"Sometimes, you get a lucky seat. I did!" That's how poet and kids singer Mike Mennard describes the making of The Left-sock Tree, a collection of imaginative poems and drawings for kids.

Mike Mennard, an associate professor of English and communication at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, just happened to sit next to noted artist Jim McClelland, professor of art at Union College. The reason they sat together? It was the annual academic meetings before the 2010-2011 school year. And, as often happens, creative people get bored in such meetings. Jim McClelland pulled out a Sharpie and began drawing cartoons on the paper tablecloth. Animals and dragons and caricatures popped up everywhere. Mennard sat shocked. He, like most of McClelland's colleagues, had only seen his oil paintings and watercolors, his detailed birds and landscapes. As the tablecloth ran wild with nonsensical creatures, Mennard watched excitedly, holding his small backpack that held a lifetime's worth of kids poems. And thus was born The Left-sock Tree, Mennard and McClelland's first book together but not their last! The book is a collection of kids poems in the tradition of Edward Lear, Spike Milligan, and Shel Silverstein.

"This is my life's dream, since I was a little boy," says Mennard. "I have always loved kids poetry because there are no limits to the absurd. The only limits are the confines of good, fun, singable, and nonsensical poetry." McClelland adds, "Mike Mennard sparks the creativity inside of me. Their first book together is something kids, parents, teachers, and grandparents will love. It's bursting with pirates, spaceships, and outrageous adventures. In short, it's full of childlike imagination and we all need more of that."

It's a Pirate's World

Aye, you scurvy dogs and scallywags! After a three year hiatus, the Jolly Nostril, the pick of the seven seas, has set sail again. Join Mike and his crew of silly pirates on a cruise through pirate history and lore, hygiene (really?!), and even a bit of Hollywood. It’s piratical fun for the whole family!

It's a Pirate's World Lyrics

We've Got it All in Nebraska

History has never been this hilarious and timely. Join Mike Mennard on his musical romp through the facts, myths, and history of Nebraska. Great for the whole family--even if you're not from Nebraska!

Pirates . . . Do the Darnedest Things!

Aye, Matey! Mike Mennard and a scurvy crew of scallywags have set sail on the most hilarious voyage ever with Pirates Do the Darnedest Things. This is Mike's fourth and best family CD. Discover why it's tough to be a pirate in Nebraska, why all good pirates say "arrh," and what happens when a buccaneer wants to sing Broadway.

Pirates . . . Do the Darnedest Things - Lyrics

Night at the Whaler's Inn, and other dark tales . . .

Enjoy old-time radio with a scary (but family-friendly) twist.

These "scary" stories are fully dramatized (all voices by Mike Mennard), with a thrilling soundtrack that makes it like a movie without pictures.

Mother Goose Laid an Egg

You can't miss this! When Mother Goose Laid an Egg, just dropped in. Mother Goose never sounded so fun. It's so cool, Ms. Goose might not recover! This time Mike took Mother Goose rhymes and cooked them--with a dash of country, R&B, hip-hop, dance, and even opera. Kids of all ages will love it.

Something's Rotting in the Fridge

Open up Mike's fridge and you may be surprised at what you find: the wackiest songs and poems all served up cool. Meet characters such as Capt. Rapscallion, Bonehead the Dog, and Hank the Genius Goldfish. But whatever you do, don't steal Mike's pizza!