Is that a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's a poem! Concrete poems are shaped like their subjects. They can look like objects, animals, or even people. You won't find many straight lines here! Award-winning author Brian P. Cleary explains how concrete poems work―and uses them to create all sorts of wild wordplay. Ode to a Commode is packed with mind-bending poems to make you puzzle and ponder. And when you've finished reading, you can try your hand at writing your own concrete poems! "Cleary's collection of poems range between quietly clever to laugh-out-loud funny....[T]he poems are short and fun enough to charm even the most ardent enemy of poetry, and children will likely walk away feeling inspired to make their own concrete poems in the most creative of shapes. Recommended for both school and public libraries."― Booklist "This is a solid book of poetry with a variety of enjoyable examples to inspire readers' own efforts." ― School Library Journal "Cleary's 24 light subjects are aided mightily by Rowland's intricately detailed hand-lettering and charming illustrations.... Signature silliness from Cleary and Rowland abounds in this children's celebration of concrete poetry." ― Kirkus Reviews Brian P. Cleary is an American humorist, poet, and author. He is best known for his books written for grade-school children that explore grammar, math and poetry in humorous ways. In his role in the digital division of American Greetings, he's put words in the mouths of Dolly Parton, Christina Aguilera, William Shatner, Meghan Trainor and more. The multi-million selling author has performed poetry workshops in 500 elementary schools across the county. He lives in Cleveland, Ohio. While studying for a degree in Manchester, Andy Rowland accepted his first drawing award, the Macmillan Children's Book Prize. Years later, he has more than twenty published books to his name. He lives in England.