Knock, Knock!

Freymann, Saxton, et. al. 2007. KNOCK, KNOCK! New York: Dial. ISBN 9780803731523 [Suggested Grade Levels K-3]

REVIEW
“Knock, knock” jokes are perennial favorites with young readers, and this collection of fourteen jokes illustrated by fourteen contemporary children’s book illustrators is a showcase of the genre. The diversity of illustration styles will keep even the adult reader paging forward; the book becomes a quick sampler of modern illustration styles. From grand masters like Tomie dePaola to Lemony Snicket favorite Brett Helquist, each 2 page set-up and punchline (on the overleaf) tells an entire story in miniature.

A double page spread at the end gives thumbnail credits for each artist. Also of interest are the photographs or “self-portraits” of each contributor (Saxton Freymann, photographer of anthropomorphic fruits and vegetables, represents himself with a red pepper), and the answers each illustrator has given to the question, “Who do these artists want knocking at their doors?”

New readers will enjoy the wordplay and punning in the book; reluctant and ESL readers should also find it entertaining without being condescending.

CONNECTIONS
Create your own collection of illustrated “Knock, knock” jokes, with each participant contributing one illustrated joke to the collective book.

Showcase a collection of books by the fourteen authors to encourage further exploration of their styles.

RELATED BOOKS
Other favorite joke collections:
Agee, Jon, et. al. WHY DID THE CHICKEN CROSS THE ROAD? ISBN 0803730942
Hills, Tad. KNOCK KNOCK WHO’S THERE? MY FIRST BOOK OF KNOCK KNOCK JOKES. ISBN 978-0689834134
Phillips, Bob. AWESOME KNOCK-KNOCK JOKES FOR KIDS. ISBN 978-0736917148


By Julie Brinker