Amazon.com

Believe it or not, 44 complete read-aloud classics and future classics--from Goodnight Moon to Stellaluna--are packed in this remarkably svelte, positively historic anthology. Flipping through the 308 pages of The 20th-Century Children's Book Treasury is like browsing a photo album of beloved friends and family. The familiar faces of Curious George and Ferdinand the Bull peer earnestly from the pages, and scenes from Madeline and Millions of Cats resonate as if you just experienced them yesterday. Think of the advantages of carrying this book on a vacation instead of a suitcase of single titles! (Your kids can always revisit their dog-eared hardcovers when they get home.)

This impressive collection of concept books, wordless books, picture books, and read-aloud stories was artfully compiled by longtime children's book editor and publisher Janet Schulman. Stories are coded red, blue, and green to designate age groupings from baby/toddler books such as Whose Mouse Are You?, through preschool books such as Where the Wild Things Are, to longer stories for ages 5 and older such as Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. The reason the book isn't bigger than Babar is because many of the illustrations from each story were reduced or removed to fitthe anthology's format.(Leo Lionni's Swimmy, for example, takes up 5 pages total, compared to its original 29 pages.)Brief biographical notes that are surprisingly quirky shine a little light on the 62 authors and illustrators, and an index helps, too, for the child who likes one story best. We love the idea of being within easy reach of a Star-Belly Sneetch, a William Steig donkey, and a Sendak monster at all times, and we're sure your little bookworms will, too. (Click to seea sample spread from The 20th-Century Children's Book Treasury, compilation copyright © 1998 by Janet Schulman, illustrations © renewed 1997 by William Steig.) (All ages) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (66)

A truly wonderful collection of classic stories!
I bought this book after checking it out at the library and being in awe at the wonderful stories in it. My boys are 2 and almost every night at dinner we read a new story. With classics from Curious George and Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel to the rhythmic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, there are surely stories to fit every need. The book also lists which stories are appropriate for different ages. Most of the stories are condensed to 4-6 pages with lots of pictures, but some have few illustrations and are great for reading in the car, at dinner, or at bedtime when your child is really sleepy.

We own several of the individual books and will probably buy more of them for the boys to be able to read and hold. This book is too heavy and awkward for small children to be handling, but it is a convenient way to expose them (and me!) to some of the great stories that have been written over the years. Besides, you'll want to keep it in good shape to hand down to your grandchildren! This collection of stories will make a wonderful gift for new or expecting parents or for older children who love to read.

Absolutely amazing collections of children's favorites
Most of the 'greatest hits' collections - whether for a time period or a particular artist seem to always leave out the best song or super-star groups. This Treasury astounded me by collecting 'all' the great authors and stories (at least all of the ones I can thing of). Madeline, Dr. Seuss, Babar, Curious George, Where the Wild Things Are, The Berenstain Bears, Amelia Bedelia, Stellaluna, Pooh, etc... I am amazed that the editors managed to get the rights to publish all of these incredible favorites!

The texts of the stories are complete (as far as I can tell), but the illustration have been shrunk so that all of the stories will fit in one volume. Something is lost in the process, but I can imagine that it would be the perfect book for a trip, keeping a any kids' home-away-from-home (like grandma's house), or just to read to discover previously unknown classics (which is what my five year old and I are doing).

An added benefit is the history - the stories were all written in a historical context and to a greater or lesser extend reflect the society in which they were written. The editors wisely put the year of publication with each story. So when I read them to my daughter I can also comment (when applicable) not only about whether or not I had read the story as a kid, but also set the story in a historical context (take Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel, published in 1939, for example).

Of course, for stories destined to become favorites, the full-sized editions with illustrations are really needed; but for an anthology, this book cannot be beat!

Before you buy, know what you are missing
This is a good book for reference but if you intend to buy it INSTEAD OF the children's classics it includes, you will be missing out on a lot. Please read the School Library Journal review and Booklist review in entirety before making a decision to buy this, they both touch on the problem of condensing stories and missing illustrations with the effect they have on the stories' impact. It is especially noticable for stories that rely on illustrations for pacing or an element of surprise. I find that my kids, both beginning readers, do not go to this book on their own the same way that they will run to look at any of their favorite individual story books and although we use it, it is usually only as a convenience to me (to avoid hunting down and carrying several goodnight books). If it gets you to read more, great, but for fostering a love of these classics in your kids there is nothing like using the real individual books in their covers, formatted as originally intended.

OUTSTANDING!
We have hundreds of children's books, but this is the one we turn to over and over. (Our son is 3 1/2; daughter is 6). Great at story time, and even better when you need some help entertaining the kids (e.g., doctor's office, long trip, snow day at home). The collection is a real treasure of books we knew, and books we discovered for the first time. My prediction: your children will still remember this book when they are reading to your grandkids. By far, our family's favorite.

A terrific collection of classics
I'm an American journalist living in Germany and raising two bilingual kids. I've had this book for about 3 years now. It has been a wonderful source of bedtime reading for my oldest son, who is now 6. The stories offer a good variety of reading levels, so it has really grown with him. Yes, some of the illustrations are small, but I found that a small price to pay for the convenience of having a single book to grab at bedtime when we are both very tired, but needing a great story. ... Read more

Book Description

Emboldened by the enthusiastic response to Belly Button (Round)—a song from her Grammy-nominated book/CD, Philadelphia Chickens—Sandra Boynton further contemplates this mesmerizing subject.

Featuring a beachful of bare-bellied hippos—including one tiny baby who can only say “Bee Bo”—the Belly Button Book is the latest quirky addition to the phenomenally successful Boynton on Board series, which has 5.5 million copies in print. Every page captivates with Sandra Boynton’s inimitable illustrations and joyful rhyming text:

Soon after dark, upon the beach, we sing a hippo song, and if you’re feeling in the mood, we hope you’ll sing along: “Belly Belly Button, you’re oh so fine. Ooo, Belly Button, I’m so happy you’re mine.”

Shiny and sturdy, and featuring a great (navel-shaped, naturally) die-cut cover that offers a provocative glimpse of the merriment inside, the Belly Button Book provides enduring, giggly, read-aloud fun. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

the best I've read
I have three really nice, big hardbound mother goose anthologies, but this is my favorite; contains the most popular of the mother goose nursery rhymes, has brightly colored pictures, but, most importantly, is user-friendly. It's thin and light, and when my son and I sat down for nursery rhymes (over and over and over!) this was the book that kept getting pulled off the shelf. I recommend it very very highly. ... Read more

Book Description

As soon as they say good night to Mama, the five little monkeys start to jump on their bed. But trouble lies ahead as, one by one, they fall off and hurt themselves. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Too much fun for bedtime!
Yes, this book WILL get the kids trying to jump on the bed. It's a lot of fun, and much laughing is heard whenever we read it. There is a lot of detail in the pictures - I love watching the doctor, and Mama gives us a great ending! I picked this up when my younger son was asking for us to play "monkeys on the bed" (the rhyme with hand motions)over & over & over - my fingers were tired. We've been reading ever since! Have I mentioned that the board book format is a great, sturdy idea? Definately a good buy, and highly recommended.

Monkeys are the best!
I have been reading this book to my son since he was 3 months old. The first time we read it he actual laughed out aloud. He is now 10 months and still loves this book. We read it every night before bed and are even painting monkeys on his wall because they are his favorite. Those monkeys are very cute and babies love them.

Five Little Monkeys Jumped on a Bed
This is a very good book this was my favorite book when I was little. It is a really good book for kids, and I don't think that you would be disappointed if you bought it. It is easy to follow along with, and it is even better because it involves monkeys.

Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed
In this book there a five little monkeys that have to go to bed. So the monkeys all get in the bath, put there pajamas on, and brush their teeth. The monkeys say goodnight to their mama and are supposed to be sleeping, when all of the little monkeys start to jump on the bed! One of the monkeys falls off and bumps his head. The mama called the doctor and the doctor said, "NO MORE MONKEYS JUMPING ON THE BED!"
This book teaches mainly only one lesson and that is that you shouldn't jump on your bed because you can get hurt by falling off. The age level for this book is 3-7. I have liked this book since I was little and I would definately recommend this book to little kids!

Love the Monkeys
You have to love the monkeys. My 17 month old does. She will ask for my husband and I to read the book 10 times in a row. She never tires of hearing it and is now learning to do the motions with me. The pictures are great and I expect we will still be reading this one for years to come. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Life Doesn't Frighten Me
This is a wonderful book, both beautifully written and powerfully illustrated. I am a 3rd grade teacher, but I love this book mainly as a unique graduation gift for previous students of mine who are graduating from high school and remember me with graduation announcements. I love the combination of a gift that is both a primary book from their teacher, coupled with the larger message of the poem for the recipient who is soon embarking upon confronting life on his or her own! A very special and meaningful gift!

Excellent book
I thought this book was excellent. It's a great poem for inspiration, as it is a reminder that we all have courage. Maya repeats the line, "Life doesn't frighten me at all", getting her message across. This is a wonderful story for children, as well as adults.

Nourish your child's intellect... cautiously
As an adult and a student, I was truly enchanted by this unique concatenation of Maya Angelou's spirited, optimistic poetry and Jean-Michel Basquiat's bold, explosive paintings. "Life" is less a story than an affirmation - the child narrator (whose gender is left to the imagination) lists a dozen or so items that could be causes for concern in young child's mind, but then conquers these fears with "They don't frighten me at all." Equally impressive are the brief, but detailed biographical sketches of both artists that closes the book.

My only reservation lies in the question "Who is this book really for?" While Basquiat's dynamic use of line and color and space make for fascinating pictures, and his style is consciously influenced by the artwork of Native Americans and small children, his habitual use of skeletal imagery and jagged, leering facial expressions might prove too intense for little ones. On the other hand, the beautiful simplicity of Angelou's poetry will probably fail to appeal to kids who are experienced enough to expect a certain level of plot in their reading.

My advice to parents is this: don't give this book to your kids - buy it for yourselves, and keep it someplace where it won't get all trashed up by dirty little hands. When you think they're ready, let your youngsters look at this book with you, so if the pictures should strike them the wrong way, you'll be there for them. Better not do this at bedtime until you're sure how they'll react - this could be the stuff nightmares are made of. But even if they love it, hang on to the book yourself, so that in a couple of years when your child loses interest (they may begin to see it as a "baby book"), you'll still have a beautiful coffee-table book of post-modernist art to share with your friends. And eventually, your kids might grow up into little intellectuals who can see what a delightful creation this book really is. It may not be perfect for anyone, but it certainly has something for everyone.

even 1st graders LOVE this book
I'm a first year, first grade teacher. And before I started teaching I had owned this book for about 6 years. I recently read it to my students and they loved it. One of my students wanted to read it on her own & even read Maya's bio in the back and took notes in her journal so she could read more of Maya's work. This is a great book for adults and children! Basquiat's artwork is very interesting [and childlike] and did not scare the children. Children are exposed to a very violent world on virtually a daily basis and this book helps them cope. p.s. I read this book when the Iraq war started.

But The Pictures In This Book Did
While life may not scare me, the pictures in this book did. Perhaps had I been familiar with Basquiat's work I would not have ordered the book in the first place. But I also thought the poem was a bit oversold by some of the other reviews I read. The poem itself is only a few lines long, while the book is more like 20 pages or so. Several more pages are taken up with bios of Angelou and Basquiat. Mainly, the pictures are ugly and seem to me to be completely unaccessible to a child. ... Read more

Book Description

Never before have the classic Mother Goose rhymes been so irresistible! Young children will delight in exploring the book¹s touch-and-feel elements while they recite such favorite poems as Mary Had a Little Lamb, The Cat and the Fiddle, and Pat-a-Cake. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Fave from my childhood
I have nothing but fond memories from this book and when I was just browsing and came across this i was estatic! I plan on purchasing this for my son.

I believe that, to those who disliked the "quality" of book because of old times. I believe that you must sit down with your child then and talk about it. This gives you that opportunity to teach your child how "todays life" is different then "olden life," as well as what is expected today. Just because ~you~ do not agree with something does not mean you should 'shelter' your children from it. If you do, then what do they learn?

This will stay with your child forever
This book has all the classic Mother Goose rhymes. I had this book as a child and it was well loved by both me and my sister. The pictures that go along with the rhymes are well done. This is a book that I buy for all of my friends when their babies are born. I still have mine to this day in my classroom, and my students would tell you it's 5 stars too!

Get the full version
Board books are nice in that they are short and durable but in this case, so much of the artwork is missing in a board book version that is really no more than a "best of." Wait until your child is older and get the full version.

Not the Values You Want to Teach Today
I thoroughly agree with the person who said that this was not for today's child. With all that is going on in today's society, with increasing violence among our children, this version of Mother Goose does little to teach children tolerance. When I bought this book, I was expecting cute and innocent children's rhymes. I do not remember reading as a child Mother Goose rhymes that were so gory. Now, in all fairness, not all the rhymes are like that, however, you have to flip through the pages to read those that are more tame. I think many of these rhymes and stories had it's place in centuries past, but not in the 21st century.

I am surprised that non of the other reviewers felt this way, too.

Quality just isn't what it used to be
I bought this for my future child, I remember reading this as a child myself, and have some pretty fond memories. I couldn't find the copy I grew up with so when I saw that I could order this, I was ecstatic. The hard bound cover is nice, and good enough... but the paper quality is extremely cheap and thin, the reprints of the original illustrations have less quality then the sunday comics. Oh Well, what do you expect with merchandise sold and made today.

It would be nice to have the option to pay extra to get the quality that you remember from days of old. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This elaborate pop-up book adds a spectacular twist to Mother Goose's well-loved rhymes. Paper artist Robert Sabuda, preeminent patriarch of modern pop-up engineering, brings yet another explosion of motion and color to his latest masterpiece. Attributing animal personalities to nursery-rhyme characters, he surprises young readers time and again. In "Jack Be Nimble," for example, the fellow leaping lithely over a candlestick is none other than a grasshopper. And the Man in the Moon is seen from a startling perspective: he has decidedly alien features! Sabuda's quirky take on traditional rhymes, combined with his fantastic folding, moving, spinning paper sculptures, will have pop-up fanciers and Mother Goose devotees clamoring for more. Sturdier than most pop-ups, these three-dimensional constructions are nonetheless vulnerable to tiny grabbing hands. At his best, Sabuda creates breathtaking displays of pop-up craftsmanship, as in the "four and twenty blackbirds" bursting rowdily out of a pie, mirrored sunglasses on every one. At his worst, he creates slightly bewildering beings, such as the star-shaped Jill in "Jack and Jill" tumbling down a mysterious edifice. He may occasionally (and understandably--what a fun job!) get carried away with his engineering feats. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A bit disappointing
While I loved the conceptual design of the book, I found the quality of the paper and printing to be poor. The first time I -an adult- tried to open the 4 and 20 blackbirds page (very gingerly), I managed to rip it in one place. This just should not happen for a children's book!! Perhaps the type of paper used is too rigid for the movement. Colors were not as vibrant on the inside of the book, either.

Poppingly good
This is the first Sabuda book I got. It boggled my little mind. Each display is incredibly clever. I have tried to create my own pop-ups and some of the ideas Sabuda has come up with and the 'paper engineering' behind them are incredibly creative.

I'd recommend this book to kids over 5 and their parents.

glorious, sometimes busy, pop-up classic
I was thrilled to find that genius paper engineer Sabuda was tackling these classic rhymes, and the book lives up to expectations. The artist's work is, as always, creative and fun.

There are six two-page spreads, each with a large central figure (one of Bo-peep's sheep, Miss Muffet's spider, a peacock, the hickory dickory clock, Mr. and Mrs. Sprat, and a pie bursting with blackbirds) and several smaller rhyme fold-outs. This set-up makes the book a little "busy" in my opinion, but our two-year old adores it, so what's my aesthetic sensibility matter? The material is heavy paper, and it's held up well to our toddler's exploration. Some of the mechanisms are a little confusing and/or delicate, but nothing especially difficult. Nice, bright colors are employed for the animal characters used to illustrate these tales, usually to comic effect.

This is a lovely book for children, and would likely make a good first pop-up.

The best baby gift
This book was a gift to my daughter when she was born. We have read it to her ever since then and she adores it! If she is cranky, she will get quiet when she sees us reach for the book. The illustrations are captivating, to say the least.

A Beautiful, Wonderful Book
I recently purchased this book for my grandchildren after seeing a friend's copy. They absolutely love it and have to "read" the "book" at least twice a day. It is wonderfully done and my 2 year old grandson's eyes grow big as he watches they pages pop up. I plan to purchase another and hope Mr. Sabuda continues his art. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Poems about picnics, pretending, and puppies make this book the book to introduce little ones to poetry about the world around them. Jack Prelutsky, one of today's most respected children's poets, has selected more than 200 short poems--old favorites, traditional rhymes, and humorous verses--that will delight young listeners. The poems cover a wide range of experiences in a young child's life, from everyday events to special days to the world of the imagination.

Marc Brown, author and illustrator of the popular Arthur series, uses colored-pencil illustrations and borders to unify the poems, helping to create a pleasing, lively collection to carry children from their preschool years into the early elementary grades. As Jim Trelease tells us in his introduction to the book, "Unlike the toys we buy our children, poems cannot break." (Ages 2 to 7) ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The kids' book that YOU will enjoy reading!
I bought this book because Jim Trelease recommends it. Jim's Read Aloud Handbook is the definitive work on how reading to children is the #1 factor in increasing intelligence. Read-Aloud Rhymes is fun, funny and I have never tired of reading its many poems over the past two years to my kids (4 year old boy, twin 2 year old girls). It is my favorite and theirs as well.

If your little ones are driving you nuts and you feel like you're stuck on an island (like they're starring in Lord of the Flies), this book could save your life! Seriously, it is the best book for children in print today. I spend tons of time and the library and this book is one you must take home to keep.

Toddler Favorite
I purchased this for my son over a year ago, he is 3 now & this is one of his favorite books. Its a family treasure & every child should have one in their collection.

Great book for kids AND PARENTS
The short, unique rhymes are so fun to read. They are charming and sweet for little ones and parents and so much nicer than those awful Mother Goose nursery rhymes. They're organized by subject matter, so there's a section on rain, going to bed, the garden, etc. The illustrations by Marc Brown alone are worth the price. It's a pleasure to read so many funny, uplifting rhymes...not plotless tradgedies like humpty, dumpty and Jack and Jill. I look forward to reading to my baby as much as he does.

Buy this book for New Parents!!
This is the most wonderful book for young children! I bought this for my daughter when she was about two, and we both had the most wonderful time reading it. She is now 13, and this is still one of her most treasured books. Who can resist such poems as "Higglety Pigglety, Pop! The dog has eaten the mop. The pig's in a hurry, and the cat's in a flurry, Higglety pigglety, Pop! Another favorite is the one about Noise, which I read faster and faster until ending with an urgent, "STOP, STOP!". We always buy this book to give as baby gifts and you should too! And remember, "A flea and a fly and a kangaroo, jumped for a prize in a pot of glue...." ... Read more

Book Description

Here is a delectable collection filled with the sweetest treats to share with a baby. Listeners will love hearing favorite nursery rhymes such as This Little Pig, Pat-A-Cake, and Rock-A-Bye Baby over and over, while gentle illustrations of animals and children reveal more details each time the book is opened. An ideal first book, this winsome collection will provide many happy hours for babies and those who love them.Totally different from similar collectionsrankly designed to be shared with small children. --The Horn Book ... Read more

Book Description

How many times can you jump rope? This rhyme makes the game of rope jumping even more fun. It's a counting rhyme, and there are lots of others like it. There are also red-hot pepper rhymes for jumping very fast, and rhymes for jumping in and out of the rope. There are even fortune-telling rhymes that answer questions and help you predict the future!

The rhymes in this book began as a way to keep the rhythm while jumping rope, but they also lent poetry and humor to the game. Here are over one hundred traditional rhymes that will make rope jumping challenging and, best of all, fun.

Reviews (2)

Great fun
For anyone who jumped rope a great deal (this excludes me) or swung the rope while others jumped (this includes me), this book is sure to have some favorite rhymes. As such, it is an interesting way to initiate cross-generational discussions - jump-rope rhymes are school yard folklore with astounding staying power. The book is also useful as a way to encourage young "couch potatoes" to get a bit of time outside with requiring outside to be a large space.

Of course, the best way to use the book is simply to enjoy it.

Hopping fun! It will take you back to your playground days.
What great fun to be reminded of the jump rope rhymes of my youth. And even greater fun to share them with my daughter. I hope you enjoy this collection of rhymes as much as we do. ... Read more

Book Description

It’s Easter in Reading—a bad time for eggs—and no one can remember the last sunny day. OvoidD-class nursery celebrity Humpty Stuyvesant Van Dumpty III, minor baronet, ex-convict, andformer millionaire philanthropist, is found shattered to death beneath a wall in a shabby area oftown. All the evidence points to his ex-wife, who has conveniently shot herself.

But Detective Inspector Jack Spratt and his assistant Mary Mary remain unconvinced, a sentimentnot shared with their superiors at the Reading Police Department, who are still smarting over theirfailure to convict the Three Pigs of murdering Mr. Wolff. Before long Jack and Mary findthemselves grappling with a sinister plot involving cross-border money laundering, bullionsmuggling, problems with beanstalks, titans seeking asylum, and the cut and thrust world ofinternational chiropody.

And on top of all that, the JellyMan is coming to town . . . ... Read more

Amazon.com

Eric Carle's distinctive art holds a place of honor in the world of children's books. (He is the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and the illustrator of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?.)In this thoughtfully selected collection of poems about animals, you'll meet creatures of every sort, from an ant to a yak. You'll find selections from many cultures, penned by celebrated poets such as Lewis Carroll, Ogden Nash, Rudyard Kipling, Emily Dickinson, and Jack Prelutsky. Animals, Animals is best suited for older preschoolers and children in the early elementary grades, but the beautiful illustrations will please children of any age, including babies. The oversized format lends itself well to Eric Carle's bright collages--the animals, birds, and insects seem ready to jump or fly right off the pages. (Ages 1 to 8) ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Animal collection
This book contains a collection of animal poems. The sources of the poems are quite varied, from Emily Dickinson, to the Bible, to Japanese haikus. All sorts of animals are featured, from fireflies to hippopotami. There are no scary bits, and the pictures are great. At the end of the book is an index of the animals and a table of contents by first lines to help you find your favorite poems. The book has about 2900 words.

The Inimitable Eric Carle
From Ogden Nash to Shakespeare, from haiku to Hungarian proverbs, ANIMALS ANIMALS has it all--and it all is illustrated beautifully by the inimitable Eric Carle. His trademark collage-style pictures and jewel-tone colors bring to life an entire zoo in this collection of short poems and poetic sayings about animals. Ants and elephants, octopuses and walruses, and many other delightfully quirky animals tumble playfully across the pages, vividly animating the lovingly selected verses. No need to read it at one sitting, or even sequentially; just open the covers and let the pages fall where they may. This refreshing and entertaining picture book is sure to engage the most restless reader or listener of any age.

Engaging graphics and enjoyable text for all ages.
I have owned this book for several years; I originally bought it thinking the bright and engaging portraits of animals would surely delight my young child. Since then all our children have enjoyed hearing the poems and laughing at, studying, copying, and perusing the creatures that share our earth. A lyrical book, both in text and picture layout, which we won't easily part with for some time, I'm sure.

We love this book!
My kids adore this book and it's great for grown-ups too! The illustrations and poems go together beautifully and the selection of poems is wonderful. There's a great range of different styles and even young toddlers sit and listen. Eric Carle's books are always a hit but this one in particular is fantastic. This book will be one kids will read for years--even when they're adults. We love this book! ... Read more

Amazon.com

There should be a law that requires every child to sit on Grandpa's knee as he chants "Trot, trot, to Boston; trot, trot, to Lynn." Grownups who still giggle at the thought of Little Jack Horner pulling a plum out of his Christmas pie, or who make a wish on a star, murmuring "Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight" know the secret. They're the ones who will be handing down those same nursery rhymes to their own children, preserving an age-old tradition. But no child should be left behind.

In world folklore authority Iona Opie's collection, these invaluable and ancient nuggets of childhood verse are bursting with new life. Quirky and sly, sweet, gentle, rollicking, silly... the range of rhymes is breathtaking. Winner of over a dozen prestigious awards, including a Parents' Choice Award and an ALA Notable Children's Book award, this wonderful book is charmingly illustrated by Rosemary Wells, best known for her Max books (Max's Bath, Max's Bedtime, Max's Ride). A solid repertoire of nursery rhymes should be de rigueur for any aunt, uncle, grandparent, or parent worth his or her salt. This book is a must, as is its companion volume, Here Comes Mother Goose. (Click to see a sample spread from My Very First Mother Goose. Illustrations & copy; 1996 by Rosemary Wells. Permission from Candlewick Press.) (Baby to preschool) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (24)

The Mother Goose to Own
As the mother of four, I think I've read Mother Goose rhymes probably tens of thousands of times over the years. We've checked many Mother Goose books out of the library, but (thanks to my mom), this is the one we own. We return to it time and time again for several reasons. First, of all, it's big, which I really like because it means that I don't have to read the same rhymes night after night after night. There's ample room in it to poke around (also its size has allowed Opie to include in it some we didn't know - but quickly learned. My favorite of these is "Wash the dishes, Wipe the dishes, Ring the bell for tea; Three good wishes, Three good kisses, I will give to thee.") I also really like Opie's selection of rhymes. She's left out some of the grimmest, which makes the book appropriate for even the smallest of readers. This is not to say, however, that this a bland book. For Opie has included many really fun pieces. And this leads me to comment on Rosemary Wells' illustrations, which are warm and funny, in the most beautiful colors. She lends her own touch to this book. Sometimes she offers a new interpretation of a rhyme (see, for example, Humpty Dumpty, which it turns out in Wells' world really concerns a small bunny not very fond of boiled eggs). In other pictures, she simply adds hilarious, unexpected, fascinating detail. My daughters Rose, 2, and Daisy, 6, and I laughed and laughed over this book today, turning a sad sick morning into a happy time. I regularly find Rose, who is generally given to activities like bouncing, sitting quietly, poring over this book. This is the one to buy.

Two masters (mistresses?) at work
Iona Opie is one of the great folklorists we have right now and all English-speakers should be grateful for her (and her late husband Peter's) tireless work to preserve and present the poetry of children at play. This book is a terrific introduction to her ear for the best of this kind of poem and to the wonder of Rosemary Wells' imagination. As others have noted, you will return to this book over and over, when other favorites have long since passed into neglect. There is a second volume of these poems, also with Wells' illustrations.

Then try and find a copy of I Saw Esau, an amazing collection of children's playground rhymes from the past 50 years or so. They are by turns witty, crude, wonderous and cruel and the Sendak drawings that accompany them are great. It's not for small children, but a nine year old would love it.

In the meantime, enjoy Mother Goose!

A very good nursery rhymes book
My son loves this book, he is 4 and have most of them memorized, we borrowed it at first at the library, he loved it so much that I had to get him his own.I like it for it's simple and easy to remember lines, we read a couple of different nursery rhymes books, that I find is a little too much to remember for his age.If you buy this book be ready to keep reading it, 'cause your little one will be asking you again and again.

This is a must-have!
What a beautiful collection of nursery rhymes-my daughter loved this book from before she could even sit up-it is also available as a set of board books which I also highly recommend. Keep in mind Iona Opie, the editor, is English and uses some English rhymes or English versions, which has some people confused. The drawings are simple and charming, classic Rosemary Wells.

A wonderful update of an old classic
This book may keep Mother Goose nursery rhymes alive for many more generations to come. I was not particularly drawn to Mother Goose books - many of the rhymes I could remember seemed irrelevant to me. But this book has changed my view. My 3 1/2 year old son and I read it together regularly - he now chants the rhymes along with me. The collection is so well done, with rhymes you'd be happy to read to any child (none of the violent or gory rhymes), and the illustrations are utterly perfect & add tremendously to the content of the rhymes. We have shelves full of children's books, but I would put this in the top 2 or 3 - this is a classic. ... Read more

Book Description

The best-selling collection of tapes and sing-along books--all the childhood favorites. (Ages 2-8) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Have a child.... Get this set! (Cassette and book)
Wonderful collection of nursery Rhymes and lullabies. Includes the old favorites as well as a few I had not even heard of. The voices used are very soothing. I enjoy it. My eight year old enjoys it. And my 9 month old enjoys it. When nothing else seems to be able to calm my infant down for sleep, this works wonders. Great for family time before bed. Times that I am sure my children will remember when they grow up and want to continue with their children. ... Read more

Book Description

Here is a brand new edition of the classic anthology of nursery rhymes--over 500 rhymes, songs, nonsense jingles, and lullabies traditionally handed down to young children. Included are all of your favorites, ranging from "Yankee Doodle Came to Town" and "A Frog He Would A-Wooing Go" to "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep," Jack and Jill" and "Old Mother Hubbard." And complementing the rhymes are nearly a hundred illustrations, including reproductions of early art found in ballad sheets and music books, which highlight the development of children's illustrations over the last two centuries.

With each piece, Iona and Peter Opie introduced a wealth of information, noting the earliest known publications of the rhyme, describing how it originated, illustrating changes in wording over time, and indicating variations and parallels in other languages. Moreover, in the general introduction, the Opies discuss the different types of rhyme and the earliest published collections, and they address such questions as who was Mother Goose and whether or not individual rhymes originally portrayed real people. For this second edition, the notes have been updated and extended in light of recent scholarship, providing an unrivaled wealth of literary and bibliographic information.

The Oxford Dictionary of Nursery Rhymes is now more than ever an indispensable reference source for scholars and book collectors as well as a volume to be treasured by parents and children alike. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Getting dated.
This is the second edition, published in 1997, of the original Oxford Dictionary of Nursery Rhymes, also by Iona and Peter Opie, which appeared in 1951. The Preface to the Second Edition explains that the authors gathered many new references over the intervening four decades, and thanks several correspondents for still further additions and corrections. There is, consequently, much more information in the apparatus of the newer edition. However, the revisions are not thorough enough; I still get the sense that I am reading a book put together in the years after World War II.

For one thing, the Introduction appears to have been completely untouched; there are no references to any publication after 1951 (with the exception of references to two recent compilations by the Opies), and most date from the 1940's (for example, the reference on p. 3 to "two admirable Presidential Addresses by Lord Raglan to the Folk-Lore Society, 20 Mar. 1946, and 5 Mar. 1947"). Moreover, the discussion evinces a strange English elitism that may have seemed conventional six decades ago, but has not worn well with time. For example, the Opies seem to consider it a great fillip to the status of nursery rhymes that some of them can be shown to have been written by respected members of the English upper class; but we would consider these figures second or third-rate authors today (for example, Sir Charles Sedley). Also, there is too much blue-blooded in-group banter; for example, under "Bo Peep," one finds this assertion: "it is on record that in his early days Irving played the part of the wolf in Little Bo-Peep at Edinburgh." OK, who is Irving? If you want your book to be read by the generations that succeed you, you must not make allusions that are comprehensible only to your peers and coevals.

Finally, the book is unnecessarily difficult to use. I STILL cannot find "Pop Goes the Weasel" in here; either I am an idiot or the indices are inadequate. I think the latter.

Simply wonderfull!
It's simply wonderfull! More than 500 nursery rhymes, lullabies, riddles with intresting notices about origin. A real treasure for me and for my site: www.filastrocche.it.

A must for anyone interested in NRs and their origin
This is the seminal publication on nursery rhymes, IMO. The Opies have been collecting information about nursery rhymes for more than 50 years. The second edition of their OD of NR was published last year (1997) and is greatly updated on the first. It includes indepth analysis of over 550 nursery rhymes. I've been unable to find a NS of my knowledge that isn't included in there.

It makes a great present for a new-born, or his/her parents more like! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Ready or not, here she comes! That clever, mischievous, loving matriarch of the nursery knows more verses and ditties than you can shake a stick at.From the familiar "Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater" and "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush" to the more obscure "I'm Dusty Bill from Vinegar Hill," this lovely, good-humored collection of nursery rhymes is sure to find a place on the shelf of classics. On the heels of her first award-winning collection, My Very First Mother Goose, world-renowned folklorist Iona Opie brings together still more of her never-ending supply of childhood verse. And once again the incomparable Rosemary Wells (Max's Bath, Max's Bedtime, Max's Ride) has joined Opie to enchant young readers as the two blend ancient verse with fresh new pictures. Soft, appealing watercolors depict a comical menagerie of ducks, bunnies, cats, and guinea pigs, wittily interpreting more than 60 old favorites. No new parent should be without this indispensable treasure. (Click to see a sample spread. Copyright 1999 by Rosemary Wells. Used by permission of Candlewick Press.) (Baby to preschool) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (6)

disapointing
This has a fairly nice selection of rhymes, and the pictures are bright, but the pictures seem rather unrelated to the rhymes -
and for a child just learning to speak it seems important that
the pictures and the rhymes match. I was given a copy but I do
not read it to my 2-year-old. I much prefer the Orchard Book of
Nursery Rhymes which i found at the local library. (Why three stars and not fewer? Because I saw at the library many nursery rhyme books that were worse.)

great children's book!
I just want to respond to the person who said that there was an error on what boys and girls are made of (p.26-27). This is a children's book of the 90s and the reversal was made intentionally to try to rid of stereotypes of boys and girls. This book has wonderful illistrations and large print, perfect for young children!

Down with stereotypes!
What a wonderful book! The text is classic and the illustrations are, of course, marvelous! To the disappointed reviewer who thought there was an error in the illustrations, you are incorrect! I just returned from a conference at which Ms. Wells spoke. The switch in the "what are little girls/boys made of" indeed was intentional on the part of the illustrator to stamp out those gender stereotypes! As Ms. Wells told us this weekend, "Mother Goose should be the Shakespeare of children's literature."! READ ON!

Great fun for parent and child!
The book is wonderful...as to the comment about the editor's error on the "what are little girls and boy's made of"...I too originally thought it was an error. After a closer look I discovered pictures of cute little girls in pigtails playing with frogs and mud and cute little boys in chefs' hats baking and having a great time. A terrificly subtle blast at stereotypes...give the book to someone you love!

An accessible and refreshing Mother Goose for all ages!
I loved Here Comes Mother Goose. My 11 year old daughter loved it too. Rosemary Wells is so clever, mixing up the what little boys and what little girls are made up was wonderful! The art and characters are what make this book standout for us. The ryhme selection also is great - the rhymes with violence have been skipped, nice for a change. We have both collections now and have given many as gifts. ... Read more

Amazon.com

For parents pure of heart and intention, the Real Mother Goose isthe only way to fly. And this sturdy little board book, chock full of best-lovedrhymes from the classic edition is sure to enchant readers of all ages.Old-fashioned illustrations by Blanche Fisher Wright may appeal especially tothe older set, but the pastel tones, pretty images, and traditional nurseryrhyme scenes will definitely strike a chord with the very youngest readers, too.Edwardian-looking girls and boys frolic with geese and pigs, gaze at stars, andjump over candlesticks. Fifteen of the simplest rhymes were chosen for thiscollection, including Jack and Jill, Ring Around the Rosies, One, Two, Buckle MyShoe, and Baa, Baa, Black Sheep. Wright's lovely Mother Goose illustrations canalso be found in The OriginalMother Goose and another baby-friendly board book, The Real Mother Goose. (Baby topreschool) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Perfect Choice!
This adorable book is entertaining for the parent as well as the child! It's great to be able to share these familiar rhymes with my child. The pictures are bright and detailed, and the board book is the perfect size for a diaper bag!

My kids love this book!
My son is 2, my daughter is 1, and I have another baby on the way! My toddlers love this book. This Mother Goose board book is perfect for us because we get to read my old favorites without the worry of tearing up the book, spilling something on it or cleaning up the typical crayon marks often found in books. I often let the kids take the book to bed with them, and they pretend to read it by themselves. Never underestimate the power of reading to your children! ... Read more

Book Description

The extraordinary four color and black and white art of the renowned Jessie Willcox Smith makes these classic nursery rhymes come vividly to Life.Here is everything from Mary Had a Little Lamb to Old King Cole was a Merry Old Soul, and so many others, making this the perfect keepsake to give anyone with young children. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Sumptuous Illustrations Accompany Historical Nursery Classic
This splendid book should be in every nursery library. It contains hundreds of nursery rhymes, some very well known to American children and some not so familiar including the 51 rhymes with morals found in the original Mother Goose collection that was printed by Isaiah Thomas in Massachusetts in the years just following the Revolutionary War.
The book is printed on high quality silk-smooth paper and is printed in large clear type with charming black and white accent illustrations of children and characters from that era. Familiar and well-known Mother Goose verses as well as perhaps unkown verses are included. Many beautiful illustrations by the amazing Jessie Willcox Smith enhance this volume, a few in black and white, but most in full color, full page glory. Smith, born in 1863 is, in my opinion, one of the finest illustrators of children ever. She never used professional models and preferred to search out the right child for the picture. As a result her illustrations bring images to us straight out of history and capture with an appreciative heart the sweetness of childhood, unsurpassed.
This book is truly a treasure, one that is sure to be enjoyed for many years to come. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Many adults can look back and see that it was in [Mother Goose] rhymes that they first found a love of language, rhythm and story.... Recited by heart, passed lovingly from parent to child, these verses--magical, musical, sometimes silly, sometimes wise--are part of our collective childhood."

In her artist's note, Sylvia Long admits that she approached the project of creating a new Mother Goose anthology with some trepidation. The award-winning artist was convinced that the only way she could take on a new version would be if hers were somehow unique. And unique it is. Integrating well-known rhymes with less familiar ones, and altering otherwise frightening images with clever, comforting artwork, Long has come up with a fresh, fun, yet still respectfully traditional approach to these classic verses. Linking the pages visually, Long encourages readers to discover playful connections between different rhymes. For example, the queen in "Pussycat, Pussycat, Where Have You Been?" is seated next to Old King Cole on the opposite page of the spread; apparently, these two are a royal item! Long's love of nature is reflected in her gorgeous watercolors of birds, rabbits, cats, frogs, insects, bears, and mice, all of whom figure prominently as old friends Jack and Jill, Old Mother Hubbard, Little Boy Blue, and Little Robin Red-breast. More than 75 classic Mother Goose rhymes are included in this stunning compendium. (Ages 3 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Heirloom-Quality...Enchanting!!!
This is the most beautifully illustrated Mother Goose book I have seen. Sylvia Long has taken her own interpretations of these classic rhymes and turned them into a wonderful imaginative feast for the eyes. The animal characters behave so life-like as they take the place of their human counterparts! I also like the way the author groups the rhymes according to themes. For example, all the rhymes containing words about specific animals, physical traits or characteristics tend to be grouped together. There is also an index of first lines in the back of the book.

My daughters continually pour over the images every day, and were even inspired to write and illustrate their own interpretations in their personal copybooks. The rhymes are classic, but in this book, the images tell their own stories as well!

5 Stars.

One of the best children's books available.
This is a wonderful book. The book takes you through more than 75 classic Mother Goose Rhymes including Jack and Jill, Old Mother Hubbard, Little Boy Blue, and Little Robin Red-breast.

Each rhyme is superbly illustrated allowing your youngster to understand the meaning of the rhyme through pictures.

This is a keepsake book that will surely be passed down from one generation to the next.

An Award winner
As I have read this book with my 2 and 4-yr old grandsons, I have thought that it must have won an award. The glowing reviews of others on your site seem to validate my opinion. Sylvia Long's choice of rhymes and illustrations for each two-page spread provides an opportunity for Grannie and the boys to communicate about the meaning of these old rhymes. The boys understand their meaning because of the beautiful illustrations that give the rhymes a new life in our modern world.

Charming
I am a school librarian constantly looking for nice editions of familiar nursery rhymes. This is one of the best books I have found in a long time. It has a nice collection of familiar and unfamilar rhymes. Each page has nicely done illustrations to support the rhyme. Sylvia Long identifies in the beginning of the book to look at each picture and look for the "bridge item" that is found in the next picture. Should keep kids busy with these rhymes for a long time.

Great baby gift!
This is one of the most beautiful Mother Goose books I have ever come across! The illustrations coupled with the classic Mother Goose rhymes make it a wonderful baby gift - one that is sure to be a keepsake! ... Read more

Book Description

Reminiscent of the wooden blocks you played with as a child, these sixteen chunky board books are small and sturdy, perfect for stacking and fit neatly into their own carrying case. Each book features a different Mother Goose rhyme accompanied by beautiful illustrations created especially for this new set. This attractive package includes a gift tag, making this the perfect gift-to-go! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Nice Block Books
Just got these block books for my 8 & 1/2 months old. The books are more sturdy than I expected (comparing with other board books that we have.)

My son put the books in his mouth immediately when he saw them. However, the books didn't get destroyed (at least not yet.) In addition, unlike other board books, the pages won't stick together after mouthing.

Although you can pile them up pretty well, don't expect them to be the same as regular blocks. Needless to say, they are still books.

Overall, they are nice and sturdy and my son enjoys playing with them.

For a baby
I was so excited to order the Sylvia Long Molther Goose Board Books because my 7 month old daughter loves books, but I was disappointed. While the books are beautiful and she likes them, they really cannot double as building blocks as they are marketed. All babies put everything in their mouths, which is something the manufacturer overlooked. When I gave her one of the books Christmas morning of course it went directly in her mouth and in less than a minute the front cover basically melted in her mouth and some of the paper came off. I definitely cannot leave the blocks for her to play with because they will be ruined in no time. Unlike other board books that have withstood hours of mouthing, I have to make sure I'm with her at all times when she plays with these in case some of the paper comes off which is a choking hazard. Bummer.

Wonderful books and blocks
This is a perfect gift for any baby's first birthday. The nursery rhymes and illustrations are darling and just perfect for little hands. You can read or build with these block books! ... Read more