The Nonsense Show by Eric Carle
If you’re a fan of Eric Carle, then you’ll be happy to hear about his new book titled, *The Nonsense Show. This picture book is illustrated in his usual style. They are engaging and colorful and even included a few characters that the kids may recognize. However, The Nonsense Show turns everything inside out and everything is the opposite. A rabbit pull a boy out of a hat, ducks grow out of bananas and other things that don’t seem to make sense.
*This post contains Amazon affiliate link to the book mentioned. I also received a free copy of the book for review. Please read our full disclosure policy here.
The Nonsense Show by Eric Carle
From Penguin Random House:
Ducks growing out of bananas? A mouse catching a cat? What’s wrong with this book from the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar?
Yes, there’s something strange, something funny and even downright preposterous on every page of this book. But it’s not a mistake – it’s nonsense! And it’s also surrealism. Nonsense lies at the heart of many beloved nursery rhymes. Children readily accept odd statements like “the cow jumped over the moon” and “the dish ran away with the spoon.” This fanciful bending of reality is also basic to surrealism.In this book, nonsense and surrealism combine to spark creativity and imagination. What’s true? What’s impossible? What’s absolutely absurd?
Recommended age: 3 – 7
Bottom line: Great for all Eric Carle fans and art loving parents!
What is Surrealism?
Surrealism images explored the subconscious areas of the mind. The artwork often made little sense as it was usually trying to depict a dream or random thoughts. – Source
Nothing is as it seems. Which things are real and which aren’t. Dreams are often described as surreal. A lot of times things that make don’t make sense in real life seem so real in your dreams.
Book Extensions
- This Two-headed Snake Paper Plate Craft from In the Playroom is an easy activity to make and is inspired by one of that doesn’t make sense. Both the snakes ask each other if they have seen their tail….he, he.
- An example that comes to mind when I first learned about the art of surrealism is, The Persistence of Memory. You might even recognize it too! Ask kids to come up with their own version of this famous painting.
- Head over to Teach Kids Art for lots of great activities for kids based on surrealism.
Win a Copy of The Nonsense Show
Head over to the Penguin Kids Facebook Page to enter! There are 10 copies total they are giving away. Check out the Young Readers Holiday Gift Guide for more great books and make your own wish list.