Review - The Best Worst Poet Ever

The Best Worst Poet Ever
by Lauren Stohler
Date: 2020
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 48
Format: e-book
Source: library

Furry rivals Cat and Pug have a rhyme-riddled showdown in this hilarious and delightfully quirky picture book about the joys of writing poetry—playfully imagined by the creator of social media sensation Inkpug!

There once was a Pug and a Cat
Who engaged in a poetic spat…

Cat and Pug are each determined to become the World’s Best Poet, no matter what it takes. Whether they’re writing sonnets to sundaes or typing ballads with their butts, they will stop at nothing to outwit, out-write, and out-verse each other.

But perhaps there is an even greater prize to be had: Can these two rivals discover the wonderful joy of writing…together?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a fun little book about a poetic spat between a dog and a cat. They each think they're the best poet. They throw quatrains, haikus, and various verses at each other, until they finally realize that maybe, together, their talents can be put to better use.

With touches of humour and a relatable rivalry, The Best Worst Poet Ever shows what happens when a couple of enemies use their respective talents for ill... and for good. There are plenty of insults to go around, and even an instance of underwear theft. All of it is combined into a whimsically illustrated narrative about (eventually) cooperation.

I'd recommend this one to readers who enjoy poetry, wordplay, and fun stories about dog/cat rivalries.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 4/5
Meter: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5