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The Inner City Mother Goose
Commenting on political and social issues related to the conditions of the inner city and inner city life, provocative new versions of the classic Mother Goose rhymes, originally published in 1969, are accompanied by new full-color illustrations by the Caldecott Medalist for Smoky Night.
80 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 1969
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July 22, 2020
One of the Goodreads groups that I participate in hosts a daily journal where members post that day in literary history. July is my month to write this year, and I have discovered a variety of authors I would have never heard of otherwise. Eve Merriam (born Eva Moskovitz) was born on July 19, 1906. She was primarily a children’s author and poet who wrote a biography of Emma Lazarus for young readers. Merriam discovered her love for poetry at a young age and wrote her first poems at age eight. Although she wrote for children, Merriam wrote poetry and plays for adults as well. First published in 1969, The Inner City Mother Goose later became the Broadway musical Inner City: A Street Cantata in the early 1970s. Intrigued by the title of this volume, I was able to obtain a copy to read for myself.
In her introduction, Merriam explains that while the original Mother Goose rhymes are thought of as charming verses for children, their original intent was that of social and political commentary during the 17th and 18th centuries. At that point in history, England was mired in controversy, and even Oliver Cromwell makes a cameo appearance in “Who Killed Cock Robin.” In 1969, Merriam employed poetry as social commentary to bring to light a number of topics that are still relevant today, including: unequal schools, inadequate housing, unemployment, street crime, and cutbacks in funding for essential services. At one point, Inner City Mother Goose was the most banned book in America, as middle class parents, teachers, and librarians did not want to see what they saw as a vibrant, multicultural communities the way they really were. Merriam did not sugar coat anything. By the 1990s, people were ready to begin hearing Merriam’s words, and further editions were published, which is how I obtained a copy from my public library. Here are some brief highlights:
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the double lock will keep;
May no brick through the window break,
And no one rob me till I wake.
Rub-a-Dub-Dub
Rub-a-dub-dub,
Ceiling’s in the tub;
And how do you think it got there?
Water in the tub
On the floor above;
And that’s how our ceiling got there.
Taxi Man
Taxi man, taxi man,
Quick drive me home!
My house is on fire
And my children all-!
Sorry, lady,
Even in an emergency
Cabs don’t go to Harlem.
Urban Renewal
Urban renewal
Cleans out the slums,
Gets rid of the junkies,
The drunks and the bums;
Clears out the old stuff,
Each crumbling wall,
Clears out the old stuff:
People and all.
Inner City Mother Goose took a mere half an hour to read. The scathing poems were indeed set to the original Mother Goose nursery rhymes and indicted both local and federal governments for not paying attention to its urban denizens. Nikki Giovanni wrote the introduction to the edition that I read, and she lauded Eve Merriam for telling things like they are. Before being banned by many municipalities, the original printing of Inner City Mother Goose was over 100,000 copies. Merriam brought to light many issues that are at the forefront of today’s news. Fifty years ago, society at large were not ready to hear her rallying cry; today most people are. Eve Merriam is yet another example of an author I would not have discovered if I did not use Goodreads on a regular basis. This slim volume of her poetry may well rank among the most worthy of my reads this year.
4+ stars
In her introduction, Merriam explains that while the original Mother Goose rhymes are thought of as charming verses for children, their original intent was that of social and political commentary during the 17th and 18th centuries. At that point in history, England was mired in controversy, and even Oliver Cromwell makes a cameo appearance in “Who Killed Cock Robin.” In 1969, Merriam employed poetry as social commentary to bring to light a number of topics that are still relevant today, including: unequal schools, inadequate housing, unemployment, street crime, and cutbacks in funding for essential services. At one point, Inner City Mother Goose was the most banned book in America, as middle class parents, teachers, and librarians did not want to see what they saw as a vibrant, multicultural communities the way they really were. Merriam did not sugar coat anything. By the 1990s, people were ready to begin hearing Merriam’s words, and further editions were published, which is how I obtained a copy from my public library. Here are some brief highlights:
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the double lock will keep;
May no brick through the window break,
And no one rob me till I wake.
Rub-a-Dub-Dub
Rub-a-dub-dub,
Ceiling’s in the tub;
And how do you think it got there?
Water in the tub
On the floor above;
And that’s how our ceiling got there.
Taxi Man
Taxi man, taxi man,
Quick drive me home!
My house is on fire
And my children all-!
Sorry, lady,
Even in an emergency
Cabs don’t go to Harlem.
Urban Renewal
Urban renewal
Cleans out the slums,
Gets rid of the junkies,
The drunks and the bums;
Clears out the old stuff,
Each crumbling wall,
Clears out the old stuff:
People and all.
Inner City Mother Goose took a mere half an hour to read. The scathing poems were indeed set to the original Mother Goose nursery rhymes and indicted both local and federal governments for not paying attention to its urban denizens. Nikki Giovanni wrote the introduction to the edition that I read, and she lauded Eve Merriam for telling things like they are. Before being banned by many municipalities, the original printing of Inner City Mother Goose was over 100,000 copies. Merriam brought to light many issues that are at the forefront of today’s news. Fifty years ago, society at large were not ready to hear her rallying cry; today most people are. Eve Merriam is yet another example of an author I would not have discovered if I did not use Goodreads on a regular basis. This slim volume of her poetry may well rank among the most worthy of my reads this year.
4+ stars
August 8, 2010
My father read these dark and depressing nursery rhymes to me when I was a small child. It fucked me sideways and twisted me hopeless. I'm am eternally grateful. I'll always consider Eve Merriam my godmother, whether she wants me or not.
April 19, 2017
Glad I finally read this. Giovanni's introduction to this 1996 edition, Merriam's to the 1981 revision, and David Diaz' art, enlighten and illuminate. Just remember, this is not for little kids, but rather for YA and adults. Too bad the people who need to read it never will.
The only things I would like would be to see the original rhymes in an appendix, to help with my fluency (poetry is meant to be read aloud!), and to see the original version (because I am always curious about that sort of thing).
The only things I would like would be to see the original rhymes in an appendix, to help with my fluency (poetry is meant to be read aloud!), and to see the original version (because I am always curious about that sort of thing).
November 1, 2025
Damn.
Despite originally being published in 1969, the poetry contained is as poignant and relevant as ever. Every single piece cut -- some sharp, some deep, others just surface -- but they all cut.
Despite originally being published in 1969, the poetry contained is as poignant and relevant as ever. Every single piece cut -- some sharp, some deep, others just surface -- but they all cut.
April 13, 2025
A review on the back: "I am overwhelmed because of its timeliness despite the passage of time." -- Kate McClelland, Perrot Memorial Library, Connecticut.
I can't say anything better than that.
I can't say anything better than that.
February 5, 2012
“The Inner City Mother Goose” is a set of poems that are adapted from traditional nursery rhymes to depict the realities of inner-city life. For example, there are poems called “Sing a Song of Subways” (inspired by “Sing a Song of Sixpence”) and “Twelve Rooftops Leaping” (based on “The Twelve Days of Christmas). The book consists of 65 short poems accompanied by a variety of photographs.
One of the most striking things about the poems was the sharp contrast between the childish, simple rhyme structure and the harsh nature of the content. The contrast worked for these poems because it highlights the fact that even young children are being forced to deal with such difficult circumstances. It allows the reader to clearly see what life is like for some urban children living in poverty. This honest look at the harsh realities of life jolts the reader, reminding them that not everyone feels safe at night and that many people live in dangerous situations.
This book of poetry is good for adults and high school students, since it sheds an honest light on prejudice, poverty, and violence, but it is not something I would read to young children. The poems contain profanity and drug references, as well as other mature topics. I would recommend this book to teachers, because it might help to remind them that their students’ lives may be more difficult than they seem, but it is not a book of poetry to read in a classroom setting.
One of the most striking things about the poems was the sharp contrast between the childish, simple rhyme structure and the harsh nature of the content. The contrast worked for these poems because it highlights the fact that even young children are being forced to deal with such difficult circumstances. It allows the reader to clearly see what life is like for some urban children living in poverty. This honest look at the harsh realities of life jolts the reader, reminding them that not everyone feels safe at night and that many people live in dangerous situations.
This book of poetry is good for adults and high school students, since it sheds an honest light on prejudice, poverty, and violence, but it is not something I would read to young children. The poems contain profanity and drug references, as well as other mature topics. I would recommend this book to teachers, because it might help to remind them that their students’ lives may be more difficult than they seem, but it is not a book of poetry to read in a classroom setting.
April 21, 2019
This book is challenged due to inappropriate language and content. While I greatly enjoyed this book, I understand why it has been challenged, especially at elementary ages. The book uses nursery rhymes to make statements on poverty, race, and police brutality is a shocking an effective way. However, the shocking nature of these nursery rhymes is what makes it a book that I find unsuitable for young children. There are instances of intense swearing, graphic depictions of violence, and disturbing images that children at an elementary level would likely have a difficult time understanding, and only be distraught by them.
This is not to say that children are not able to learn about these important issues, but this book is perhaps not the best way to go about teaching them. Older students, in late-middle into high school would gain much more from this book as I believe at that point they will have an understanding of the social issues and not be disturbed by the way they are presented.
This is not to say that children are not able to learn about these important issues, but this book is perhaps not the best way to go about teaching them. Older students, in late-middle into high school would gain much more from this book as I believe at that point they will have an understanding of the social issues and not be disturbed by the way they are presented.
January 9, 2026
This was an interesting read. It a collection of poems and rhymes, adapted from traditional rhymes, to reflect the reality of living in the inner city. I'm not surprised this book caused such a stir, was banned, and continues to be considered controversial to this day. People in power and benefitting from the status quo rarely enjoy hearing the truth.
Some of the rhymes were humorous. Some of them had some upsetting content. And it was sad to see that a book written in 1969 continues to be so relevant in 2026. This is the type of book that can be used to start a conversation, though, and I'm definitely glad that I read it.
Some of the rhymes were humorous. Some of them had some upsetting content. And it was sad to see that a book written in 1969 continues to be so relevant in 2026. This is the type of book that can be used to start a conversation, though, and I'm definitely glad that I read it.
March 23, 2017
This book is a collection of poems transforming nursery rhymes into telling tales of the inner city and what life is like there. It has graphic descriptions and crude depictions of the inner city, and while realistic, takes the innocence and tradition out of the nursery rhymes they transformed. I don't know if banning this book was the correct decision, but maybe just being aware of the audience would have been suffcient. It can definitely be shocking to read these poems since they differ drastically from the orginal, sweet, nursery rhymes we are all familiar with. The poems are very creative and entertaining for an older audience.
December 26, 2021
“what could one or two poems before bed hurt?”, i said, right before sitting down to open this for the first time. i bought this at my local library for 25 cents because i loved the cover, and opening this up tonight to see what it was about was one of the most incredible surprises.
i own the copy with visuals by Lawrence Ratzkin, and i think this makes the poems even more profound than they would be if they stood alone.
i’m so happy this jumped out at me on the shelf. one of the best quarters i’ve ever spent.
i own the copy with visuals by Lawrence Ratzkin, and i think this makes the poems even more profound than they would be if they stood alone.
i’m so happy this jumped out at me on the shelf. one of the best quarters i’ve ever spent.
April 7, 2022
I was not familiar with this book until recently, when I found this 1996 reprint of Merriam’s 1969 original. Apparently this edition is less abrasive than the original, at least when it comes to its illustrations, but many poems in the assortment are as timely as ever. Nevertheless it’s an ofttimes politically incorrect, scathing, and disturbing combo of parody and sad nursery rhymes about poverty, crime, and disillusionment that you have to read to believe.
September 11, 2022
It amazes that some people think this is a children's book. Wow. In her introduction to the 1982 edition, Eve Merriam recounts how many times this book was banned, and why. This is an amazingly valuable and unsettling book. It tells truth that is inconvenient to hear. It's a must for anyone who needs to understand issues of inequality and unjust societies. That means, it's a must for everyone. But please preview it yourself before sharing it with tiny ones.
May 6, 2021
Every word of this little book is genius. I ran into this title on accident, thought it sounded good, and bought it. When I started reading, I couldn't put it down until I was finished.
Phenomenal. Both the poems, and the art by Mr. Diaz.
Please, read this book.
Phenomenal. Both the poems, and the art by Mr. Diaz.
Please, read this book.
May 12, 2017
good reading
September 14, 2018
Didn't care for it at all
Inappropriate at times
Just satire
Mocks the very foundation early childhood was built on
Inappropriate at times
Just satire
Mocks the very foundation early childhood was built on
February 7, 2021
So good. So relevant today. Some things have changed, but some things feel eerily similar.
May 8, 2021
Read this book while I was high school while studying poetry and never forgot it. Will see if I can find it for a reread (50 years later!)
July 14, 2021
Timeless and relevant. Everything a satire commentary should be.
Not a single poem fell short.
Not a single poem fell short.
February 27, 2012
This was definitely an enlightening read for me. It brings up many of our society's dysfunctional attributes, such as violence, racism, poverty, abuse, etc. What is sad, I realized, is that I wouldn't be comfortable reading this to 8 year olds, even though the reason this was written is because this is every day life for hundreds of 8 year olds, even in the United States.
Sounds: like the original Mother Goose, all these poems are written with a distinct rhythm, almost like a song. They are all rhyming poems. They create imagery through the rhyming words that were used.
Images: the words paint very real and violent images in the reader's mind. You are hit with a wall of fresh reality from these poems. It paints the image in your mind that these children in the poems live a very different "night life" than the average, middle-class American.
There is not so much a "positive stretch" to this book, simply because it blatantly expresses the hard truth of life in the inner cities. It is enlightening, but not exactly uplifting.
I may suggest a highschooler reading this for the sake that it is poetry. I would also suggest it to other teachers to bring about awareness of what some of their students are faced with. But definitely not an elementary classroom.
Sounds: like the original Mother Goose, all these poems are written with a distinct rhythm, almost like a song. They are all rhyming poems. They create imagery through the rhyming words that were used.
Images: the words paint very real and violent images in the reader's mind. You are hit with a wall of fresh reality from these poems. It paints the image in your mind that these children in the poems live a very different "night life" than the average, middle-class American.
There is not so much a "positive stretch" to this book, simply because it blatantly expresses the hard truth of life in the inner cities. It is enlightening, but not exactly uplifting.
I may suggest a highschooler reading this for the sake that it is poetry. I would also suggest it to other teachers to bring about awareness of what some of their students are faced with. But definitely not an elementary classroom.
Read
November 20, 2012Grade/interest level: Middle/High school (grades 6-12)
Reading level: 5.5+
Genre: Poetry
Main Characters: Various
Setting: Various
POV: Various
Summary:
This is a collection of 65 poems that are parodies of original nursery rhymes. The versions presented in this book focus on urban issues such as crime, violence, inadequate housing, unemployment and drug abuse, among many others. The poems are powerful on their own, but even more so when paired with the illustrations.
The illustrations are bright, eye catching and match up with the content beautifully. They really aid the readers understanding of the text by providing plenty of detail.
Classroom use/theme:
Although some people may find it disturbing and much too dark for children, I feel as though it touches on issues that are a reality to many students in urban schools. I think this book could be extremely useful in teaching about social justice and inequality in the classroom. It provides students with culturally relevant reading materials that they can relate to. I think that, although the book rarely touches on positive aspects of city life, it has the potential to spark deep discussions and debates among students if the teacher sets up the appropriate environment for that.
Reading level: 5.5+
Genre: Poetry
Main Characters: Various
Setting: Various
POV: Various
Summary:
This is a collection of 65 poems that are parodies of original nursery rhymes. The versions presented in this book focus on urban issues such as crime, violence, inadequate housing, unemployment and drug abuse, among many others. The poems are powerful on their own, but even more so when paired with the illustrations.
The illustrations are bright, eye catching and match up with the content beautifully. They really aid the readers understanding of the text by providing plenty of detail.
Classroom use/theme:
Although some people may find it disturbing and much too dark for children, I feel as though it touches on issues that are a reality to many students in urban schools. I think this book could be extremely useful in teaching about social justice and inequality in the classroom. It provides students with culturally relevant reading materials that they can relate to. I think that, although the book rarely touches on positive aspects of city life, it has the potential to spark deep discussions and debates among students if the teacher sets up the appropriate environment for that.
October 20, 2014
I read this short book of Mother-Goose inspired rhymes while browsing at a used book store today--it is almost compulsively readable, and didn't take long at all to finish. The themes are violence, drugs, welfare lines, and urban poverty, and the "nursery rhyme" format was surprisingly convincing. The book was published in 1969, but still seems relevant today, which is kind of depressing. I didn't buy it because it didn't seem like the sort of thing I'd want to read more than once, but now I kinda wish I had. Well, it will probably still be there next time. Definitely worth a look.
February 17, 2012
I had forgotten about this book until today when I was looking for another Mother Goose book and this one came up. I think I picked up a copy of this at a Friends of the Library book sale and donated it to the Solidarity library. I have no idea where it is now.
I liked this book a lot. The writing is smart and funny and edgy.
I liked this book a lot. The writing is smart and funny and edgy.
December 4, 2011
Although not traditionally what we consider a graphic novel, I think it is an excellent example of using words and pictures to express mature topics. David Diaz's bold illustrations in acrylic are a perfect union with the thought-provoking verses.
May 8, 2007
Must read-1
Meaningful-1
Meaningful-1
January 3, 2012
I know an English teacher who got fired for giving this book to a student back in the '70s. A pretty enlightening look at reality in the inner city.
June 9, 2013
More than 40 years old, and so little has changed. Beautifully done, but sad. The introduction to the 1996 edition by Nikki Giovanni is sublime.
June 29, 2014
One of the stand outs for me is, Take- A- Tour, Take- A- Tour, Congressman.
March 26, 2017
It is clear why this book is on the controversial list. This book is a series of poems that take familiar nursery rhymes and incorporate what it is like to live in an inner city environment. There were some parts that included drug abuse, which is not the most appropriate topic at school. I think it would be interesting for some kids to read this book because the children in the book live life very differently. I am not sure if I would have this book in my classroom. I think that it would be good for kids to see a new perspective, but some of the topics might be too mature.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews