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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

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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

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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

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Richard Scarry's bright and humorous animal characters have been charming children for decades. Always inventive in the world of animal fashion, Scarry shows the cow jumping over the moon in pearls and a pink dress, and the little dog who "laughed to see such sport" sports a sailor suit. You won't hear "I can't see the pictures!" with this book; its large size makes it a good choice for group story hour. This collection of 50 Mother Goose rhymes is especially appropriate for toddlers; most of the two-page spreads contain only one illustrated rhyme. (Many children younger than three can focus better on one simple verse than on many rhymes on each page.) Richard Scarry's Best Mother Goose Ever has stood the test of time for more than 25 years and is still a hit with young readers. (Ages 1 to 4) ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A Classic
I used to make my mother read to the entire book to me every night- I had it memorized so I even knew when she would try to skip pages! I absolutely love this book and recommend it to anyone who has kids or who knows kids. This is absolutely my favorite childhood book. . .there is none better!

A great book
This collection of nursery rhymes is a classic. It has all the ones I remember as a child and more. The pictures are big and funny. It is so much fun to read. I can hardly wait to read it during story time for my daughter.

DELIGHTFUL
This collection of nursery rhymes and illustrations are a classic.I deeply enjoyed them as a kid and now my children enjoy this as a good read. Truly a delightful book.

Illustrations create wonderful memories
The illustrations in this book make the nursery rhymes entertaining to small children. This book provided me with many hours of joy and wonderful memories when I shared it with my two children. I am now sending it to my son to share with his little girl.

5 children rate this the best ever!
The large sized illustrations, the bright colors and the rhymes themselves all made this book the favorite with our 5 children. We have gone through 2 copies, now reduced to loose pages, and need to order 2 more for new grandchildren (both age 5 months) ... Read more

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Tomie dePaola's collection of traditional rhymes is a visual treat for both children and parents. His cheerful, humorous style enlivens 200 rhymes that star both the familiar Mother Goose cast of characters and those not as well known. Some pages are devoted to one rhyme--including all the verses--while other pages feature a variety of shorter rhymes or thematic groupings (such as verses about weather). Amidst the nursery rhymes are American poems such as "Yankee Doodle" and "Hush Little Baby," along with traditional poems such as "Three Little Kittens." This collection is a delightful introduction to poetry as well as an entertaining, comprehensive Mother Goose book. Parents could read a few rhymes to younger children and longer segments to older preschoolers. Beginning readers who have grown up with this book will move naturally into reading Mother Goose on their own. (Ages 1-6) ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A mixed bag well organized
This book includes items that I remember (and/or own) as separate Golden Book stories; an example is the Three Little Kittens. Other items I know as folk songs e.g. "I had a cat and the cat pleased me". Others have longer versions than normally appear in Mother Goose although the additional verses are often traditional e.g. Jack and Jill; this trait is the one most apt to disturb the adults - they often wish to read the rhymes as they remember them. I would also expect some complaints about some of the violence - spanking etc.; I see these as an opportunity to introduce the child to the fact that the world is not composed of perfect people. Letting children hear or see something is not the same as approving the behavior.

The real strength of this volume is the thought given to sequence. Open to any page and you will see pictures which are compatible with each other, rhymes that are compatible, that create a nice flow. The illustrations are a wonderful mix of realism, animal-people, and humor - a pig so puffed it appears to float. While the pictures have a taste of old to them - especially those accompanying rhymes with archaic subject matter - the pictures are appealing to the contemporary child.

Very Disappointing
I was very disappointed with this book. Some of the additional verses added to familiar rhymes change the rhythm of the rhyme, and do not mesh. Many rhymes, including "Jack and Jill" have a different second verse from the traditional one. "Hush Little Baby" is incomplete. Many of the rhymes are non-traditional.

I don't even want my child to hear some of these poems! They talk about a man who wouldn't say his prayers so "I took him by the left leg and threw him down the stairs," giving a barber a pinch of snuff, and other such things.

Wonderfully illustrated!
No bedtime ritual is complete without Tomie's tome. My two toddlers enjoy the classic verses and its whimsical art. Other Mother Goose books don't seem to hold my children's interest. This one is a family favorite (and somewhat difficult to locate - I now give it as a baby gift to new parents since that's how I was introduced to it!) Enjoy!

My daughter's favorite book
My two-year-old daughter can't go to bed without reading at least 20 nursery rhymes from this enchanting book. (Well, I read them to her.) The illustrations are magnificent, as are the groupings of the rhymes and the way the art is arranged. This is truly a magical book. The only thing I don't like is the true, old wording on some of the "crueller" rhymes; in other words, the old lady in the shoe beats her children soundly, and the mother who catches her daughter warming her toes by the fire also beats her. Etc. I change the words for all these. Other than this, a magnficent, classic book that has my child loving the sound of words.

Collection of less well-known rhymes which doesn't click
I was looking for a compilation of familiar nursery rhymes to get my kids started in the wonderful world of words. I was disappointed in what I consider to be a limited and weak collection of rhymes. Illustrations are good. ... Read more

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Ages 1 & up. A Mother Goose book for the nineties, Animal Crackers combines old-fashioned charm with modern sensibilities. Traditional poems and lullabies are seamlessly mixed with contemporary and multicultural works; the delightfully old-style illustrations are equally diverse. It's a lovely introduction to the world of nursery rhymes--and more. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A Nice Gift
I purchsed this as a baby gift. I wanted something the new parents could learn nursery rhymes from. This isn't really the book to do that as it doesn't contain very many "common" nursery rhymes. However it does have beautful pictures and made a nice gift anyway.

A Superb Collection of Nursery Rhymes
Intricate details and warm tones fill the illustrations throughout this superb collection of sixty-two nursery rhymes. Dyer has incorporated a wide variety of traditional nursery rhymes such as Little Jack Horner, Humpty Dumpty, and Peter Piper along with some not so traditional, such as Grandpa Bear's Lullaby, Animal Crackers, and All Asleep. She has divided this medley of rhymes into seven unique sections, including "Nursery Rhymes," "Animals, Animals," and "Lullaby and Good Night." These divisions make it easy to find rhymes for specific occasions or themes. Each rhyme is delightfully and intricately illustrated with warm watercolors which encompass the entire page. These illustrations invite the reader to become more involved in the story. This anthology of nursery rhymes is appropriate for the emergent reader because of the familiar text throughout the story. Dyer's intricate watercolors will help young children focus on the pictures to help create meaning. This well-designed collection of rhymes will be a valuable addition to any young child's personal library.

Wonderful Collection
I just received my copy of this book and can't wait to share it with my 2 year old daughter. Only problem - I purchased it for a gift and now need to buy one for her! The collection of nursery rhymes and poetry is beautifully illustrated, with oversized pages allowing maximum enjoyment for the non-reader. Definitely a must for every child's library.

Attractive poetry collection to please both child and parent
Jane Dyer's gentle watercolor paintings enhance a thoughtful selection of the best poems and nursery rhymes for young children. Collected in thematic sections ranging from alphabet and counting rhymes through the seasons, food, animals, and playtime to lullabies and night songs, the poems feature topics to tickle a young child's imagination while presenting rhythms and rhymes that encourage enthusiastic repetition through many read-aloud sessions. Loving parents, grandparents, and gift-givers of children ages 2 to 7 will delight in sharing these child-pleasing poems over and over. Most of the contents are of English heritage, but African, Danish, Brazilian, and German traditional lullabies are also included. Oversized pages allow plenty of interplay between text and art, while the book's slim (64-page) format keeps the volume manageable even in small hands. Dyer offers a broader variety than most collections for very young children, and if her art lacks the brash humor of a Rosemary Wells (My Very First Mother Goose), it offers instead a quietly satisfying world where children smile. A fun bonus: the artist has tucked in an unheralded self-portrait on page 22--and isn't that Barry Moser eating his peas with honey at the bottom of the same page? ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An interesting book to add to your children's shelf.
I bought this book to get a more worldly view of nursery rhymes. I wanted to read some of the rhymes that are told to children in other countries, and wanted to expose my future kids to other cultures.

The book does all of this with over 30 rhymes from various countries around the world. Some of the rhymes don't really rhyme as that was lost in translation, but it's still fun to see what is told to children in that country.

Each page is a colorful bonanza of illustrations to accompany the rhyme.

It's sure to keep your child's attention on the page as you read the rhymes.

I recommend this book to anyone wanting to inject a bit of worldly culture into their child's reading time. ... Read more

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Ashley Bryan's ABC of African American Poetry is not an alphabet book. Award-winning children's book author and former teacher Ashley Bryan has simply hit upon a straightforward way to present the work of his favorite African American poets: he uses a letter of each poem to organize the 25 excerpts and one African American spiritual. His vibrant artwork, with bold strokes of paint reminiscent of Vincent van Gogh, successfully captures the essence of each piece."As I read," Bryan writes, "images sprang from the lines of the poets... Finally, I chose the sketches that offered a balanced play of images and did finished paintings from them in tempera paints and gouache colors."

Poems ranging from the intense to the whimsical reflect the diverse voices of poets such as Rita Dove, Lucille Clifton, and Gwendolyn Brooks. A colorful elephant stands solidly next to Countee Cullen's poem: "Dear Noah: Please save me a spot / Exposed to the sun, where the Mice are not; / But if I must share my chamber, the Ant / Is the one I should welcome. Yours: L. E. Phant." From Langston Hughes we hear, "There are words like Freedom / Sweet and wonderful to say. / On my heart-strings freedom sings / All day everyday." And Eloise Greenfield chimes in with "Harriet Tubman didn't take no stuff / Wasn't scared of nothing neither / Didn't come in this world to be no slave / And wasn't going to stay one neither." This innovative, easy-to-absorb, boldly illustrated introduction to a rich variety of African American poets would be a valuable addition to any child's bookshelf. (All ages) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Beautiful, breath-taking
The illustrations in this book are so beautiful, words can not explain. It is a simple read that introduces the little ones to poetry. Most poems are excerpts of a stanza or a few lines and the picture corresponds to the poem. Each poem either starts with the letter of the letter is bold in the poem and ties in the picture. For example, F=freedom, but the poem's first letter is not F, so F is bold in the word freedom. Highly recommended for the entire family.

Awesome Images!
We love this book and are purchasing a second copy so we can cut out the images and frame them. Ashley Bryan is a master of art! Bryan uses only portions of poems by wonderful poets, the stanzas chosen match the images perfectly and make the reader want to find the entire poem to read! Highly recommended by this family ... Read more

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Books for bedtime are always popular with children (and tired parents!) who want one more story before turning off the lights. Michael Hague has selected and illustrated an exquisite collection of 51 poems and lullabies for bedtime or naptime. The familiar favorites are all here, as are lesser-known works from Robert Louis Stevenson, Margaret Wise Brown, Nikki Giovanni, Jack Prelutsky, and many others. Hague's intricate, luminous art is a perfect complement to the selected poems and lullabies, 26 of which have musical notation at the end of the book. Sleep, Baby, Sleep would make an excellent baby gift or first birthday present for the sleepy-eyed little one on your list. (Ages 1 to 4) ... Read more

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Some parents and educators object to the old-fashioned and sometimes stereotypical nature oftraditional Mother Goose rhymes. Move over, Mother Goose--welcome to the '90s! In this morecontemporary collection, Bruce Lansky offers new versions of 41 rhymes, a "kinder, gentler"approach to Mother Goose, with funny twists that will amuse both young listeners and their parents. In thiscollection, Little Miss Muffet is definitely not afraid of spiders, Old Mother Hubbard's dog calls out for pizza, and the old woman who lived in a shoe retires to a sandal on the beach. Roly-poly contemporarychildren of all races illustrate these poems in a humorous, good-natured fashion. As a follow-up to traditional Mother Goose poems or on their own, these nursery rhymes for our modern timesare a satisfying alternative. (Ages 2 to 5) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Stands on its own, even when not compared to Mother Goose
My son loves this book and seemed unimpressed with the original Mother Goose when they were read to him weeks after getting this book. This book is much more entertaining for any age at any time. Warm, positive, and funny.

Wonderful update of familiar nursery rhymes
After our son was born we started really reading the old nursery rhymes we'd grown up with and were disappointed by the often harsh and callous messages. The New Adventures of Mother Goose is such a welcome relief! It full of the characters we recognize but they're so much happier than we remember them. For instance, the three KIND mice take out their cheese and cut her (the farmer's wife) a slice. How much better than getting their tails chopped off! Most importantly, it's our son's favorite book and he's starting to complete the rhymes himself. We feel good about having him repeat happy rhymes. ... Read more

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Young children have long loved "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," the irresistible story of a little girl who audaciously trespasses on the property of a family of bears. In The Three Bears Rhyme Book, Jane Yolen takes a closer look at the bears, from their breakfast porridge (with Goldilocks peeking in the window) to a garden visit, a walk in the rain, naptime, and other adventures that lead to bath, books, and bedtime. Preschoolers just might notice the similarities between Baby Bear's life and their own! Jane Dyer's engaging full-page illustrations in colored pencil and watercolor make The Three Bears Rhyme Book a delightful read-aloud experience. Don't be surprised if you share this book with your child and hear "Read it again!" as you turn the last page. (Ages 2 to 6) ... Read more

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A beautiful storybook of poems
The more my daughter and I read this book, the more we liked it! Jane Dyer's illustrations are beautifully detailed--who would have imagined the bears living in such an ornate little house! Apparently Goldi and the bears have become friends because they share photographs, go to each other's parties, and compare gardens. Children can relate to baby bear's feelings that he is "Too Old for Naps," his fears "In the Night," and his opinion that Daddy's lap makes the best chair at all. This is a wonderful book to read aloud to your child at bedtime--or anytime. ... Read more

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This might have been your Mother Goose book when you were young ... or maybe even your great-grandmother's! The Real Mother Goose has been teaching children traditional nursery rhymes since 1916, when the first edition of the book was published; since then, five million copies have been sold in the United States. The cover's familiar black-and-white checkerboard border is still here, as are Blanche Fisher Wright's delicate, old-fashioned illustrations. You'll find more than 200 Mother Goose rhymes, supplemented by an alphabetical list of first lines to help you locate your favorites. This 80th-anniversary edition of the quintessential old-fashioned Mother Goose book has a clothbound cover and reinforced binding to last through several children--and possibly their children. (Ages 2 to 6) ... 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