I really loved this book when my first-grade teacher read it to us, and I was definitely really disappointed when I couldn't remember the title to find it again afterward (which is more than a little funny, looking back on it now, but it was mildly distressing at the time). A really wholesome story; would definitely recommend for kids.

I've read this book so many times, but it never seems to get old. Lisa's resourcefulness, the themes of survival and innovation and loyalty hold their integrity through each revisit; readers of any age can relate to these kids' logistical and moral dilemmas and the imperfect ways they resolve them.

I actually first read this back in middle school, but it's pretty much as good as I remember. The kind of event that you weren't sure about but ends up changing you forever, recounted in a compelling narrative through the eyes of lovable characters: it makes for a pretty awesome read.

I have very fond memories of playing "Scranimal Island" with my second-grade classmates, a highly rigged version of tag inspired by the fantastical creatures in this book. I also have very fond memories of all the books my second-grade teacher read to us, including (among many others) this one and Flat Stanley.

That said, I do have to admit I don't remember much in the way of specifics about the poetry in this collection, just that it made us laugh and, as mentioned above, inspired us for months.