“Author-illustrator Knight’s book of rhyming poems emphasizes fun, wordplay, and imagination.

The rhyming metered verse of many of the works in this book could prepare a young reader to love, instead of fear, classic poetry. “Bubba Bogans,” for instance, is an enjoyably silly poem with sound devices that echo the work of Alfred, Lord Tennyson: “Again, aboard the boat he’d bought, / Upon the billowed brine, / A hopeful Bubba Bogans sought / The creature’s island shrine.” In “Book Problem,” a tome named Sarah has a crush on a hardcover named Ben, but she’s too shy to tell him: “So days went by, then weeks and months, / And soon her friends agreed / That Ben was great except that he / Was just too hard to read.” “The Giant,” short and sharp, reads like a Leonard Cohen work for kids: “Strong and fierce the giant came / And tore the town to tatters. / He caught the king then - never mind, / That’s all that really matters.” There’s no shortage of puns throughout the book, as well. In “The Sun,” the titular heavenly body plans a feast and that learns no one will share it: “The poor sunset his table for one.” Some poems are song lyrics, and a QR code on the first page of the book links to accompanying music. Poems about butts, flatulence, and boogers come in quick succession in “Double Moon Dilemma,” “Jacuzzi,” and “Booger,” respectively. Other works, though, are more sensitive and revealing: “The Tribe,” for instance, is about valuing things other than appearances and material wealth; “Soar Like a Ninja” effectively acknowledges the existence of external and internal bullies. The narcissistic speaker of “Number One” may help young readers spot such unpleasant behavior in real life. Knight’s black-and-white pen-and-ink drawings initially seem like mere doodles, but they prove to be incredibly complex; some of the more fantastical poems end with wildly detailed two-page spreads. There’s an undeniably addictive quality to this book, and the rhythm and irrepressible images will likely make youngsters want to keep reading. 

A smart, hilarious, and highly creative poetry collection.”

“This quirky collection of poems, penned and painted by the creative Dr. D.W. Knight, is like a playground for the imagination. Picture a book brimming with rhymes that twist and turn, packed with punchlines that’ll have you giggling, and characters so zany they could dance right off the page.

Dr. Knight doesn't just play with words, he juggles them. Take the poem "ROLLER COASTER," where you're swooping and shifting through clouds, a wild ride stitched with screams and dreams of being a star. It's not just fun, it's a whirlwind of emotions. Then there's "MESSY ROOM," which captures a disaster zone of a bedroom so perfectly that you can almost smell the old socks and pizza crusts. Knight's ability to craft a visual feast with his words is simply genius.

And oh, the cheeky charm of "THE RING"! This poem had me snorting tea through my nose. When the girl dreams of a diamond ring but gets a phone call instead feels like classic humor. It's this clever wordplay that makes Tongue Teasers a treasure trove of laughs. Plus, the illustrations are the cherry on top, adding just the right flavor of fun to the mix.

Knight's knack for weaving life lessons into laughter is what truly makes these poems sparkle. "THE SUN," with its lonely feast set by the setting sun, subtly teaches about solitude and resilience. Each poem is a little life lesson wrapped in witty verse, making you nod thoughtfully one minute and chuckle the next.

If you're up for a tickle of your funny bone with a side of sage wisdom, Tongue Teasers is your go-to book. It's perfect for anyone who loves a good laugh, from sprightly kids to the young at heart. It's a hearty meal of hilarity that’ll feed both your mind and your spirit.”

“In my childhood, poetry books were my greatest love, and this book by Dr. D.W. Knight brought back fond memories of those carefree days and the brilliance of my favourite writers. It is such a phenomenal piece of work that stands out as one of the finest contributions to children's literature.

In fact, from the very first page I found myself genuinely in awe of this author’s poetic talent. The way they weave words together is nothing short of magical, the rhymes are so smooth and fluid that they practically dance off the tongue, making each offering an absolute joy to read aloud. Laugh-along is most definitely a fitting description for this creation, as it captures the spirit of whimsical poetry beautifully. I found myself chuckling again and again, as Knight's imaginative flair and sharp wit are seamlessly integrated into every verse.

An especially exciting highlight of this book is the inclusion of a QR code, giving readers the chance to experience the poems in a musical format. This interactive feature not only showcases Knight's sensational artistry but also makes the poems even more engaging and memorable.

The exceptional artwork again takes me back to the timeless poetry books I still treasure, and I believe this one will also be a beloved keepsake for future generations, fostering a love for language and literature among young readers. All in all, it’s a remarkable piece of work that deserves every bit of praise it receives; if it doesn’t become a global hit, I’ll be utterly shocked!”

“What makes really good poetry? Is it a focus on the things we all can relate to, like messy rooms, brushing our teeth, or wearing glasses? Perhaps it has more to do with the characters it presents, from books with crushes to a man who sails out to sea to avoid boring chores or a knight who never cuts his beard. Or maybe it’s the language in which these characters are written, filled with lively rhymes, clever similes, and a meter that trips off the tongue? Really, it’s none of these things – or all of them at once – because what makes really good poetry is the fun you have while reading it! Poetry and rhyme are iconic features of childhood, from the lullabies and nursery rhymes we hear when very young to the witty and thought-provoking classics of Roald Dahl, Shel Silverstein, and Lewis Carroll. Reading poetry isn’t just fun; it develops important literacy skills in young readers, helping them to learn how language works. In this hilarious, quirky book of original poems for kids, zany characters work their way through improbable and wildly funny situations, all delivered through the catchy, rhythmic meter. Black-and-white line drawings add an additional layer of fun, embellishing details from the poems in unexpected ways (as well as being perfect for coloring in). TONGUE TEASERS: Laugh-Along Songbook Origins is sure to be loved both by fans of the GiGGLE SPOON songbooks and just anyone who enjoys language and laughter. Sing them, share them, read them aloud – these poems are made to be performed!”

—The Children's Book Review