The Book of Not Entirely Useful Advice - Hardcover

by A. F. Harrold (Author), Mini Grey (Illustrator)

From acclaimed writer A.F. Harrold comes a riotous poetry collection that encourages readers to think critically--perfect for fans of Shel Silverstein

Packed with silly rhymes and witty wordplay, A.F. Harrold's poetry is positively bursting with fun--and advice. But it's not always the most useful. . .

Never apologize to a door you've walked into, unless it's a really special door.

Don't serve a cat soup when the cat wants jelly. Tomato soup won't fill a feline belly.

Don't put a rock in a roll, unless you hate having teeth.

Among the seemingly nonsensical stanzas on onions, sausages, and kilted koalas are exercises in critical thinking--what advice should readers follow, and what should they dismiss? Harrold's short, clever poems work seamlessly alongside Mini Grey's vibrant art to create visual gags that will have readers in stitches. Both silly and poignant, this book is perfect for curious readers, poets, and cabbages everywhere

Author Biography

A. F. Harrold is the author of The Afterward, The Imaginary, and The Song from Somewhere Else, as well as an English poet who writes and performs for adults and children. He is the owner of many books, a handful of hats, and one beard. He spends his spare time showing off on stage, at schools, and at home, and his non-spare time sitting around stroking his beard and writing things down. He lives in Reading, England, with a stand-up comedian and two cats.

Mini Grey studied sequential design at Brighton University before launching her first picture book, Egg Drop, in 2002. Trained in puppet making, set design, welding and carpentry, Mini's style has an unconventional flare and instantly recognizable quirkiness. Mini has now published thirteen picture books. Among numerous nominations and prizes, Mini has won the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal for The Adventures of the Dish & Spoon.