About This Book
Reach for this book when you want to bridge the gap between reading and creating, or when your child is curious about the 'olden days' of storytelling. This collection pairs the nonsense rhymes of Mother Goose with the iconic 19th-century sketches of Randolph Caldecott, presented in a unique format that invites children to color and expand upon the original art. It is a wonderful tool for children who find standard picture books too passive and want to physically participate in the world of the story. While the rhymes are whimsical and linguistically rich, they serve as a window into a different era. The book includes 'Hey Diddle Diddle' and 'Baby Bunting,' offering a blend of absurd animal humor and vintage domestic scenes. It is best suited for children ages 3 to 8, providing toddlers with rhythmic comfort and older children with a sophisticated art project. Parents should be aware that the 'Baby Bunting' rhyme mentions hunting for a rabbit skin, which may require a brief conversation about historical lifestyles.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The rhyme Baby Bunting involves a father going hunting to get a rabbit skin to wrap the baby in. This is a direct, secular depiction of historical life. For modern children, the idea of using animal skins may feel jarring, but it is presented as a gesture of parental care within the context of the era.
Ideal Reader
A creative 6-year-old who loves 'fancy' old-fashioned drawings and is looking for a project that combines their love of poetry with their interest in drawing and coloring.
