
A charmingly odd anthology of rhymed verses, this work invites listeners into a world where beasts speak and moral lessons hide behind whimsical descriptions. From the gentle yak and the regal lion to the extinct dodo and the mischievous frog, each creature is presented with playful language and surprising facts that spark curiosity. The poet’s voice, half‑instructional and half‑nonsense, nudges children toward good manners while indulging their love of the fantastical.
The verses flow with a Victorian‑era cadence, complete with quirky illustrations that the narrator urges you not to tear out, adding a tactile sense to the listening experience. As the collection unfolds, listeners hear gentle admonitions about behavior, humorously comparing naughty habits to the antics of apes, bears, and even a hip‑hop‑like hippo. It’s an enchanting blend of education and imagination, perfect for young ears eager to explore the animal kingdom through rhyme.
Listeners will also discover the author's affectionate dedication to a mysterious “Master Evelyn Bell,” giving the collection a personal, almost secretive tone. The playful mix of factual tidbits—like the whale’s blubber turned to oil or the camel’s reputation as the “ship of the desert”—keeps the narrative lively and informative. All the while, the gentle ribbing of children’s mischief reminds us that learning can be as entertaining as it is enlightening.
Language
en
Duration
~5 minutes (5K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chris Curnow, Joseph Cooper, some images courtesy of The Internet Archive and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2008-11-06
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1870–1953
Known for sharp wit, vivid travel writing, and memorable verse, this French-born English writer moved easily between history, politics, and poetry. His work can be playful, opinionated, and surprisingly lively more than a century later.
View all books