Through-lines in the book include the introduction of a new student, Benjamin Nushmutt, and Allison's trip to the nonexistent Miss Zarves' classroom on the 19th story.

The book's title comes from the favorite song of one character, Kathy, to the tune of "London Bridge Is Falling Down."

[2] Similarly, School Library Journal's Anne Connor noted that the book, with its "bad puns, extended jokes, and an irreverent attitude", may leave adult readers feeling "quizzical", but "children who relish the ridiculous will enjoy themselves tremendously.

[4] Kirkus Reviews also discussed the "simple, evocative line drawing[s]" that preface "each short episode", noting, "Sachar has a gift for having fun without poking it too sharply, and beneath all the frivolity there very often lurks some idea or observation worth pondering.

[4] While Phelan indicated that the stories felt connected,[4] Connor found them to be "only loosely tied together" and that "many have a shaggy dog quality".