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M Is for Mischief: An A to Z of Naughty Children
Clever cautionary poems, raucously illustrated, about 26 children you?d rather read about than meet. Here are twenty-six brats you?d never want to babysit: Catastrophic Coco, Gluttonous Griffin, Impolite Irma, and Quarrelsome Quincy, just to name a few. Linda Ashman?s perfectly crafted ditties about kids from Angry Abby, who is ?apt to argue at any time and any place,? to Zany Zelda, who ?zigs and zags through all the rooms,? are paired with hilariously energetic digital collages by Nancy Carpenter. Kids will relish the chaos these naughty tykes create?and also the comeuppance many of them justly receive.
Wickedly witty wordplay and fiendishly fresh artwork make this a standout in the field of alphabet books.
Wickedly witty wordplay and fiendishly fresh artwork make this a standout in the field of alphabet books.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published July 3, 2008
3 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Linda Ashman
67 books145 followersLinda Ashman is the author of more than 40 picture books and
The Nuts and Bolts Guide to Writing Picture Books
. Her books have been included on the "best of the year" lists of the New York Times, IRA/CBC Children's Choices, the New York Public Library and others, and have been translated into many languages. Linda lives with her family in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 3, 2014
My five-year-old son picked this book out from the library this week. I liked the idea of this book, and I probably would have liked the book if it wasn't so ding-dang long.
This book tries to do too much at once, and it ends up being M is for Mixed-up Mess, and M is for Meh.
This book tries to do too much at once, and it ends up being M is for Mixed-up Mess, and M is for Meh.
Read
February 18, 2009M IS FOR MISCHIEF: An A to Z of Naughty Children… by Linda Ashman
Ashman, L. (2008). M is for Mischief: An A to Z of Naughty Children. New York:
Dutton Children’s Books.
9780525475644
As the title implies, this alphabet picturebook features 26 misbehaving baddies. The rhyming and playful nature of the poems lend a person (read: me) to imagine he or she is the narrator on the show Gossip Girl, reporting what bad deeds Chuck Bass has done this week.
While all of the poems feature alliteration of that page’s particular letter, not all of the poems include poetic justice. I personally found this less than ideal. “Let them have it,” I thinks.
The illustrations are fun and interesting—a mix of colorful sketches and photographs.
Activities to do with the book:
Students could come up with the own poems of children behaving badly. They could also turn the poems into skits and have a classmate narrate the poems.
Favorite Quotes:
“Abby's apt to argue anytime and anyplace.
She'll argue over apricots, an acorn, or an ace.
She'll argue with an astronaut, an artist, or a waiter.
A shame she had to argue with that awful alligator.”
“It's quirky how Quincy is so quick to fight.
He quarrels with all, convinced he is right.
He quibbles with teachers, then quacks, "How absurd!"
He quizzes his classmates, then mocks every word.
When warned of the quicksand, he questions the scout.
He might quarrel less...if he's ever pulled out.”
For more of my reviews visit sjkessel.blogspot.com.
Ashman, L. (2008). M is for Mischief: An A to Z of Naughty Children. New York:
Dutton Children’s Books.
9780525475644
As the title implies, this alphabet picturebook features 26 misbehaving baddies. The rhyming and playful nature of the poems lend a person (read: me) to imagine he or she is the narrator on the show Gossip Girl, reporting what bad deeds Chuck Bass has done this week.
While all of the poems feature alliteration of that page’s particular letter, not all of the poems include poetic justice. I personally found this less than ideal. “Let them have it,” I thinks.
The illustrations are fun and interesting—a mix of colorful sketches and photographs.
Activities to do with the book:
Students could come up with the own poems of children behaving badly. They could also turn the poems into skits and have a classmate narrate the poems.
Favorite Quotes:
“Abby's apt to argue anytime and anyplace.
She'll argue over apricots, an acorn, or an ace.
She'll argue with an astronaut, an artist, or a waiter.
A shame she had to argue with that awful alligator.”
“It's quirky how Quincy is so quick to fight.
He quarrels with all, convinced he is right.
He quibbles with teachers, then quacks, "How absurd!"
He quizzes his classmates, then mocks every word.
When warned of the quicksand, he questions the scout.
He might quarrel less...if he's ever pulled out.”
For more of my reviews visit sjkessel.blogspot.com.
Read
July 10, 2008Too many ideas! It is kind of long, but is pretty funny anyway!
July 14, 2023
Sue Grafton, author of "M Is for Malice," might beg to differ with this title. Yet having read (and reviewed here on Goodreads) all of the Kinsey Milhone books) I suspect she might have enjoyed this book as much as I did. Which means... a lot!
*The concept is way original.
*The poetry, written doggerel style, reminds me of Roald Dahl in some of his novels for smart, savvy, slightly sarcastic children. Acknowledging this similarity is intended to convey high praise from this Goodreader.
As for the very last page, no spoiler from me, no no! But it's BRILLIANT.
FIVE STARS, sparkly ones.
*The concept is way original.
*The poetry, written doggerel style, reminds me of Roald Dahl in some of his novels for smart, savvy, slightly sarcastic children. Acknowledging this similarity is intended to convey high praise from this Goodreader.
As for the very last page, no spoiler from me, no no! But it's BRILLIANT.
FIVE STARS, sparkly ones.
June 17, 2022
If you have the perfect child, don't read this. It might give them ideas. If you already have a rambunctious child, this book is hilarious. It is poems of 26 different mischievous children, in varying degrees of badness. The illustrations are fun and the imaginative rhyme is fantastic. I was sure to reinforce the rottenness of all these children. Definitely don't want my children to pick up further bad behavior.
August 4, 2018
Carpenter’s cartoonish, collage-like illustrations accentuate the naughty in this ode to mischievous children. Doodling Daphne is a doozie! Ashman’s rhymes describe the dastardly deeds with zest yet manage to connect the misdeeds with their karmic consequences, curbing would-be copycats without spoiling the fun.
April 20, 2020
This is a silly A-Z poetry book with each letter including a poem about the antics that children participate in. I would love to use this in a lower grade classroom. I think this would be GREAT to have as a read aloud the leads in to children creating their very own A-Z poetry book!
August 28, 2023
Adorable poetic brilliance on how children behave and some of the consequences. Should be read with an adult to discuss the behaviors and why they are hurtful to others but as an adult it was fun and full of giggles!
January 24, 2018
Naughty children described in rhyming alliteration.
August 2, 2018
Fun abc book in the vein of Roald Dahl
September 6, 2019
The first reason I enjoyed this book: awesome rhymes. But the lessons behind each naughty child were awesome conversation starters.
February 28, 2022
A more modern Gashleycrumb Tinies without the charm of Edward Gorey. Having to make it through the entire alphabet felt like a ponderous task after a while. There are a couple funny moments, though.
March 5, 2017
Love the rhyme and the art. Kids enjoyed the read as well and acknowledged the shitty behaviour described by the book.
October 26, 2008
Lively illustrations of naughty children leap across the pages of this book, which has 4 to 12 line poems describing twenty-six ill mannered children.
The first letter of each child’s name matches the child’s misbehavior (“Evesdropping Erma” and “Kicking Ken”) and words featuring that letter are used throughout the poems. The poems are in a box of color on an equally colorful one or two page spread. Photographs of people and objects are subtly (and sometimes not so subtly) blended into the illustrations. The children romp around, behind, and in front of the poem’s colored box, and the illustrations fill the whole page. The children appear to be drawn in pen and ink, with color added. They remind me of Eloise, the children in Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, and other 1960’s characters.
This could be a great read-aloud title for late preschool and early el (in connection with titles on the alphabet or behavior), and a fun book for parents and children to read together and to spot familiar letters and behaviors.
Will parent find this a humorous way to discuss mannerly behavior with their children? Well, some naughty children reap the “logical consequences” of their behavior:
This could be a great read-aloud title for late preschool and early el, and a fun book for parents and children to read together and to spot familiar letters and behaviors.
Is this a cute but didactic title? Well, some naughty children reap the “logical consequences” of their behavior as in the case of “Quarrelsome Quincy,” who:
When warned of the quicksand, he questioned the scout
He might quarrel less…if he’s ever pulled out.
But other equally naughty characters appear to get off scott-free. After covering the entire living room with drawings “Doodling Daphne:”
…waits til Dad is dozing
Then she doodles on his face.
Those interested with cultural history might want to compare the this to Gelett Burgess' Goops, who are filled with social graces, yet suffer from one shameful flaw.
The first letter of each child’s name matches the child’s misbehavior (“Evesdropping Erma” and “Kicking Ken”) and words featuring that letter are used throughout the poems. The poems are in a box of color on an equally colorful one or two page spread. Photographs of people and objects are subtly (and sometimes not so subtly) blended into the illustrations. The children romp around, behind, and in front of the poem’s colored box, and the illustrations fill the whole page. The children appear to be drawn in pen and ink, with color added. They remind me of Eloise, the children in Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, and other 1960’s characters.
This could be a great read-aloud title for late preschool and early el (in connection with titles on the alphabet or behavior), and a fun book for parents and children to read together and to spot familiar letters and behaviors.
Will parent find this a humorous way to discuss mannerly behavior with their children? Well, some naughty children reap the “logical consequences” of their behavior:
This could be a great read-aloud title for late preschool and early el, and a fun book for parents and children to read together and to spot familiar letters and behaviors.
Is this a cute but didactic title? Well, some naughty children reap the “logical consequences” of their behavior as in the case of “Quarrelsome Quincy,” who:
When warned of the quicksand, he questioned the scout
He might quarrel less…if he’s ever pulled out.
But other equally naughty characters appear to get off scott-free. After covering the entire living room with drawings “Doodling Daphne:”
…waits til Dad is dozing
Then she doodles on his face.
Those interested with cultural history might want to compare the this to Gelett Burgess' Goops, who are filled with social graces, yet suffer from one shameful flaw.
February 6, 2020
3.75 stars. I received several sidelong glances from Grandmother of Readers and my husband over this one, which is a poem collection devoting each letter sound to a poorly behaved child. My four year old’s eyes twinkled delightfully over it as she read and reread it on her own for several weeks. She enjoyed memorizing and reciting the poems for us. Despite the poorly behaved children, I enjoyed the use of alliteration and meter and found it a worthy and fun addition for language exposure and ear training.
May 15, 2010
Picture Book
Ashman, Linda. M is for Mischief: An A to Z of Naughty Children. New York: Dutton Children’s Books, 2008.
Genre: Fiction
In this alphabet picture book it consist of twenty-six unruly children, who are doing naughty things that correspond with one of the twenty-six letters in the alphabet. The situations deal with subjects such as anger, doodling, impoliteness, and laziness. In each case the children learn a valuable lesson at the end of his/her story. The lessons in this book are designed to teach Children how not to conduct themselves or treat other people.
The bright colors along with the outrageously crazy situations in this book are designed to capture and maintain the attention of children as they read this book. The lessons that they are learning without be aware are valuable and will contribute to the way children will conduct themselves latter in life. Using objects that appeal to children both males and females add an additional charm that attracts children. I think that this is an excellent book for children at an early age as they learn how to cope with others.
Ashman, Linda. M is for Mischief: An A to Z of Naughty Children. New York: Dutton Children’s Books, 2008.
Genre: Fiction
In this alphabet picture book it consist of twenty-six unruly children, who are doing naughty things that correspond with one of the twenty-six letters in the alphabet. The situations deal with subjects such as anger, doodling, impoliteness, and laziness. In each case the children learn a valuable lesson at the end of his/her story. The lessons in this book are designed to teach Children how not to conduct themselves or treat other people.
The bright colors along with the outrageously crazy situations in this book are designed to capture and maintain the attention of children as they read this book. The lessons that they are learning without be aware are valuable and will contribute to the way children will conduct themselves latter in life. Using objects that appeal to children both males and females add an additional charm that attracts children. I think that this is an excellent book for children at an early age as they learn how to cope with others.
August 12, 2013
Entertaining story with funny, but sometimes awkward rhyme schemes. The illustrations by Nancy Carpenter are terrific and we realized that we had a bit of a theme going this evening, since we also read Heroes of the Surf, which was illustrated by her as well.
Overall, the various alphabet entries were entertaining, although some of the children have more traumatic endings than others. The way in which Linda Ashman incorporates alliteration with the selected letter makes the narrative somewhat of a tongue twister to read aloud. We enjoyed reading this book together.
Overall, the various alphabet entries were entertaining, although some of the children have more traumatic endings than others. The way in which Linda Ashman incorporates alliteration with the selected letter makes the narrative somewhat of a tongue twister to read aloud. We enjoyed reading this book together.
September 12, 2012
This alphabet book is the most unique alphabet book I've ever read. Each letter of the alphabet represents a different child. For example: L is for Lazy Lenore. Lenore loves to lounge. She will not do chores. R is for Rude Ruby. Ruby, at the roller rink, is raising quite a racket. Each letter is very different yet still follows the same crazy story line of crazy kids.
I think students will enjoy this book because of it's funny story line and crazy naughty kids. Children anywhere from the age of first grade to fourth grade would like this story.
The pictures in this story are very colorful and show pictures pertaining to the child's mischievous demeanor. The illustrator also uses real pictures within the drawn pictures which adds a little extra detail to the pictures.
I think students will enjoy this book because of it's funny story line and crazy naughty kids. Children anywhere from the age of first grade to fourth grade would like this story.
The pictures in this story are very colorful and show pictures pertaining to the child's mischievous demeanor. The illustrator also uses real pictures within the drawn pictures which adds a little extra detail to the pictures.
June 25, 2015
It's a very creative rhyming book starting from a and ending with z. It talks about several different chi8ldren causing trouble like Untidy Ursula and Offensive Oscar. All of them are causing problems and all the conclusions to each of the letters and children are bad endings for either the child or someone with them. In the end the author is giving a good message about not struggling to be perfect but to at least be nice and then he threatens them by saying that is the don't they might just end up in an Awful Alphabet. This book is very fun with all the rhymes and mischief and it has a good message at the end to teach kids that they don't have to be perfect but it is important that they be kind and show respect to others.
September 10, 2014
Ashman, L. & Carpenter, N. (2008). M is for Mischief: An A to Z of Naughty Children New York: Dutton Children's Books.
Self Selection- Picture Book Soak
I would recommentd this book for classroom use for introducing alliteration, discussing stanzas, rhythm and rhyme. This book has a lot in it that you could work into language arts lesson plans. Plus, it's fun! Alliteration is fun! When reviewing the book by looking at the pictures only, it is clear what each child is doing that is mischievous, and the facial expressions indicated the child's awareness of his/her naughty behavior
Self Selection- Picture Book Soak
I would recommentd this book for classroom use for introducing alliteration, discussing stanzas, rhythm and rhyme. This book has a lot in it that you could work into language arts lesson plans. Plus, it's fun! Alliteration is fun! When reviewing the book by looking at the pictures only, it is clear what each child is doing that is mischievous, and the facial expressions indicated the child's awareness of his/her naughty behavior
September 22, 2009
This book was really fun, with creative pictures and rhyme. Parents and kids will get a kick out of this book, and it could spark some good conversations about appropriate behavior and being a good citizen. Kids who are already mischievous might just get ideas, though. I've had a few smart-alec students who might try to copy some of these behaviors. I'm not sure I'll read it at school, but I'd read it to my kids.
December 11, 2009
What a fun book! The rhymes and illustrations are very clever. A great vocabulary builder, as it had the students asking what gluttonous, fiendish,and other words meant. It could also lead to some great tete a tetes (another good vocabulary word) about appropriate behavior or misbehavior. We all especially liked "Doodling Daphne". And the votes are: Loved it = 122, Liked it = 14, Didn't like it = 8.
February 21, 2015
I would say this book is great for third grade. Great for introducing adjectives and alliteration. This is a great read aloud for children who like challenging words. Also great book to pair with an introduction to using a dictionary. Lots of tier 2 words such as caution, lazy, mild-mannered, mauls, observes, hapless, devours, and ponder. Illustrations are a mixed of realistic photos and sketches.
July 17, 2008
A great ABC picture book, but for older kids. Each letter has a different child, and they have a not so good characteristic like Gluttonous Griffin and Impolite Irma. Has bigger and unusual vocabulary. Uses collages of real photos and illustrations, which I ususally don't like, but it works well for this book.
June 28, 2010
A year ago, I beta read a collection of poems about children who all meet unfortunate fates. This is its companion book (close companion), an A to Z of naughty children. The illustrations are fun, as are most of the poems, as long as you emphasize to your impressionable children (because mine are not impressionable, no, not at all) that this book represents the obnoxious sort.
February 10, 2011
This was a very creative way of introducing the alphabet as well as some good lessons about character all within the confines of a children's book. I really liked how fun the author made each character, but made it a point to show that those characters really weren't great people. I liked the final message at the very end.
May 27, 2011
This is an amazingly funny book for anyone who needs to do a storytime for elementary age kids. Using the alphabet, the author takes each letter and matches it with a terrible behavior. With funny rhymes and wonderful illustrations, you'll have kids laughing and trying to match people they know to the characters in the book. A must have in your picture book collection.
December 10, 2011
This book goes through the alphabet, each letter has an adjective to describe a naughty child like Eavesdropping Eva. This book could be a good tool to teach alliteration because a majority of the words on each page start with the same letter. They stories that go with each letter/naughty child, are things that children can relate to as well.
September 17, 2014
I liked it. The kids are naughty which intrigues my children and allows for good teaching moments. One of my favorites is Selfish Stella...now as a child sprawls over toys to keep them away from others...somebody mentions Selfish Stella. The sound the letter makes is also repeated numerous times in each explanation of the character. A fun read for everyone.
March 30, 2018
What caught my eye about this book was the goofy face of the child on the cover. What I liked about this book was the humor but also the messages that come from this story. It is also a counting book to help them learn a-z and what crazy kids do. I think this would be a really funny book to have in my library but also teach the alphabet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews