Throughout the pages of this book there are a lot of little images to focus on. The author utilizes onomatopoeia on every page. Each page encompasses small illustrations that all have some sort of meaning. The main character in the book is complaining that there is nothing to do, while we, as the audience, notice all of the exciting things happening in the illustration around him that he is oblivious to. This book teaches kids to make their own fun rather than complaining that they are bored constantly. ( )

Marc Rosenthal does an excellent job with using onomatopoeias throughout this book. Phooey had me laughing out loud with the illustrations and the authors onomatopoeias. The little boy in the book is so busy complaining how boring it is in his town that he doesn't see all the chaos around him: the cat falling out of the tree, the dog chasing the cat then scaring the elephant, the elephant running through the town, and the market oranges everywhere and pirates in the street. Finally, something happens! The little boys cat falls out of the sky and lands into his lap and then he realizes that this is a great place! This is a great mentor book that is filled with action and fun!! ( )

Pay attention to your world and make your own fun!  Maybe you won't see elephants amok, as this annoying boy would if he'd just wake up, but there's never an excuse to be bored.  I know that's the message of the book, but *in my opinion* the book fails at conveying the message and the art is ugly.  Sorry. ( )

Phooey is the story of a boy who thinks he lives in a boring town. The simple act of him kicking a can starts a chain reaction that he never notices. The story is full of onomatopoeias as cans are kicked and fruit bounces all over. It was very fun to read, but a little tedious when you have to read every sound out loud. ( )

Though this is a short low text book theres lot of stuff going on. I love that he misses everything going on around him and that he has not interest in looking around. Each page builds bigger and bigger all the time. The pirates are my favorite cause they are totally up to something.