Parents' Guide to The Red Ear Blows Its Nose: Poems for Children and Others

Whimsical drawings of a red ear, green alien in front of a spaceship, an ant holding a planet, and more.

Common Sense Media Review

Carrie Kingsley By Carrie Kingsley , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 8+

Outstanding poems delight with silliness and wordplay.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 8+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 14+

Based on 1 kid review

What's the Story?

THE RED EAR BLOWS ITS NOSE has poems of varying lengths with consistent imagination and wordplay. There are thematic sections to the book, focusing on animals, plants, space, faces, and specifically noses. Some poems are absurd, but many ask deeper questions about individuality and self-perception.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say ( 1 ):

With an emphasis on playful language, this exceptional collection of poems asks big questions and conveys deep meaning -- while also discussing the size and structure of parts of a face. The Red Ear Blows Its Nose will make readers think, feel, and delight in language. It's a fantastic read-aloud book, and equally good for readers to settle in with quietly to think. This kind of poetry is rare: fun and serious, intensely imaginative, and thought provoking for children and adults alike.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the things they first found absurd in The Red Ear Blows Its Nose, but that made them think a little harder. Who did you think about when the horse didn't want to say neigh?

  • What parts of yourself do you sometimes criticize but actually like?

  • What other poems have you enjoyed?

Book Details

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Whimsical drawings of a red ear, green alien in front of a spaceship, an ant holding a planet, and more.

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