
Ebook available
Ruskin Bond's latest book is a collection of Zany poems, Nonsensical couplets, Limericks, sometimes something serious or contemplative. This collection dips its toes into whimsy and wit. The poems are both light hearted and thought provoking with some having a satirical tone to them. The poems are sure to uplift your mood and make you laugh all throughout. Although the poems sound very much simple they have a certain depth to them. The poems are accompanied by minimal lively illustrations.
Ruskin Sir has the power to make even the mundane things appear extraordinary.
Writing about the musings of his cat Mimi to the nonsense about that strange cafe that served bugs in the soup to the man whose head fell off everytime he laughed, and about making space for the elephants, and questioning about the disappearing birds and flowers...the book has a little of everything. That's what makes this collection stand out.
Ruskin sir's ability to communicate even the serious things in a playful manner shines throughout the book. There is a good balance of playfulness and profundity that is sure to envelope the readers into the world where humour meets Wisdom.
Overall a light hearted 'feel good' book that caters to readers across all age groups. This book also makes for a perfect gifting option.
July 12, 2025
”There was an old man in Landour
Who wanted young folk to laugh more.
So he wrote them a book,
And with laughter, they shook
As they rolled down the hill to Rajpore.”
- Ruskin Bond, Rhymes for the Times
Ruskin Bond suffering from skin infection took it upon himself to compose limericks, nonsense verse and poems that would ’keep him sane at night’. The ones who are familiar with his works would instantly recognise Mimi the cat and would lose themselves in the beauty of nature.
The poetic pieces may not be perfect, but they are a soothing balm for a bruised soul, reminding you of the healing power of words. The zany poems are stitched with love, for only love can conquer the mightiest storms. Most of the verses follow a rhythmic scheme that is quirky lending the poems a playful, almost whimsical tone that contrasts with its deeper underlying theme.
”A little nonsense now and then gives pleasure to the best of men.”
The pieces travel the meandering lanes of Shimla, reach the magnificent skyline of Calcutta and resume their journey towards Rangoon, even traversing the southern most tip of Chennai.
’Rhymes for the times’ is like an assortment of journal entries sketching the ebbs and flows of a writer who's relying on the care and comfort of words. The illustrations by Siddhi Vartak breathe life into the characters that dance across the pages. The chalk white colour on a green background renders a dreamlike contrast, evoking the innocence of a school blackboard and the vivid imagination of a child’s mind.
Who wanted young folk to laugh more.
So he wrote them a book,
And with laughter, they shook
As they rolled down the hill to Rajpore.”
- Ruskin Bond, Rhymes for the Times
Ruskin Bond suffering from skin infection took it upon himself to compose limericks, nonsense verse and poems that would ’keep him sane at night’. The ones who are familiar with his works would instantly recognise Mimi the cat and would lose themselves in the beauty of nature.
The poetic pieces may not be perfect, but they are a soothing balm for a bruised soul, reminding you of the healing power of words. The zany poems are stitched with love, for only love can conquer the mightiest storms. Most of the verses follow a rhythmic scheme that is quirky lending the poems a playful, almost whimsical tone that contrasts with its deeper underlying theme.
”A little nonsense now and then gives pleasure to the best of men.”
The pieces travel the meandering lanes of Shimla, reach the magnificent skyline of Calcutta and resume their journey towards Rangoon, even traversing the southern most tip of Chennai.
’Rhymes for the times’ is like an assortment of journal entries sketching the ebbs and flows of a writer who's relying on the care and comfort of words. The illustrations by Siddhi Vartak breathe life into the characters that dance across the pages. The chalk white colour on a green background renders a dreamlike contrast, evoking the innocence of a school blackboard and the vivid imagination of a child’s mind.
January 1, 2025
tandoori ruskin and buttered bond!
taking inspiration from the writer of nonsense verse and the inventor of limericks, Edward Lear, our all time favourite Ruskin Bond has attempted to put together a bunch of limericks, nonsensical couplets, silly poems and nonsense verse for young readers to laugh more and more as they roll down the hills to mangalore, haha! these teensy tiny pieces of work brush past things silly and serious and are to be taken with a pinch of amuse and humor, for they can have a healing touch! 🪄
and as you laugh your way through cat mimi, aunt elfie, a boy whose head keep falling off his body, vo-cat-ulary (yes, that's how i'd like to call the interesting influence of cats on vocabulary), a strange cafe that serves things from afar, a virus that finds children scary, naming of forget-me-nots, alphabets of an idiot, grammar of food, proverbs from granny's kitchen and many more, make sure you enjoy the lively artworks from Siddhi Vartak ✨
at the last, here's a limerick from my side as well:
from the optimism of penguin,
to the menu with tandoori ruskin,
or nay, a buttered bond with baked potatoes,
or maybe cucumber and tomatoes,
here's a limerick with a rusty spin!
taking inspiration from the writer of nonsense verse and the inventor of limericks, Edward Lear, our all time favourite Ruskin Bond has attempted to put together a bunch of limericks, nonsensical couplets, silly poems and nonsense verse for young readers to laugh more and more as they roll down the hills to mangalore, haha! these teensy tiny pieces of work brush past things silly and serious and are to be taken with a pinch of amuse and humor, for they can have a healing touch! 🪄
and as you laugh your way through cat mimi, aunt elfie, a boy whose head keep falling off his body, vo-cat-ulary (yes, that's how i'd like to call the interesting influence of cats on vocabulary), a strange cafe that serves things from afar, a virus that finds children scary, naming of forget-me-nots, alphabets of an idiot, grammar of food, proverbs from granny's kitchen and many more, make sure you enjoy the lively artworks from Siddhi Vartak ✨
at the last, here's a limerick from my side as well:
from the optimism of penguin,
to the menu with tandoori ruskin,
or nay, a buttered bond with baked potatoes,
or maybe cucumber and tomatoes,
here's a limerick with a rusty spin!
January 17, 2025
Ruskin Bond’s words have always felt like home to me, and this collection is no different. It’s the kind of book you’d want to keep on your bedside table—perfect for those moments when life feels a little too heavy.
It is like a breath of fresh air in a world often clouded with seriousness. This collection of poems, limericks, and quirky verses feels like stepping into a playful, magical garden where every word is sprinkled with humor and wisdom. He effortlessly blends the everyday with the extraordinary, making the mundane sparkle with his unique perspective. The way he crafts each piece is delightful—his poems made me laugh out loud. It’s rare to find writing that feels so genuine yet so effortlessly light-hearted. His humor is never forced; it flows naturally, much like the breezy afternoons in Landour that he often writes about.
While each and every piece is packed with fun and whimsy, it also carries little pearls of wisdom. Some verses feel like they were written for me—a reminder to find joy in the little things and not to let life’s chaos weigh me down.
If you’re someone who treasures life’s simple joys and appreciates a hearty laugh, this book is your next go-to. It’s the kind of collection that leaves a smile on your face long after you’ve closed its pages.
It is like a breath of fresh air in a world often clouded with seriousness. This collection of poems, limericks, and quirky verses feels like stepping into a playful, magical garden where every word is sprinkled with humor and wisdom. He effortlessly blends the everyday with the extraordinary, making the mundane sparkle with his unique perspective. The way he crafts each piece is delightful—his poems made me laugh out loud. It’s rare to find writing that feels so genuine yet so effortlessly light-hearted. His humor is never forced; it flows naturally, much like the breezy afternoons in Landour that he often writes about.
While each and every piece is packed with fun and whimsy, it also carries little pearls of wisdom. Some verses feel like they were written for me—a reminder to find joy in the little things and not to let life’s chaos weigh me down.
If you’re someone who treasures life’s simple joys and appreciates a hearty laugh, this book is your next go-to. It’s the kind of collection that leaves a smile on your face long after you’ve closed its pages.
January 13, 2025
“Don’t give up on God.
Some prayers are answered
Some are not.
But just to know that someone’s there
Can mean a lot."
Another book written by Ruskin Bond Sir and another book added to my favourites list. This book is pure serotonin. There are rhymes that absolutely don’t make sense yet make you laugh out loud, there are rhymes that are quirky and hilarious, and then there are rhymes that speak directly to your heart.
This collection has rhymes not only meant for kids but also for adults alike. There is a series of rhymes based on the author’s visit to a strange café, and that series happens to be my most favourite out of all those there in the collection.
Another thing that I absolutely loved about this book is its cover. It’s so vibrant and quirky that it catches your attention the moment you look at the book.
If you are looking for a book to uplift your mood and leave you smiling at the end, then you definitely need to check out this book.
Some prayers are answered
Some are not.
But just to know that someone’s there
Can mean a lot."
Another book written by Ruskin Bond Sir and another book added to my favourites list. This book is pure serotonin. There are rhymes that absolutely don’t make sense yet make you laugh out loud, there are rhymes that are quirky and hilarious, and then there are rhymes that speak directly to your heart.
This collection has rhymes not only meant for kids but also for adults alike. There is a series of rhymes based on the author’s visit to a strange café, and that series happens to be my most favourite out of all those there in the collection.
Another thing that I absolutely loved about this book is its cover. It’s so vibrant and quirky that it catches your attention the moment you look at the book.
If you are looking for a book to uplift your mood and leave you smiling at the end, then you definitely need to check out this book.
January 21, 2025
Rhymes for the Times by Ruskin Bond is a playful collection of poems, whimsical limericks and nonsense verse and showcases Mr. Bond's way of finding joy in the littlest of things perfectly.
A light read for all ages, it is a book that will make you laugh, think and appreciate the things and people you see around you. Most of these poems are written during the post-Covid period when the author himself was fighting a skin infection which kept him awake at nights. In these poems he talks about his cat, his childhood experiences and fantasy and folklore. The themes you will find across the book are of humour and self-introspection. Being the playful person he is, Mr. Bond does not shy away from poking fun at himself at times.
My favourite is a poem about a ghost under the stairs. It kind of reminded me of "the cupboard under the stairs" from Harry Potter, but at the same time sparked a little curiousity as to what this ghost might be.
With beautiful illustrations from Siddhi Vartak accompanying the poems, the book feels more complete. Whether you are a child or an adult, you can pick up this book and expect to have a good laugh. On tough days, this book can be the perfect "pick-me-up" you need.
A light read for all ages, it is a book that will make you laugh, think and appreciate the things and people you see around you. Most of these poems are written during the post-Covid period when the author himself was fighting a skin infection which kept him awake at nights. In these poems he talks about his cat, his childhood experiences and fantasy and folklore. The themes you will find across the book are of humour and self-introspection. Being the playful person he is, Mr. Bond does not shy away from poking fun at himself at times.
My favourite is a poem about a ghost under the stairs. It kind of reminded me of "the cupboard under the stairs" from Harry Potter, but at the same time sparked a little curiousity as to what this ghost might be.
With beautiful illustrations from Siddhi Vartak accompanying the poems, the book feels more complete. Whether you are a child or an adult, you can pick up this book and expect to have a good laugh. On tough days, this book can be the perfect "pick-me-up" you need.
January 3, 2025
Ruskin Sir's works are the coziest one's i always come across—so relatable and peaceful. It's no wonder why people love and adore him.
This book are written in the best way possible. Its a poetry book that brings laughter, joy, positive thoughts, and entertainment .The book are beautifully written.
It's not just this one ; his entire collection is a treasure. He is undoubtedly one of the best authors out there.
This book are written in the best way possible. Its a poetry book that brings laughter, joy, positive thoughts, and entertainment .The book are beautifully written.
It's not just this one ; his entire collection is a treasure. He is undoubtedly one of the best authors out there.
February 2, 2025
Ruskin Bond’s playful side shines through in this charming collection of poems and limericks, offering a perfect blend of humour, wisdom, and lighthearted mischief. With his signature warmth, he turns everyday musings into delightful verses—whether it’s an ode to a mischievous cat or a hilariously nonsensical alphabet. This beautifully curated edition is a treat for poetry lovers and a must-have for anyone in need of a smile.
March 17, 2025
Written during Covid, suffering from unbearable itching sensation leading to insomnia, Mr. Bond wrote these little pieces of poetry and verses.
The only good thing about this book is the never dying attitude to keep writing. This is the worst I've read by him. Avoidable.
The only good thing about this book is the never dying attitude to keep writing. This is the worst I've read by him. Avoidable.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews