As an author, Gregg has developed his craft through storytelling and humour, both important aspects of his personality and approach to life. While his current books are quite different, one being a children’s story and the other a political satire, the common threads are a focus on doing the right thing and recognising the merits of living true to our values.
Ever wonder what makes an alarm clock tick? How does it fine-tune its ringer and get the courage to wake people up from a deep sleep? All alarm clocks have the same, singular mission in life, but they are not all the same. Meet Silenzio and his alarm clock family. Silenzio is struggling to overcome a fundamental challenge: his conscience. On this journey of self-discovery, Silenzio looks deep within himself and uncovers his own special gift, just in time to avoid a potential catastrophe.
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A perfect summation of my feelings written by someone else
Sums up the past several months very nicely, adding humor to alleviate the general frustration of the situation. Plus the proceeds go to a very worthy cause.
This is a very thoughtful little book for adults and children with a great message about the importance of following your conscience with courage, character and empathy. Very clear drawings appropriate for all ages.
A good funny read to brighten up your day
It was brilliantly written and caught my interest from beginning to end. With all the difficult moments we’ve encountered with the presidency and pandemic, the limericks made me laugh. I found the book very entertaining and enjoyed every minute of it.
The funniest history book I’ve ever read!
A delightful read. Funny, witty, and spot on. Gregg has a wonderful way to craft the English language into a pointed historical account of the last few weeks in Washington.
Best new book on the market for kids from ages 1 to 10
I thought that this book was incredible. The story is super interesting and overall it is amazing. The main character is super lovable and goes on a great adventure.I am a kid and it was super interesting. I could not put it down!
Kindle Customer
A most enjoyable read!
Delightful book – hits all the high and low points of the Trump administration with great insight and wit! Loved this book!!
A good funny read to brighten up your day
It was brilliantly written and caught my interest from beginning to end. With all the difficult moments we’ve encountered with the presidency and pandemic, the limericks made me laugh. I found the book very entertaining and enjoyed every minute of it.
Proverbs, not limericks!
“Many a true word has been said in jest!” So said Shakespeare. Although Mr. Robins wraps up in his book many truths about the Trump administration, there is nothing here to jest about. The fact is, Mr. Robins wraps up these truths in the form of proverbs, not limericks. In essence, Mr. Robins presents a series of short, pithy rhymes that succinctly capture our collective experience of the last four years. This book should be read – and reread – on the eve of every primary and election. Its words will hauntingly remind us of how closely an irreversible crises was averted this time – and that we may not be so lucky next time – if we slumber or sleep. This book should be kept in plain sight – never put away – and read again and again.
A wonderful book!
Bought this book to read with my nephews (3 year old and 6 year old) and, to be honest, I enjoyed it just as much as they did! Great illustrations and a wonderful story. We’ve read it several times already and it has been added to the “favourites” shelf.
Robins makes the limerick structure whir and spin
Gregg Robins has written a series of limericks about the pathetic collapse of Donald Trump’s presidency and Joe Biden’s unexpected role as Salvator Patriae II. Putting the Anglo-Irish haiku tradition to the task of political commentary on the Trump-Biden transition is a unique concept. So the next question is: How did Gregg do in meeting his self-generated challenge? Well, see for yourself. He makes the limerick structure whir and spin and kick out insightful, biting commentary on our times and our leaders. Indeed, I suspect that the limitations of the limerick structure, if anything, actually sharpened his literary and analytical skills. If you read just one, you’ll read them all.
A Howler
A wonderful collection of satirical limmricks poking fun at the absolute insanity of the current American political scene. Was Trump a mole for the Russians or the Chinese or is he the rope we will use to hang ourselves? Time will tell, but this book encourages us to laugh at a time when the US stared into the abyss – a great way to keep your head about you while all around us are loosing theirs! Oh, and the illustrations are priceless.
Of Villains and Heroes Quite a List – Refreshing, Inciteful/insightful, humorous read!
A lovely review of the Trump/Biden handover saga with a twist. A tongue in cheek humorous guide to the villains and heroes of 20/21 though most have been around a long long time. Most will for better or worse be around and newsworthy for a while to come so the sketches of their psyches will continue to inform! Highly entertaining, and an introduction to how much fun it is to play with the poetry… So here’s the review in addictive limerick form: ”Of villains and heroes quite a list; I can think of few that he’s missed Biden’s now on a roll; To make America whole; And Trump will forever be pissed!”
“Ode to a Wonderful Book of Limericks !!”
Bravo, Gregg Robins, for creatively capturing the essence of a presidential transition unlike any other. The day-by-day limericks from election day to the inauguration (plus the outstanding supporting artwork) are truly brilliant !
Silenzio, Sound the Alarm! An excellent, must read children’s book!
One of the best children’s books I have ever read. The story has a good moral and lesson to be learned. Definitely a crowd pleaser especially for the kids. I bought the book for my niece and nephew who very much enjoyed reading it and learning of the value behind the storyline. It gave them a sense of well-being on what is ethical and right on making good decisions based on the alarm clock’s conscience. Thanks Gregg for a beautifully written piece that has positively impacted us in one way or another.
A hidden gem for younger kids
When I’m shopping for children’s books, I often look for ones that focus on empathy and building character. Silenzio is the perfect story for young kids to learn the importance of being empathetic while also feeling courageous enough to take action when needed. I can’t wait to share this with all my friends that are parents.
A delightful book for both children and parents!
When my children were little, the books that I loved to read to them were often the ones that were appealing to me as an adult, as well. Silenzio, Sound the Alarm definitely meets that criteria, with beautiful illustrations, clever word play and a message that will resonate with older children as well as adults. This is a book that will appeal to younger children because we all know how much they love the idea of an inanimate object coming to life, and the message is one that they will grow into as they learn more about the world, and its challenges. Imagine that, a book you can grow into…thank you, Gregg, for giving us this gift.
Clever and edifying bedtime story
Silenzio tells the story of an empathetic alarm clock with a concience, which turns out to be the problem around which this clever tale turns. Kids will enjoy the story and the enchanting drawings by Charity Russel and adults with enjoy the horological word play that the author weaves throughout. It’s a book about caring for others and speaking up when things aren’t right – a particularly timely message for big and small readers alike.
Sound the alarm, an excellent children’s book! (Sonner l’alarme, un excellent livre pour enfants!)
At a time when it seems the world is losing its balance, this clever story teaches children of the importance of a having a sense of conscience. Bravo to the author and illustrator for this fantastic little book ! À un moment où il semble que le monde perd son équilibre, cette histoire intelligente enseigne aux enfants l’importance d’avoir le sens de la conscience. Bravo à l’auteur et à l’illustrateur pour ce fantastique petit livre !
These “Odes to the Messiest, Wackiest, & Wildest Presidential Transition in Modern History” capture the faces, events, and overall absurdity of the period following the 2020 US election. Notwithstanding the humor and playful illustrations, they depict one of the most turbulent periods in modern American political history.
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