A Modern Parents' Guide to Nursery Rhymes

With its hip approach, witty headnotes, smart packaging, and link to an album of downloadable music, this is the ultimate curated collection of classic poems, songs, lullabies, rounds, and riddles. Once upon a time every parent knew all about “Little Jack Horner” and “Oh Mr. Sun,” “Little Miss Muffet” and the “Three Blind Mice,” “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and “Shoo Fly.” And now you will, too. Plus, readers will learn the intricate finger ballet called “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” how to play the game of finding Thumbkin or act out “I’m a Little Teapot” or get their child rocking giddily to “Banbury Cross.” In addition, there are explanations for curious children (and grown-ups) - for example, what exactly a “tuffet” is, how to make “pease porridge,” what else on the bus goes around in addition to the wheels. Also included are suggestions for reciting poetry of the greats - Shakespeare, Blake, Emily Dickinson; tips on how to improvise; and the secret to an “Om” that just might abate the next munchkin meltdown.

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