Rhymes from the Wicked Nursery

by J.D. Estrada

Rhymes from the Wicked Nursery is a poetry collection full of verses that will definitely not go gently into the night. So tuck in, keep a night light handy, and read at your own risk.

This is JD Estrada's 18th release. He really hopes it keeps you up at night while feeling bad at the things that make you giggle.

Kindle Edition

Published August 13, 2021

About the author

After years of working in advertising, I figured there were better ways to write fiction. Born on August 13th, I share birthdays with Alfred Hitchcock and Fidel Castro... an interesting coincidence since mom is Cuban and I love a good story.

Truth be told, ever since I was a kid I dreamt about being an inventor, I just didn't know I'd end up doing it using words. Where some people choose to invent new products, I’ve chosen to invent worlds through words.

In college, I studied psychology for 3 years before realizing that if I finished, I'd need a psychologist for myself. Not being too enticed by the whole full circle nature of that trajectory, I switched to Marketing, Advertising... and Psychology. Seems I just couldn't let it go.

A lover of Science Fiction and Fantasy, I’ve always loved writing and connecting with people. Mind you, although I love these genres, my reading tastes are as eclectic as my musical passions. So from rock to salsa to classical music, I also read and write in a variety of genres and am just as satisfied writing a review or a poem as I am working on my next novel. My obsession with the human aspect of who we are is deeply embedded in most of my work and my first book is no exception. Only Human is the first link within the Human Cycle, a three-book exploration of humanity through fiction.

I’m currently working on several projects, consistently put out free material on the blog (jdestradawriter.blogspot.com) and I rant with zest on Twitter via @jdestradawriter. I also have and instagram account (@jdestradawriter) if you want to see what I’m getting up to or what delicious beer I may recommend pairing with the book your reading.

My favorite band is Pearl Jam, I was born in Puerto Rico, I bodyboard and to me, playing a guitar is as therapeutic as a bleeding into a notebook with my pen. So by all means, visit, say hi and connect.

Peace, love and maki rolls.

JD

Reviews

[Julie Cassetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creepy!!

With Halloween around the corner I plan on reading this out loud to get us all in the spirit of everything gruesome and morose. It’s creep, it’s dark, it’s utterly delightful.

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the years, I have read JD’s interpretations and over the years I have truly enjoyed the “draem". Yet now, I enjoy the nightmare of lines that’s like a mage’s karmically wicked tribulation! From Mafaldehyde to Honey Hansel and Grated Gretel, you will start speaking in tongues and hiding beneath the blankets! Read on if you DARE ;)

[A.F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully whimsical journey into the world of macabre poetry. An amuse-bouche of dark nursery rhymes and verse, but that is not to say this is light fare. Indeed it whets the reading palette in delicate tones but fills your soul with ever satisfying fiendish delights.
I highly recommend it.

[David Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

JD Estrada is a master craftsman of words. His rhymes will enthrall you from the very first lines. The narrative of every single composition is woven in beautifully crafted, spellbinding verses that capture your attention and, in the form of crescendo, goes from a gripping tale to a sinister ending. The book opens with what became a favorite of mine, "Scissors," and goes on to surprise you with many other instant classics, such as "Gargoyle," "Moon," "Door Stop," "Bubbles," "Mrs. Pain and Mr. Death," "Leathers and Feathers," and so on. I got this book a while back, but it wasn't until today that I finally finished it. Don't get me wrong, it's not a massive book, nor it's written in complex vernacular. It's a book that requires re-reading just for the appreciation of the craftsmanship of each tale. With just a few sentences, JD will awaken the dormant explorer within you, and page by page, he will take you into different realities of the macabre. From a student of Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft, I can honestly say that "Rhymes From The Wicked Nursery." belong among those mentioned above. -David G. Hernandez

[Sophie Brousseau · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect October read! This collection is wickedly fun and exceedingly gruesome. From murderous couples, crows and cannibals through to fairies and demons! It's really got it all. Having read other much lighter titles by the author I was intrigued to read their darker depictions and I was most certainly not disappointed.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hickory dickory dock.... Not really remade nursery rhymes, but original poetry. This is a good creepy read for the season. They vary widely in form and tone, and also in quality, so the ride is a little rough, but fun. In a demented way. Will look for more from this author.

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've previously read Daydreams on Sherbet Shore Vol 1 and it's such a fun and colorful book, so this is a very different contrast from that. I have to say I love this creepy and wicked side of the author. I enjoyed it so much. Can't wait to read the collection of horror short stories.

[Limaris Vargas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️

I'm glad I kept this one for October. This is a dark recollection of poetry focused on fears and nightmares. There were some poems with plot twists and others really creepy. Really enjoyed this one as well, and JD never disappoints with his writing. Definitely will recommend it👌

[Stacy Overby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Rhymes from the Wicked Nursery by JD Estrada because I love his work. I’ve read several things by him now and am never disappointed by what I read. This latest poetry collection lives up as well.

There are several things I loved about this collection. I’ll start with the more obvious. This poetry collection is dark, creepy, and a little twisted. What’s better is that I think it strikes a good balance of that macabre without being overly so. Just little tastes of it sprinkled into every poem. Enough to be clear it’s not sunshine and roses, but not to where it’s gross or overdone.

Another thing I appreciated with this collection is that Estrada plays on many well-known nursery rhymes and poems. Only he turns them on their ear to give them a not-so-happy-ending. Well, sometimes it’s an even darker ending than the original. After all, it’s not like some of our well-loved rhymes are all that happy to begin with. But the familiarity makes those twisted takes even more fun.

Finally, I loved the almost childish feel of the collection. Trust me, it’s not one I’d read to my nine-year-old. This collection is more childish in that it plays to the part in all of us that wants to be petty and mean-spirited sometimes. You know, that good childish. Like where we can fantasize about something before coming back to reality and knowing we can’t act on it.

As far as dislikes, I can’t highlight anything. I mean, just like any anthology or collection, some pieces stuck out in a good way, and a few were ones that just didn’t sing for me. I don’t count that as a bad thing. I mean, we can’t like everything all the time, right?

In the end, I say go out and get this. You might devour it in a single sitting, but it’s worth it. Just make sure you’re not feeling too squeamish when you read it.

[W.A. Ashes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me chills.

I'm not a big fan of horror. I get squeamish with super frightening tales, but every once in a while it's fun to be scared when you're safe. Rhymes from the Wicked Nursery is a poetry book that sent shivers down my spine. It was a wonderful read for the beginning of fall. You don't think of poetry being scary. Poetry is known for its romance. It's lovely imagery. Imagery, however, is a double-bladed knife and it's one that Estrada wields well. I applaud him.