About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts questioning the logic of nursery rhymes or shows a burgeoning interest in creative writing and world-building. L. Frank Baum, the celebrated author of The Wizard of Oz, provides backstories for twenty-two classic Mother Goose characters, transforming brief verses into rich, whimsical narratives. These stories explore the 'why' and 'how' behind familiar figures like Old King Cole and Little Bo-Peep, offering a gentle bridge between simple rhymes and complex storytelling. It is an ideal choice for fostering curiosity and imagination in children who are ready to move beyond picture books. The prose is elegant and slightly sophisticated, making it a wonderful tool for vocabulary building while maintaining a sense of wonder and kindness that is appropriate for the middle-grade audience.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book approaches conflict and misfortune with a secular, lighthearted, and often metaphorical lens. While some characters face mishaps (like falling off walls or losing property), the resolutions are generally hopeful or provide a satisfying sense of justice and closure. There is no graphic violence or heavy trauma.
