Find a book
Donate

Over to You!

by Roger McGough, illustrated by Jennifer Naalchigar

Interest age: 6 to 8
Reading age: 6 to 8

Published by Puffin, 2022

  • Poetry and rhyme

About this book

This collection of poems from the incomparable Roger McGough is a joyous riot of funny wordplay and unusual imagery. From rhinos who want to fly planes, to runaway sprouts, to skipping antelopes, to Granma’s delicious gooseberry jam, every subject is revelled in.

McGough also plays with the forms of poetry, including haiku, sonnets, limericks, alphabet poems, rhyming couplets and many more. In several, especially in the first section of the collection, the poem is personified as something that can talk to the poet, or be naughty. McGough pretends to write the poems that Teacher has told him to – with nicely amusing results. This knowing cheekiness makes for a hugely enjoyable read, and shows that poems can be accessible and fun.

Perfect for reading aloud, and for sharing, these poems will puncture the myth that poetry is difficult or boring. They will also inspire children to have a go at writing poems themselves. As McGough says: ‘Just take the words and run with them./Young poet, it’s over to you.’

About the author

Roger McGough, OBE, was born in Liverpool in 1937. He studied at Hull University before becoming a secondary school teacher, and lecturing at colleges including the Liverpool College of Art. A well-known member of the 1960s pop group The Scaffold (whose hits included ‘Lily the Pink’ and ‘Thank U Very Much’) he was also a founder member of a group of like-minded writers from Liverpool who came together in the late 1960s to collaborate on several poetry collections, later becoming known as The Liverpool Poets.

Today Roger lives in Twickenham, London, with his family. He has written over 60 poetry books and collections, as well as scripts, poetry and lyrics for radio, television, theatre and film. He has also written for and presented BBC Radio programmes including ‘Poetry Please’ and ‘Home Truths’.

More books like this

Explore our Bookfinder

Lists of recommended reads

  • Poetry books for the Poetry Friendly Classroom

    Take a look at some of our favourite children's poetry books - perfect for use in the poetry-friendly classroom. From Roald Dahl's classic Revolting Rhymes to fantastic novels in verse, these books are guaranteed to promote a love of poetry.

Discover more booklists
Share this page Twitter Facebook LinkedIn