Jiggle Joggle Jee!

by Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards, Sam Williams (Illustrator)

Originally published in the early 1900s as The Baby Goes to Boston, an adorable picture book, filled with whimsical illustrations and rhythmic text, follows the adventures of an imaginative baby as he zooms around his bedroom on his toy locomotive.

Genres: Picture Books, Storytime, Transport, Childrens

32 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1902

About the author

Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards (27 February, 1850 – 14 January, 1943) was an American writer. She often published as Laura E. Richards & wrote more than 90 books including biographies, poetry, and several for children.

Her father was Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, an abolitionist and the founder of the Perkins Institution and Massachusetts School for the Blind. She was named after his famous deaf-blind pupil Laura Bridgman. Her mother Julia Ward Howe wrote the words to "The Battle Hymn of the Republic".

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally entitled The Baby Goes to Boston, this children's poem from late nineteenth/early-twentieth century author Laura E. Richards - it was included in her 1902 collection, Tirra Lirra: Rhymes Old and New - has been made into a picture-book, with colorful pencil and watercolor artwork by English illustrator Sam Williams. A rhythmic celebration of a train, a baby, and the journey they make (real? imaginary?) together, Jiggle Joggle Jee! takes it title from the poem's refrain (meant to simulate the sounds of a train on the tracks), and provides an entertaining bedtime book.

I was excited to see that my library had this picture-book, as I have recently become quite interested in Richards' work - I read her five-volume Hildegarde series recently, and hope to do the same with her Margaret series - most of which is out of print, and no longer circulating in public libraries. I can't say it was especially thrilling, but it was a fun little piece, and I appreciated the ways in which Williams' artwork expanded the story, making it as much a journey of the imagination, as an actual train trip.

[Steph]

Turn/Level: 2/1.5

Trains, Toys, Babies

This book is mostly rhyming nonsense, but fun to read nonetheless.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story to read aloud. I used this book for a 3 year old storytime and was able to keep a steady rhythm for the children to bounce with while I was reading. Its so much fun, and would be a great bedtime lullaby.

[Kate Hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhyming sounds with bells for music and movement. Fun for transportation theme.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

For storytimes, parents can bounce their babies on their laps everytime we say "jiggle joggle" and the kids can make the "ting" sound for the bells.

[Ashton]

This author's mother wrote the "Battle Hymn of the Republic". This book is a little bit weird, but there is a good rhythm to it.

[Geni · Rating 2 out of 5]

made up words, not as fun are easy to pronounce compared to Seuss.
Positive: Words are big and bold for kids to see during story time.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rhythm and rhyme in this book is fantastic! I loved it and my toddler did too.

[Tina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Henry and I read this on September 23rd. Just awful. Illustrations aren't even redeeming.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

A definite try for baby storytime with a train theme. Phonological awareness is really emphasized in the book. I can imagine an easy lap sit to go along with this book

[Annabel Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

(5 yo)

It's about silly words! "Jiggle Joggle Jee"