The 2000 Year Old Man Goes to School

by Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, James Bennett (Illustrator)

About four days ago, a plane landed in America with a man who claimed to be 2000 years old. Today, that man is visiting a school just like yours to tell the children of the world what it's like to be 2000 years old. Here are some of the things you will What did the 2000 Year Old Man use for transportation?
FEAR. You see, an animal would growl at you, and you would go two miles a minute! What language did the 2000 Year Old Man speak?
Rock. Basic rock. Like, "Hey, don't throw that rock at me! Put that rock away!" What food did the 2000 Year Old Man eat
Only what was natural and organic. Clouds, stars, rocks. Big things and small things. But we had to be careful of the red ants because a few live ones on your tongue will eat your tongue before you eat them. Comic geniuses Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner have teamed up once again to bring their beloved 2000 Year Old Man to school. This is one show-and-tell exhibit you're never going to forget!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Humor

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Mel Brooks (born "Melvin Kaminsky") is an American multi-award winning director, writer, composer, lyricist, comedian, actor and producer best known as a creator of broad film farces and comedy parodies.

Brooks is a member of the short list of entertainers with the distinction of having won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony award.

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not sure why anyone felt that introducing kids to the 2000 year old man was a good idea . . . the humor is dated, and no - that's not a pun! There are more amusing ways to teach history than this old chestnut of a comedy routine. AND, as if the book isn't bad enough, it comes with a CD. I thought it might be fun to hear Brooks & Reiner doing their bit, but - SHEESH! - there is a laugh track. Yeah. I kid you not. It's so unfunny that they felt the listener needed to be goaded into laughing.

Do yourself a favor - wait until your kids are a little older, then show 'em Young Frankenstein. That's really all the Mel Brooks they'll ever need to see. (Okay - maybe Blazing Saddles . . . but you'll have to use your own judgement on that one.)

[Jeremiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish this was more than just a transcription of the classic comedy set. This is a fun idea but for it to work the bits need to be rewritten and adapted better. Reading this aloud is awkward and some of the jokes need to be rewritten for modern times.

The CD included is a mess of audio—clips of different voices slapped together, studio recorded sound mashed with clips from a live comedy show. It would have worked better if it was just a fresh recording.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who love the original sketches by the authors, you can enjoy this with your family. As a fan of Brooks and Reiner, I can “read” this in the voices and tones of the classic sketches. The only reason I can not recommend this to every reader is that, if you do not know the classic sketch, this seems too limited. Consider this a sequel if you will - it has all the veneer, made kid friendly, of the original, but without knowing the flow and timing that Brooks and Reiner brought to the classic sketches, it is not the same. The book does include a CD with the work performed by the authors, but most will appreciate it more with the original in mind.

I like it, I recommend it to those who appreciate the classic sketch, but the only thing that stops it from being a five star review is that it works better if you watch the original. Brooks and Reiner still pack a family friendly wallop, so don’t miss this if you love their works. If you are not familiar with the existing sketches, start there... this book should be around for...oh, 2000 years or so.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought a book by Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner would be great and funny. Man, was I wrong. I know this is a thing they do but it does not do well in this format. I don't think kids will understand this at all. Yes, some of the questions are fun but the answers are just not funny. I was disappointed. It comes with a disc but I didn't want to listen and be even more disappointed.

[Jo-Ann Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very humorous book for kids. I think school age kids would enjoy how silly the answers are and adults can enjoy being silly along with them and pretending to sound like Mel Brooks. The illustrations are also very entertaining and match the story well.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd like to listen to the book on CD, included with the book, but I was not in a position to do so. I can almost hear Mel Brook's voice and think it would be better than reading it. Not really funny reading.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great way to introduce kids to Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks. Clean comedy is the best!!

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fun illustrations. Not a very funny book, just odd.

[Braxton Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I read that ever made me laugh! Nearly every page either made me snicker or laughing out loud. It was even better having the audio with Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner saying the lines and interacting with the kids.

One of my favorite picture books of all time!!!

[Rose]

E Bro

[Steven Mahlburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bwahahahaha! Just remember the answer to everything is fear.

[Matt Lukens]

This is a great book and very easy to read. Is about a 2000 year old man that comes to answer questions about his life 2000 years ago.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner!

[Ryan M. Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids loved this one.