Neon Aliens Ate My Homework

by Nick Cannon, Art Mobb (Illustrations), caliFAWNia (Illustrations)

Just in time for National Poetry Month, Nick Cannon, entertainer extraordinaire, debuts his poetry book for children.

Nick Cannon---the unstoppable entertainer, comedian, actor, and musician---was inspired to write Neon Aliens Ate My Homework and Other Poems as a way to combine the worlds of poetry and hip-hop. These two mediums have shaped Nick into the prolific artist he is today. To furtherpay respect to the urban storytelling that inspired him, each funny, gross, wacky, or thought-provoking poem in this collection is illustrated by one of six incredible street artists who have shown his or her work around the world. There are even four illustrations by Nick himself.

Genres: Poetry, Middle Grade, Nonfiction, Childrens, Humor

1 pages, Audio CD

First published February 24, 2015

About the author

Nick Cannon is a successful, multi-faceted entertainer: comedian, TV executive producer and host, film star/director, entrepreneur, philanthropist and children’s book author. He was cited by People Magazine as one of the “Top 10 Most Successful Young People in Hollywood.” He was the host of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” from 2009 through 2016. Through his highly successful multi-media company NCredible Entertainment, Cannon produces TV and film projects, including Nickelodeon’s Make It Pop (which recently got re-newed for a 2nd season), HALO Awards, and TeenNick Top 10, React To That. On the film side, Cannon made his first appearance on the big screen alongside Will Smith in Men in Black II. Other television credits include the classic feature film Drumline. He also starred as one of the lead character roles in Spike Lee’s controversial movie Chi’Raq. Noted by the New York Times as “one of the most recognizable personalities in teen media,” Cannon also actively serves as the CEO of the teen magazine Celebrity High, as well as Chairman of TeenNick, Nickelodeon’s television network aimed at the teen audience.

Nick Cannon

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not swayed by a "celebrity" tied to a book. I picked this one up because I am always on the look out for new books to expose my nephews to like different genres and writing styles. This one is full of poems. Poems ranging from wacky, short, long, gross, and real life. The art work in this collect of poems is cool. It is like graffiti. Which I thought is a cool way of portraying stories.

A couple of my favorite poems from this collection are:

Haters

Haters like to bully, but I will not waver.
Haters think they're tough, but I'm the one who's braver.
Haters are doubters, and I'm a believer.
Haters are cowards, and I'm an achiever.
One day when I'm older, living my dream.
I'll let that hate melt away, just like ice cream.


Brushing My Tiger's Teeth

Good grief?
How I hate brushing my tiger's teeth!
I cried, "Tiger, you better open up wide!"
And I just nearly crumbled.
I wish there were another way to keep my tiger plaque-free.
When I put the brush inside his mouth, I think he'll attach me.
I timidly scrub his molars but skip the last three,
Because he's ticklish back there, and he might snap me!
The dentist says I'm doing great, no tooth has been lost.
Only problem is, now I keep forgetting to floss!

[Sam · Rating 1 out of 5]

Vogon poetry is now the fourth worst in the Universe.

[Summer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yeah, no. Just no.
Vogon poetry is no longer the worst poetry in the universe.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book of poetry is intended for 7-10 year old children and I think they would love it. There is a huge variety of poems on all kinds of subjects: "Halitosis" and "Church Lady's Big Bottom" and "Shel" which is about Shel Silverstein and so many more.

I believe every poem has a definite rhyme scheme and all poems rhyme, so there is no free verse. The rhythm of the poetry as it is read makes it fun, even when you don't like the over the top silly ones. Yes, some of these are very cheesy, but I am not the intended audience.

Recommendation: I think you should listen to this audio book and decide for yourself. It isn't a book that you should pick up for any of life's lessons or to dig deep into your soul. But you might want to pick it up and read it to/with a young child & instill the love of poetry in him/her.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is in the vein of Shel Silverstein and is meant to be juvenile. I think a young poc would find themselves represented in these poems and would have some fun.

It's nice that this book has gross and silly poems but also poems that share a good message. This book would be a positive influence on a young person.

[LisaJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with silly modern poems that kids can relate too. This is a great book for reluctant readers. Very engaging along with street art illustrations. Written by Nick Cannon, enables a combination of hip hop and poetry.

[K2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lol grown folks this is Not for U

[Ayla Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this too my children, they loved it. Some references to things they didn't understand, but for the most part it was sweet, cute and well done. I especially liked the poem dedicated to shel.

[Rikki]

In an effort to combine his love for hip-hop music and the poetry of Shel Silverstein, celebrity Nick Cannon delivers Neon Aliens Ate My Homework for the delight or annoyance of children and librarians everywhere. Cannon informs in the introduction that each poem is illustrated by a celebrated street artist (a few of them by himself) but no credits are provided in the actual book to know who illustrated which poem. While it may seem a great idea to illustrate hip-hop rhyming poems with street art, the idea is poory executed. Unfortunately, the same can be said for the collection of poems. While many are quite clever and enjoyable, the sheer overuse of rhyming couplets becomes very tiresome by the end. There are many different kinds of poetry, but Cannon only seems to know one. Perhaps improvements were made from the uncorrected proof to the final print, but this reader is skeptical. An optional purchase for school and public libraries. Urban libraries may find this a welcome addition to their collection.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this much more than I actually did, mainly because the cover is SO FANTASTIC! If more poetry books looked like this, kids would be much more likely to check them out. Unfortunately, I was disappointed in the contents, partly because there was really no cleverness or evocativeness to any of the poems and the rhythm mostly seems off--the humor just seems flat and the gross put poems didn't work for me either. It is possible that hearing them out loud as rap might have breathed some life into them. Too bad no CD accompanies the book I read (Goodreads lacks a hardback only record, only audio editions), it really might have made a difference. Additionally, I thought it was great that so many urban artists contributed illustrations to the book but none of them are identified, including the ones by Nick Cannon himself.

So, lots of potential but lots of let down. Love the cover, great index, art is pretty appealing. But the content is a thumbs down for me.

[Cosima · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5 stars

Nick Cannon’s book of poetry is okay if you don't take it too seriously. It’s not mind-blowing, just random thoughts that kids might be able to relate to. You have an assortment of inspirational poems, potty humor, and regular humor. Some are really good, some so-so, some completely uninspired, and some (involving bodily functions) are just nasty.

I didn’t take to this book easily because it’s so uneven, but there’s a lot to like. Maybe if I just white-out the poems I don’t like… Some of my favorites are: Positive vs. Negative, Lend Your Light (great message), School of Hip Hop (inventive but may go over some kids’ heads), Talkin’ Jazz (really like this one… it is jazzy), The Building in Me, Just to Throw You, The Enemy Within (great), and Foot in Mouth disease (funny).

Some kids might not grasp all of the things discussed, and some parents might not agree with the potty humor. It’s best if parents review it beforehand.

[Kate Shanks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this contemporary poetry collection by Nick Cannon at our most recent Scholastic Warehouse book sale. While some of the poems deal with boogers, farts, belches etc......other poems actually address some very pressing and timely issues. A few of the poems are inspiring and really encourage adolescents to push themselves and look at the world in an optimistic way. I also liked all the illustrations included in the book. A few were actually drawn by Nick Cannon! The book would definitely appeal to African American students as well as those who like art and/or poetry. A great quick read! I highly recommend. :)

[Kate Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has some great, encouraging moments as well as "fart" poems to keep kids laughing. It's a nice blend of silly and honest. I can't relate to thing that some of these poems address so maybe my opinion should be taken with a grain of salt, but I feel like there's a kid out there that will take this book and it's messages to heart and it will help them. At the same time I know there's a lot of kids that will blow off the message (or won't read it at all) but I really think this book has some important things to say and it's from someone who has been there and done that and has not only survived but thrived.

[Stefanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a "boy book," full of gross humor and things that 25 year old women generally aren't amused by. I didn't like Captain Underpants or I Funny, so I did not like this book either. I'm fine with that.

What killed me is that I love poetry, and I love Shel Silverstein, and the first poem was an ode to him, so I was excited. But this book is full of lackluster poetry that rhymes like a fourth grader being graded on his completion of the assignment was forced to write it. I liked the art, and I love the idea of bringing poetry to new audiences. But this isn't the first one I'd hand a child.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nick Cannon writes silly poems in the style and in tribute to both hip-hop and Shel Silverstein. The verses narrate a kid’s perspective about various topics that range from the smell of stinky feet to “florescence essence.” The illustrations, many of which show expressive, African Americans, are drawn by the author and various street artists. In the audio recording, Cannon reads his own verse aloud, which emphasizes the natural rhythm, beats, rhyme and alliteration of his language.

[Julie Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This selection of poems is by Nick Cannon who gives credit to Shel Silverstein for inspiration. While I thought some of the poems were good - inspirational or clever I found many of them to be hoo-hum. Most followed an ab ab rhyme scheme which can get quite monotonous over time. I wasn't overly impressed. That being said...I did purchase the book and it will be in the library. The kids may like it more than I did.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actor, musician and producer Nick Cannon combines his passions for poetry and hip-hop in this terrific new collection. As a child, Cannon found equal inspiration in Shel Silverstein and rappers, whom he calls "the storytellers of the street." He’s sure to energize and entertain kids with these funny, gross, wacky and thought-provoking poems.

[Liz Cronin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis: This book is a modern collection of poems filled with fantastical characters and was inspired by many people the author knows and admires.

Critique: My students LOVE this book. The poems are funny and illustrations follow suit. It reminds me of a modern hip-hop version of Shel Silverstein. Cannon's poems are inspired by lunch ladies, halitosis, boogers, burps, and recording artists.

[AnnieM · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great fun. The perfect mix of hip hop and poetry. Some are fun and silly others are more serious.

Do this as an audio. This is not a book just to read. It is to be heard and spoken.

Cannon makes poetry cool.

[Ellen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Urban poetry, teen angst, graffiti art, humor, gross humor

Some decent poems, some basically longstanding jokes.

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, but it just fell flat for me. I'm no poetry expert, but I didn't find the poems all that interesting.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know what I love most about this book (besides Vegetarian Farts), the fact that Nick Cannon talks about why he writes poetry. What a great way to get kids writing!!!

[Becca · Rating 2 out of 5]

My middle school creative writing club writes waaaaaayy better poetry. But I'm sure some kid will love the fact that these were written by Cannnon and, hey, whatever gets them to read, right?

[Becky Stevens (Woolley) · Rating 5 out of 5]

These poems are fantastic! My students loved them and couldn't wait to read them to each other and laugh together over it.

[Ahouse4biswas · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was just o.k. I certainly wouldn't be memorizing any for future regurgitation.

[Erika · Rating 2 out of 5]

The artwork is very fun and fits the poems, but the poetry is lackluster.

[Alli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a big poetry fan, that being said - not bad and actually touching in some parts.