Limerick Comics

by Robert Hoyman, Steve Feldman (Illustrator)

Limerick Comics, winner of the 2022 New England Book Festival for Poetry, and the 2023 Southern California Book Festival playfully blends amusing limerick poetry and nonfiction.

The 32-page collection offers lighthearted original limericks on a diverse range of history and science topics, accompanied by intriguing facts, presented in entertaining comics. Each page contains a five-panel fully illustrated mini-comic, and a sixth panel with engaging, fun facts and information about that topic.

Kids of all ages are invited to linger on each page to enjoy the humor of hyperbolic imagery, ponder inferences, and view the evocative details of each eye-catching illustrated panel. Add this playful book to your home, classroom, school, or public library collection, and nurture an appreciation for the anapestic cadence and rhyme of limerick poetry, combined with a didactic exploration of science, history, civics, and art.

Genres: Poetry, Graphic Novels, Comics, Nonfiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 2, 2019

About the author

Robert Hoyman is a graduate of the University of South Florida in Tampa. His journey as a classroom teacher spanned 41 years teaching in private and public schools in Florida, California, and Virginia. Limerick Comics is his debut book. He is a member of SCBWI.

In addition to his full time teaching duties, Robert worked part time for 20 years. He coached after school athletics, rendered counseling services to children, adolescents, and their parents at a community counseling center, and worked as a competency trainer for the court system. He also served on the board of directors at the local children’s community theatre.

Robert was a teacher of the year finalist in school districts in Florida and Virginia. Additionally, he was named Virginia District 5 VFW teacher of the year in 2010.

In the classroom, on the school stage, or on the playground, Robert’s primary goal was to make learning fun. He produced and directed more than a dozen fully-staged musical plays. He co-wrote and produced a performance version of the television game show To Tell the Truth.

Additionally, Robert was once awarded a mini-grant to purchase the resources needed for his students to create animated films from their art work. He was contacted by a retiree who wished to volunteer and assist with the project. It turned out to be legendary Disney animator Fred Grable. The students loved Fred’s instruction, and were enthralled by recollections of his days working on early Disney feature films, and later television cartoon classics.

Born in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, Robert grew up on the Space Coast of Florida. During his childhood, he was a witness to a host of historic launches from the Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs. He and wife Robin have two grown sons, and share their home in Melbourne, Florida with a precious pug named Gus.

Reviews

[*Tau*]

For people who like: educational cartoons in rhyme

In five words: cartoons - informative - limericks - history - biology

Positive points: The format is very original: a combination of comics, rhymes in the form of limericks and always an additional text with lots of interesting and/or fun facts.

Negative points: The drawing style wasn't entirely to my taste, especially the faces were my least favourite. But I did love the way the illustrator used the colour palette f.e. to highlight certain things.
As several other reviewers mention, there doesn't seem to be a thread which connects all of these single page comics. Sometimes it's about history, biology, … Personally I've got a very broad field of interests, so I was interested to read all of the entries. But it's a fact that the book would gain profit if there would either be more comics/rhymes bundled in a thicker book which could then be divided into several sections (like abovementioned) or in several books about specific subjects. Another idea to create more structure is to put the historical comics in chronological order (that way teachers would have a very visual tool to spark the curiosity of their pupils for different periods in history).
At times the text feels a bit forced, as if it's only made to rhyme.
Some of the entries are less interesting, because they feel like common knowledge. But of course, that appreciation may be rather personal.
My greatest gripe though is that sometimes the comics feel too moralizing (f.e. those about healthy food or smoking).

Rating: 3,5* rounded down, because this book could be even more interesting if it were more extensive (now it's feels way too short) and less moralizing (readers can make up their own mind)

*Thanks to NetGalley and Robert Hoyman for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[JoyReaderGirl1]

A blend of laugh-out-loud humor, comics, poetry, and fantastical topics, Robert Hayman’s “Limerick Comics” for 8-12-year-olds is an exceptional learning tool that young learners never thought they would love.

Parents, teachers, and tutors will be great fans of Limeric Comics as well, because each page of the book presents well-structured limericks ranging from history, science, famous people, and general knowledge that teach youngsters in a fun and engaging manner.

In addition to each limerick, detailed facts about each subject and fun, colorful illustrations are included.

Limerick Comics is an excellent read for kids and adults, blending humor with education.

JoyReaderGirl1 graciously thanks NetGalley, Author Robert Hoyman, and Pony Express Publications for this advanced reader copy for review.

[Sadie Forsythe]

Cute little book of limericks, accompanied by a paragraph of facts. I actually learned a thing or two, which was fun and unexpected. I think that if I could get my 3rd grader to actually sit down with it, she'd enjoy it a lot.

[Jenn Marshall]

A cute, short book full of silly limericks. It was a fun read. Each limerick has its own page complete with art. The art is cute and goes with the theme of the book really well. I enjoyed reading it, I do hope there are more.

[Beth Ann]

I absolutely loved this book! Author Robert Hoyman along with talented illustrator Steve Feldman have created an amazingly wonderful book for children ages 8-12. This way past 12 year old probably enjoyed it just as much as any child would.

Limericks are fun and it is a brilliant teaching idea to use limericks to pass on some information in a fun form. I remember my mom teaching limericks to her 3rd graders and always enjoyed some of the creative ideas that came out of those classes. Coupled with truly engaging illustrations in a comic book style this book is a winner hands down.

Not only did I learn more facts about the slug and blobfish than I can share in a short review - I learned some historical facts as well. I can just see my 9 year old niece devouring this book.

Well done, Robert Hoyman and Steve Feldman, for creating a fun book that will teach children some really great facts that they might not have known before. Easy to read, brilliantly illustrated and a great little book to have this one is going on my gifting list for sure.

Thanks to the authors and publisher for a free copy for my honest review. This is one I absolutely loved.

[LitPick Book Reviews]

Robert Hoyman’s Limerick Comics is filled with limericks written by the author about various aspects of science and social studies. A few about healthy eating, the importance of not smoking, and safe food handling are great reminders of the lessons adults always want kids to learn, but most of the limericks focus on interesting facts about numerous topics such as remora fish, steeplejacks/ironworkers, or Portland cement that many kids probably don’t know about on their own. Throughout the book, each page is a colorful series of well-illustrated comic panels that contain each line of the limerick while the last panel always explains the limerick or gives background information about it. In case someone needs help understanding some of the vocabulary used, a glossary is included that defines each word in an easy to understand way. Overall, it’s a unique 30 page book that’s a special treat to read!
Opinion:
Limerick Comics is a simply written picture book that has more information in it than seems possible. It’s written for kids ages 8-12 whether they are reluctant or avid readers, but I bet parents and kids would enjoy reading it together for a good laugh and to learn some fun new facts. It’d also be great for teachers to share in class when they introduce students to limericks for the first time. I think blending comics with limericks helps motivate kids to take an interest in poetry and shows how reading or writing our own poems doesn’t have to feel scary. The book helped me realize limericks aren’t complicated either. They basically come from arranging a few words line by line while playing around with how they rhyme. They can be about any topic we choose, and it doesn’t even matter whether they turn out to be serious or funny poems. For me, reading this book was educational and entertaining. If I ever need to write my own limerick, it won’t feel like so much work. It’ll be fun!

[Books Review]

This book has a distinctively poetic and nonfictional blending. Each page in the collection includes a humorous original limerick on a range of historical and scientific subjects, along with fascinating facts that are illustrated in amusing comics. All children are encouraged to stay on each page to laugh, consider implications, and take in the humorous intricacies of each illustrated panel. For kids aged 8 to 12, author Robert Hoyman and gifted illustrator Steve Feldman have written an incredible, fantastic book.

Every page of the book is a vibrant collection of well-illustrated comic panels that feature each line of the limerick, with the last panel of each page always explaining the limerick or providing context for it. A glossary is provided that understandably describes each word in case someone needs assistance understanding some of the vocabulary used. I enjoy how it continues with informational tidbits following the limerick; it's a clever approach to impart knowledge in a lighthearted manner. I was surprised by some of the bizarre facts in this book because I had assumed that I had a reasonably full head of unusual information. Children could learn to read and use unconventional thinking skills by reading Limerick Comics. Even yet, I was still learning things as an adult.

The book discusses several social studies, science, and health topics. The limericks are unusual and distinctive, but for grownups, a paragraph containing intriguing facts is more crucial. This book can be intriguing to readers who are hesitant to read or who are interested in a variety of nonfiction. I like how the child may recall the data more easily because of the limericks. When introducing kids to limericks for the first time, teachers should share it in class. Reading this book was both interesting and educational for me. It is a book that may be handed down from one generation to the next and makes a great present.

[Billy Buttons]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Limerick Comics
Author: Robert Hoyman, ill. by Steve Feldman

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 10/5

Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘picking fun limericks for them to enjoy’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
“Full of lots of fun limericks which I enjoyed looking at. I liked that there was a little info on every page. Also, the artwork looked cool.” Boy, aged 12
“I thought this was funny in parts. It´s good that there are so many limericks looking at so many different things, like history and art. So, I think there´s a limerick in here for everybody.” Girl, aged 11
“A thoughtfully put together set of limericks covering many subjects children will find fun and will relate to. The supporting text is not overly long and is accessible written. There are also lots of fun illustrations to keep children amused. As a classroom tool for introducing poetry (rhythm and rhyme), this is excellent.” Primary school teacher, aged 55

To Sum It Up:
‘A wonderfully fun set of limericks, perfect for 9 – 12 year olds. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Carolyn Bragg]

Each Lymerick-style rhyme is illustrated in an amusing, colorful way, and is followed by truly fascinating information about the subject of the poem (i.e., the pony express, muleskinners, jesters or slugs). Some are explanations, and some include in-depth information about wildlife or historical subjects that typical sources overlook. I was surprised by the number of things I didn't know! I also appreciated the author's mention of healthy habits within the topics.

One or two subjects may not be to your taste at first, but they are very diverse, and unless you're a trivia expert (like champions on a certain game show), you will learn something that may send you off to research a new topic of interest!

5/5 Stars A fun way to learn in greater depth!

Thanks to Pony Express Publications and NetGalley for the temporary digital preview; any review is voluntary and entirely my own opinion.

#LimerickComics #NetGalley
#PonyExpressPublications
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#HumerousIllustrationsofLymerickSubjects
#NonfictionFunScienceHistoryTrivia
#NonfictionHumorousandEducationalInformatiinHistory
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#ChildrensComicsandGraphicNovelsBooks

[Tynea Lewis]

Limerick Comics is a book with limericks (a certain type of poem) illustrated in comic style that includes fun pictures. Not only is this book full of funny limericks, but it also has interesting pieces of information relating to each limerick! It's easy-to-read style makes it fun for any age!

This book creates a unique way to enjoy limericks. One of my favorites is about the novel The Wreck of the Titan. It tells about the ship named the Titan and how similar it was to the wreck of the Titanic. I like how it gives little bits of information after the limerick, a creative way to teach with a fun style. My 15-year-old cousin even read the book and liked it. So did my little 8-year-old sister. There are some poems that are rather gross, though, like one about barfing and one about someone biting an ear off someone else and pickling it. I give this book a 5-star rating because of its creativity and ability to draw in readers.

[Deborah Barwick]

This book is a keeper. Produced in hardback to a very high standard, both the limericks, the explanatory prose, and the illustrations will appeal to both children and those adults who remain young at heart. It is a book that can be passed from generation to generation – and an ideal gift.

From trapeze artists to blob fish, from slugs to steeplejacks, this book has something for everyone. The sometimes-crazy limericks set the stage for a real learning experience in the explanation beneath. The accompanying pictures, occasionally a little gruesome in a comic-book style, will appeal to older kids with both a sense of humour and a desire to learn.

There are some strange facts in this book that took me by surprise; and I thought my head was fairly-well stuffed with unusual information.

A joy to dive into. Completely recommend.

Deborah Barwick, Author
Business Partner
Official The Book Dragon Reviewer

[Syntaxx]

Miigweetch NetGalley and Pony Express Publications for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This is a short book full of illustrated limericks. Each limerick has a theme, and at the end of the poem is a short blurb full of facts related to the theme. The arrangement and curation of subjects is seemingly random and nothing really seems to go together. I didn’t like the art style nor the font used and initially I was really turned off and was going to rate this book 1 or 2 stars. Nevertheless, I kept reading, and I actually learned a few things. I cannot stress enough how RANDOM the poems seem to be. My favorite was the one about members of the Mohawk nation becoming steeplejacks - it was truly fascinating!

I would have liked to see a more cohesive theme, and some of the rhymes were a bit of a stretch, but overall, I did enjoy reading the book and would consider using some of the limiericks as samples in a classroom poetry unit.

[Steff Fox]

I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting to find some of these comic and limerick combinations disturbing, but here we are. I’m honestly not really sure what to think of this book as a whole nor am I certain precisely who the book was written for.

While I think it’s worthwhile that there are factual snippets of information included throughout, the path we kind of follow through the book is a rather disjointed one that really aligns only with randomness. And as a result I’m kind of left standing here wondering what, precisely, was the point of this at all?

It kind of feels like this limerick thing was something the author kind of just enjoyed doing, utilizing entirely random bits of knowledge they had to write them up and thought one day to just compile all their work together even if it couldn’t possibly fit into anything cohesive. I wouldn’t say that’s entirely wrong to do, of course, but I also wouldn’t say it makes for a good read.

[Jessica Bronder]

This is a wonderful collection of twenty-nine limericks. Each limerick was a wonderful illustration and a section of notes to further explain the history and science behind the limericks. You will learn about jesters, ants, and the Titan and Titanic. Although I think my favorite was a canine ballet. There is also a little glossary of term in the back of the book for additional information.

I really enjoyed this book. It’s a fun way to teach children limericks and has some wonderful illustrations that help add to them. I loved the history and science. I even learned some things as I read the book.

Limerick Comics would be a wonderful way to introduce reading and thinking outside the box to children. Although as an adult I was even learning things.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

[Becky B]

A collection of limerick poems with an illustration for each line and then a paragraph of educational information about one or more of the topics of each poem.

This was…odd. It felt like someone wrote a bunch of limericks about random topics and then someone told them they had to explain to kids what the things in the limericks were. I would have been ok with either a book of random facts with illustrations or a book of just limericks (I get readers looking for either), but combining the two really broke up the flow of the book and felt disjointed and lacking focus. If it had been just comics of limericks I might have purchased it for our library, but as is, I don’t think I have any readers for this.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[loveandstolenkisses]

Limerick Comics is a collection of one-page comics that with rhyme, funny drawings, and text present the reader history, mini bio of ”famous” people (I didn't know of them), or scientific topics.

It was a fun and engaging read!

The rhyme often made me smile and I found that it added a special personality to the text info.

The comics/facts are not related in a way that means you learn about one subject only, but instead, you learn about lots of different things giving the reader an introduction to many fields.

A perfect read for the reader that hates long and complicated books. The reader will without a doubt get a broad general knowledge from this read – and honestly, who doesn't like feeling smarter after reading a book?

[loveandstolenkisses]

Limerick Comics is a collection of one-page comics that with rhyme, funny drawings, and text present the reader history, mini bio of ”famous” people (I didn't know of them), or scientific topics.

It was a fun and engaging read!

The rhyme often made me smile and I found that it added a special personality to the text info.

The comics/facts are not related in a way that means you learn about one subject only, but instead, you learn about lots of different things giving the reader an introduction to many fields.

A perfect read for the reader that hates long and complicated books. The reader will without a doubt get a broad general knowledge from this read – and honestly, who doesn't like feeling smarter after reading a book?

[Ryan]

I didn’t expect anything from this book, but I got quite a bit. On each page of this book, the reader is given a limerick, and at the bottom of the page the limerick is explained. For example, there’s a limerick about a trapeze artist who falls into the net. Below, it tells you about the first trapeze artist, and how his act came about. and how he died. Not from falling through the air by the way. The illustrations are bright and they’re lively, but there’s just a little something that does not appeal to me. At times it almost feels more like student work than professional artist. However, they do a great job of doing panel by panel for the illustrations and overall, this book was a pleasure and an interesting read.

[Theediscerning]

Slightly unusual choice, with some illustrated narrative limericks, added to also by a chunk of factual writing. So when we see a trapeze artist, or the finding of King Tut's tomb, we learn about the origins of such circus skills, and of course about Carter and the Pharaohs. But the range of subjects is not limited to known characters, or specific real-life circumstances, for we also get the caveman who introduced fire, and, er, a particularly sporty slug. The artwork is kind of cheap CGI cartoonish in approach, which is not too sinful for this age range, and there is a big gap between the limerick readability and the heft of the facts that follow, but nothing that stops me recommending this for a browse at least. Three and a half stars.

[Stephanie Tournas]

Completely random limericks on different subjects are illustrated by five-panel comics (one panel per line of a limerick.) Limericks and a corresponding paragraph explaining the subject of the poem fill each page. Slugs, medieval jesters, trapeze artists, remora fish and roller coasters are a few of the unrelated limerick topics. Digital art aims to make the reader laugh. There’s a glossary at the end.

The sameness of each page’s design is tiring; the production values of the illustrations are uneven, and seem amateurish.

[Daenon Bronken]

I received a free copy of Limerick Comics through a Goodreads Giveway and finished it in the span of 20 minutes.

With the use of illustration, poetry, and in-dept explanation, Robert Hoyman and Steve Feldman develop a very accessible and welcoming way of learning. The book covers different areas of social studies, science, and health. Some ideas are familiar while some introduced concepts are new. Using Limerick Comics as a starting point for students creating their own poems would be fun and enriching for both primary and secondary students!

[Wayne McCoy]

'Limerick Comics' by Robert Hoyman with illustrations by Steve Feldman is a graphic novel of fun limericks (and you might just learn a thing or two).

This book is a series of clever limericks about all kinds of things. Things like slugs and food fights and bats, among other things. After each limerick are some quick fun facts about the subject of the limerick.

As a kid, I would have loved this book. The limericks are great. So are the facts. The art works well for the book but feels a bit overly digital for me.

[Pat]

I received a free copy of "Limerick Comics" by Robert Hoyman through the "Good Reads First Reads Giveaway."

My 8 year old grand daughter was drawn to this book and found it funny. This is what the book is made for, the children's audience, and it succeeds. The limericks are unique and original but most important for the adults, is a paragraph of facts about interesting topics.

I would recommend this book to any parent who wants to entertain and educate their child.

[Kasey Giard]

This book has playful illustrations paired with limerick poems about different nonfiction topics ranging from bats to an Egyptian King. It's structured more like a graphic novel, with the illustrations in panels and the poems broken down into one line per panel. After the poem, there are short paragraphs giving more facts about the poem's topic for some added educational value. I could see this book appealing to reluctant readers or readers interested in a wide range of nonfiction.

[Morgan]

I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
This book is a collection of random topics presented in limerick form followed by a paragraph that expands on the information. The limericks are simple in nature and the informational paragraphs are written simply. One issue is that the topics are random and seemingly without connection. I did learn about topics I had never heard of before.
This is a good book for young readers and anyone interested in trivia information.

[Lisa Gisèle]

This is such a fun book. The limericks are comical, the facts connected to the limericks are actually quite fascinating and the images are wonderful. I enjoy how due to the limericks the child may remember the facts easier.

I would definitely use this for a project

[Darian]

The comics were fun and very educational. I'm excited to continue reading this with my son as he gets older and understands more. It has topics ranging from insects, fish, to Egypt, the titanic and more.

[Mary]

Entertaining read

[Jill]

This was just ok. I think that the limericks were cute and the artwork was alright. It just didn't grab me and hold my attention.

[Eliani]

Interesting and relevantly easy limericks to follow. With comics and generally information related to the story.. Some names and things made up, with information attached to explain stories, facts, and history. Although some seem less fact based and more broad information.
That said, the book doesn't seem to follow much of a theme. One moment we're learning out Jane Goodall, the history of trapeze and namesake of leotard(s), then a pirate that got into a bar fight and had her ear bitten off and the dangers of smoking.

However, I'm not entirely sure who the target audience is, but this was not really my cup of tea.

***Thank you to Pony Express Publications and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**