With sales topping the hundred thousand mark, this book has become a classic. Catapulting author Gez Walsh onto the poetry scene back in 1997, this first poetry collection firmly stamped his authority as a writer providing accessible, easy-to-read, stimulating material focusing on subjects with which every young person can relate. The Spot on My Bum was not written not for lovers of traditional verse, but especially for those needing a big gulp of fresh air after tackling 'serious' poetry.

Social worker-turned Potty Poet Gez has collected together a rollicking ragbag of verse (and worse!) which has been causing a stir when used in his comedy-filled performances country-wide. Whether at schools and festivals, or on radio and television broadcasts, Gez has been wowing audiences with his dynamic, attention-grabbing poetry as a growing army of people, young and old, have discovered the author's warped view on life and just what it means to have a smelly grandad or a spotty bum. If you've ever pruned grandad's hairy nose, got your toe stuck up the bath tap, stood on the diving board at the swimming pool and weed on someone's head, or burst a spot in your Mum's face, you'll love this book!

To the parents and teachers of Britain (and beyond!): if your kids find literacy a big yawn and complain that 'ordinary' books are boring, try this extraordinary one and see the difference!

The Spot on My Bum
Horrible Poems for Horrible Children

An introduction by Ian McMillan, writer and broadcaster

Spend half an hour with any gang of kids and you'll hear poems like Gez Walsh's. His work taps into that thick seam of comedy and rudeness that children love.

Poetry lovers might say that this isn't poetry, that snot, spot and poop jokes shouldn't be part of the gang that includes Shakespeare's Sonnets and Wordsworth's Prelude.

Well, I don't think Gez will mind too much about that: his poems are the voice of the playground, the voice of the top deck of the bus. They are part of that deep seated need for rhyme and rhythm that's in everybody, and part of the cheekiness that's kept us going since Adam was a lad.

So, onwards, poop, snot and spots!