1. Bibliography
Lewis, J. Patrick. 2006. Once upon a tomb: gravely humorous verses. Ill. by Simon Bartram. Cambridge: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763618377
2. Plot Summary
This collection of twenty-two poems is written with one objective in mind: comedy. Silly from beginning to end, some of Lewis's short verses tell how people from all walks of life died an untimely death while others resemble tombstone epitaphs. Others still just have two or three deliberately chosen words.
3. Analysis
The pairing of Lewis's poems with Bartram's surrealistic acrylic illustrations delivers a one-two punch to the reader. Bartram's paintings make the poems come to life (pun intended) and add another layer of humor to Lewis's words. Most of the illustrations also include death icons such as the grim reaper, skeletons, caskets, or angels looming over the unlucky characters. While the theme of death may seem a bit macabre, Lewis presents it in a way that isn't scary or sad for children. He seems to be playing off the fact that such morbid subject matter can be entertaining. This whimsical approach carries throughout the book with silly word play that may be too sophisticated for young readers to understand.
The variety of lengths of poems creates a balanced composition. My personal favorite, one of the shortest in the collection, the Underwear Salesman's "Our grief/Was brief" is brilliantly paired with the scene of grieving family members in their undergarments wearing ties and dress shoes. The more in-depth Dairy Farmer tells the tale of "Little Larry LeGow" who should "Never sit under/ A Hereford cow." A stand out for children may be the Bully who meets his demise and "Now he comes to terms/With worms." While some of these verses resonate more that others, overall this book is a comical collection of poems to be enjoyed by older elementary children and adults alike.
4. Review Excerpts
Publishers Weekly - "22 morbidly funny elegies pair perfectly with Bartram's hilarious acrylics."
School Library Journal - "A great selection for a Halloween read-aloud or reluctant poetry readers."
Kirkus Reviews - "Lewis is 'dead-on' with this collection of 'gravely humorous verses.'"
5. Connections
*J. Patrick Lewis does author visits and Skype visits on a regular basis. It would be very inspiring for children to be able to hear from the author himself. See information about visits here.
*Visit the J. Patrick Lewis website for photos, frequently asked questions, full bibliography, poems and riddles, and more! http://www.jpatricklewis.com/
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