This Reading Response worksheet features a playful poem titled “Pickle with Cheddar” from the book The Elephant Repairman, which humorously describes a love for an unusual food combination. The reading response activity encourages personal engagement by asking students to rate the poem, identify their favorite part, and share what the poem reminds them of. This exercise promotes reading comprehension, personal reflection, and connection to literature. The quirky food theme makes it particularly engaging for grades 2-4, while also encouraging students to think about taste descriptions, personal preferences, and the concept of perspective in a lighthearted context. It is designed with clear formatting and readability to work well for a wide range of learners and classroom settings.
Search Results for: Pickle
The Pirate of Pickletown

The pirate of Pickletown, Buccaneer Bob,
was never too clever, or good at his job.
You couldn’t quite call him a competent crook.
He hadn’t a peg leg, an eye patch, or hook.
He didn’t look fearsome. He never said, “Aarrrr!”
He had no tattoos, nor a beard, nor a scar.
He didn’t have crossbones or skulls on his hat.
His parrot was scared away, thanks to his cat.
Since Buccaneer Bob never learned how to sail,
his ship was as slow as a slumbering snail.
He never found out how to plunder or steal.
He never hauled enemies under the keel.
His ship had no anchor, no flag, and no plank.
The chest for his treasure? His pink piggy bank.
There weren’t many jewels or gems he could find.
The booty he sat on was just his behind.
And no one was frightened, since Buccaneer Bob
had no ships to hijack or people to rob.
And that’s how it looks like it always will be,
since Pickletown’s far, far away from the sea.
Pickle with Cheddar

There’s nothing I like more
than pickle with cheddar.
You really should try it.
There’s nothing that’s better.
The pickle is salty.
The cheddar is creamy.
The combo, together, is
utterly dreamy.
The cheddar is silky.
The pickle is crunchy.
The taste is delicious.
It’s yummy and munchy.
I eat it for breakfast.
I eat it for lunch.
I eat it for dinner,
dessert, snack, and brunch.
I savor the flavor;
it cannot be beat.
But pickle with cheddar’s
not all that I eat.
Occasionally,
since I’m just a bit fickle,
I’ll try something different,
like cheddar with pickle.
My Car is Constructed of Pickles

My car is constructed of pickles.
It’s wonderfully crunchy and sweet.
If ever I’m hungry while driving
I pull off a pickle to eat.
The engine is made out of gherkins.
The dashboard’s an extra-large dill.
The windows and wipers are kosher
as well as the bumpers and grille.
The hood’s made of hamburger slices.
The gas tank is brimming with brine.
The doors are delectably salty.
The stickshift is simply divine.
There’s one little problem I’m having.
I’m sure you would know what I mean
if ever you saw this contraption;
my marvelous pickle machine.
I guess I’ve included my auto
in just a few too many meals
and now it won’t budge when I start it.
I shouldn’t have eaten the wheels.
Weekly Children’s Poetry Roundup – Saturday, January 3, 2026

Welcome back, fellow poetry enthusiasts! It’s that time again for our weekly Children’s Poetry Blog Post Roundup. We’ve gathered up all the exciting news and wonderful updates from the world of children’s poetry over the past week, and I’m thrilled to share them with you.
Weekly Children’s Poetry Roundup – Saturday, August 9, 2025

Here we are again, folks, with your weekly dose of Children’s Poetry Blog Post Roundup! This week has brought us a fresh batch of inspiring poems, reviews, and creative prompts. So, grab your notebooks, sharpen your pencils, and let’s see what’s new in the world of children’s poetry!
Today I Packed My Lunch Myself

Today I packed my lunch myself.
I got my lunch box off the shelf
and quickly filled it to the top.
I don’t know why I couldn’t stop.
That’s why I have a soda pop,
an ice cream cone, a lemon drop,
bananas, bacon, gummy bears,
lasagna, licorice, pickles, pears,
a candy bar, a chocolate shake,
an apple pie, a birthday cake,
some chips and dip, a T-bone steak…
I also have a tummy ache.
The Magic of Sound in Poetry
Why it Matters and How to Explore It

Poetry is like a playground for words, and when we think about the sounds words make, it’s like adding a super cool sound system to that playground! Paying attention to the sounds in poetry can make it even more fun and exciting. It’s not just about what the words mean, but also about how they feel to say and hear. Sound is what makes poetry dance and sing.
Why Sound Matters in Children’s Poetry
Think about your favorite song. Is it just the words you like, or the way the music makes you feel? Poetry is similar! Good poetry uses different sounds to create feelings and images in your head. It can be playful, serious, or even a little bit silly. Sound helps to paint the picture the poet is trying to create, adding layers of meaning and emotion that you might not get from just reading the words silently.
Random Andy

Random Andy makes up things
by sticking words together.
Today he made a flowercow
and then a picklefeather.
He also made some candypants.
He made some airplanetrees.
He made some donutdragonflies
and bluebananabees.
He made a monkeytoothbrush
and a corncobcoffeecup.
If you made things like Random Andy,
what would you make up?
Giggle Your Way to Better Reading: The Power of Funny Poetry

Today I’d like to share some insights about how humorous poetry can supercharge kids’ literacy skills. So, get ready to discover why giggles and grins are secret weapons in the battle for better reading and how you can create more literary laughter in the classroom!
The Power of Humor in Learning
We all know that learning is easier when it’s fun, right? Well, humor takes that idea and kicks it up a notch! When kids laugh, their brains release chemicals that make them feel good. This good feeling makes them want to keep reading, even if reading is usually tough for them. It’s like their brain is saying, “Hey, this is awesome! Let’s do more!”