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My Very First Mother Goose Series
My Very First Mother Goose
To a small child, words are magical. And the most magical of all are the beloved, venerable words of Mother Goose. Now folklorist Iona Opie has gathered more than sixty treasured rhymes in their most perfect, honest form. From "Hey Diddle, Diddle" and "Pat-a-Cake" to "Little Jack Horner" and "Pussycat, Pussycat," these are familiar verses that have been passed from parent to child for generations; these are the rhymes that are every child's birthright.
With watercolors by Rosemary Wells that may prove equally enduring, MY VERY FIRST MOTHER GOOSE captures the simple joy and the sly humor that are the essence of Mother Goose. Parents and children will find themselves exploring this volume together, savoring delightful details and funny surprises on every page. This is a book that promises hours of quiet smiles and merry grins for readers of all ages.
With watercolors by Rosemary Wells that may prove equally enduring, MY VERY FIRST MOTHER GOOSE captures the simple joy and the sly humor that are the essence of Mother Goose. Parents and children will find themselves exploring this volume together, savoring delightful details and funny surprises on every page. This is a book that promises hours of quiet smiles and merry grins for readers of all ages.
108 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1996
20 people are currently reading
588 people want to read
About the author
Iona Opie
44 books32 followersIona Margaret Balfour Archibald was born in Colchester, Essex, England. She was a researcher and writer on folklore and children's street culture. She is considered an authority on children's rhymes, street and playground games and the Mother Goose tradition. She was elected a Fellow of the British Academy (FBA) in 1998 and was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1999.
The couple met during World War II and married on 2 September 1943. The couple worked together closely, from their home near Farnham, Surrey, conducting primary fieldwork, library research, and interviews of thousands of children. In pursuing the folklore of contemporary childhood they directly recorded rhymes and games in real time as they were being sung, chanted, or played. Working from their home in Alton, Hampshire they collaborated on several celebrated books and produced over 30 works. The couple were jointly awarded the Coote Lake Medal in 1960. The medal is awarded by The Folklore Society "for outstanding research and scholarship".
Speaking in 2010, Iona speaks of working with her husband as being "like two of us in a very small boat and each had an oar and we were trying to row across the Atlantic." and that "[W]e would never discuss ideas verbally except very late at night."
Iona Opie died in 2017.
The couple met during World War II and married on 2 September 1943. The couple worked together closely, from their home near Farnham, Surrey, conducting primary fieldwork, library research, and interviews of thousands of children. In pursuing the folklore of contemporary childhood they directly recorded rhymes and games in real time as they were being sung, chanted, or played. Working from their home in Alton, Hampshire they collaborated on several celebrated books and produced over 30 works. The couple were jointly awarded the Coote Lake Medal in 1960. The medal is awarded by The Folklore Society "for outstanding research and scholarship".
Speaking in 2010, Iona speaks of working with her husband as being "like two of us in a very small boat and each had an oar and we were trying to row across the Atlantic." and that "[W]e would never discuss ideas verbally except very late at night."
Iona Opie died in 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
October 26, 2015
Both my little boys have loved this book. And it's one of the most often requested books in our house by my youngest boy right now.
It has many of the classic nursery rhymes in it, and the illustrations are fun and friendly, with plenty of things to point at and talk about to younger kids. "Can you see an Egg?" "Which one is the pink pig?"
I never had this as a kid, and I wouldn't have known about it if it hadn't been given to me as a gift. But now I consider it to be an essential part of any kid library.
Very re-readable. Great for anywhere from six months to six years. (My older boy constantly comes over to listen and watch when I'm reading to his younger brother.)
It has many of the classic nursery rhymes in it, and the illustrations are fun and friendly, with plenty of things to point at and talk about to younger kids. "Can you see an Egg?" "Which one is the pink pig?"
I never had this as a kid, and I wouldn't have known about it if it hadn't been given to me as a gift. But now I consider it to be an essential part of any kid library.
Very re-readable. Great for anywhere from six months to six years. (My older boy constantly comes over to listen and watch when I'm reading to his younger brother.)
October 13, 2008
Picture book - Mother Goose
For toddlers & up
More than sixty Mother Goose rhymes are presented in chapters and illustrated with Rosemary Wells' familiar style.
This book has single-handedly turned me into a Rosemary Wells fan. Her recognizable chubby rabbits are perfectly at home in the world of Mother Goose; as Iona Opie says in her introduction, "her illustrations exactly reflect Mother Goose's many moods: glumpish, her animals look wickedly askance at the world; happy, they almost dance off the page." These moods are reflected in the variety of rhymes and illustrations. We see Humpty Dumpty as an undesired breakfast egg knocked off the table, with the unrepentant Max-like bunny shown against a brilliant egg-yolk yellow background. In contrast, "Star light, star bright" is illustrated with a few understated constellations and bunny getting his bed-time bath, all in cool blues and white. The text of the rhymes is generally large and clear, and the illustrations range from full spreads to tiny details in the large capital letters. As with many Mother Goose collections, it's perfect for opening at random and reading a rhyme or two. Unlike some other versions, this one gives each rhyme enough space to breath and be appreciated, never putting more than one rhyme on each page. This would be a great volume to keep at home, or individual rhymes could be used at a story time.
School Library Journal's review is right on the button, concise, clear and descriptive. Publishers Weekly sings its praises but neglects to highlight the child-friendly aspects and balance that SLJ emphasized.
For toddlers & up
More than sixty Mother Goose rhymes are presented in chapters and illustrated with Rosemary Wells' familiar style.
This book has single-handedly turned me into a Rosemary Wells fan. Her recognizable chubby rabbits are perfectly at home in the world of Mother Goose; as Iona Opie says in her introduction, "her illustrations exactly reflect Mother Goose's many moods: glumpish, her animals look wickedly askance at the world; happy, they almost dance off the page." These moods are reflected in the variety of rhymes and illustrations. We see Humpty Dumpty as an undesired breakfast egg knocked off the table, with the unrepentant Max-like bunny shown against a brilliant egg-yolk yellow background. In contrast, "Star light, star bright" is illustrated with a few understated constellations and bunny getting his bed-time bath, all in cool blues and white. The text of the rhymes is generally large and clear, and the illustrations range from full spreads to tiny details in the large capital letters. As with many Mother Goose collections, it's perfect for opening at random and reading a rhyme or two. Unlike some other versions, this one gives each rhyme enough space to breath and be appreciated, never putting more than one rhyme on each page. This would be a great volume to keep at home, or individual rhymes could be used at a story time.
School Library Journal's review is right on the button, concise, clear and descriptive. Publishers Weekly sings its praises but neglects to highlight the child-friendly aspects and balance that SLJ emphasized.
December 2, 2016
This anniversary edition of My Very First Mother Goose for the very young child is enchanting. Though it differs from my image of Mother Goose books with different styles of illustrations, the use of a variety of little critters is charming.
The book is sturdy and should withstand the rough handling that wee little hands can give a book turning pages and fingering the pictures.
Some of the pages of illustrations are more appealing to me than others but all have a distinct charm. I particularly liked "Puffer-billies all in a row," "Little Boy Blue," "The Cow Jumped Over the Moon," "Pat A Cake," "Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, Bless the bed that I lie on.," and "The Brave Duke of York, he had ten thousand men..."
Some of the rhymes are cut short in deference to the intended age of the audience. My Very First Mother Goose brings the beloved rhyming charm to the very young with lots of cute images to capture their attention and imagination.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Candlewick Press to facilitate a review of my honest opinions which are freely given. Giveaway copy is provided by and directly to the winner.
The book is sturdy and should withstand the rough handling that wee little hands can give a book turning pages and fingering the pictures.
Some of the pages of illustrations are more appealing to me than others but all have a distinct charm. I particularly liked "Puffer-billies all in a row," "Little Boy Blue," "The Cow Jumped Over the Moon," "Pat A Cake," "Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, Bless the bed that I lie on.," and "The Brave Duke of York, he had ten thousand men..."
Some of the rhymes are cut short in deference to the intended age of the audience. My Very First Mother Goose brings the beloved rhyming charm to the very young with lots of cute images to capture their attention and imagination.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Candlewick Press to facilitate a review of my honest opinions which are freely given. Giveaway copy is provided by and directly to the winner.
December 23, 2023
My favorite nursery rhyme anthology. There are just the rhymes without the ABCs or other children's things thrown in. They're categorized in chapters by theme, which is helpful if you want the bedtime section versus the food section. Illustrations are beautiful and silly and creative.
July 2, 2022
These rhymes are so British
November 1, 2024
I feel like this was a very solid collection of Mother Goose Rhymes! It included many different stories/rhymes and had illustrations for each one. The illustrations were full of color and personality. This format was a modern picture book style, as the spreads were fun, but simple enough to still be considered modern. The genre is considered folklore, as folklore breaks down into five subgenres.
March 24, 2016
My Very First Mother Goose, edited by Iona Opie and illustrated by Rosemary Wells is a great version of Mother Goose stories. In the in the introduction, Opie writes, "I firmly believe that Rosemary Wells is Mother Goose's second cousin and has inherited the family point of view." The stories are enacted by Wells' colorful animal characters, which we recognize from some of her other books. Wells reminds me of Sandra Boynton in that respect.
My 2 and 4 year old girls enjoyed this book during our end-of-lunchtime story time. It is a large book, on the order of the big Richard Scarry hardcovers and will probably be one of the "keepers" when my kids are older and I'm whittling down our collection.
My 2 and 4 year old girls enjoyed this book during our end-of-lunchtime story time. It is a large book, on the order of the big Richard Scarry hardcovers and will probably be one of the "keepers" when my kids are older and I'm whittling down our collection.
Read
April 4, 2008Wonderful large words and pictures makes this a delightful compilation to share!
December 6, 2016
Very sweet, the perfect gift for a new baby. This is the twentieth-anniversary edition and it is gorgeous, of course it would be with all those Rosemary Wells illustrations.
April 20, 2015
Part I
Rhyme Answer or completion Anthology/Page
In what rhyme is the hour of one o' clock important?
Hickory, Dickory Dock
The Real Mother Goose illustrated by Blanche Fisher Wright pg. 125
Child Craft Vol. 1 Once Upon a Time, pg. 11
Mother Goose a Collection of Classic Nursery Rhymes Selected and Illustrated by Michael Hague, pg. 26
When we ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross, what are we going to buy?
A Galloping Horse
A penny white loaf, a penny white cake, a two penny apple pie.
Century Co. , The Century Volume 14 Banbury Cross Verses 2 and 3, (1877) – internet source
Newberry, The Original Mother Goose Melody Banbury Cross Verse 3,– internet source
Tommy Thumbs Pretty Song Book (1744) –internet source
http://www.mothergooseclub.com/rhymes...
"Bye, Baby Bunting" what did Daddy go a hunting for?
A rabbit skin
Mother Goose a Collection of Classic Nursery Rhymes Selected and Illustrated by Michael Hague, pg. 33
Child Craft Vol. 1 Once Upon a Time, pg. 12
The Real Mother Goose illustrated by Blanche Fisher Wright pg. 77
In What rhyme is the hour of ten o' clock mentioned?
A diller, a dollar, a 10 o’clock Scholar
The Real Mother Goose illustrated by Blanche Fisher Wright pg. 94
Mary Engelbreit’s Mother Goose: One Hundred Best Loved Verses, by Mary Engelbreit pg. 90
A Treasury of Mother Goose, by Hilda Offen, pg. 139
What is the answer to this riddle--A house full, a hole full, but you cannot gather a bowl full?
Mist
The Real Mother Goose illustrated by Blanche Fisher Wright pg. 35
The Original Mother Goose by Blanche Fisher Wright – internet source
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/moth... - internet source
What did Mother Goose ride on when she wanted to wander?
A gander
Mother Goose selected and illustrated by Scott Cook, pg. 9
Mother Goose a Collection of Classic Nursery Rhymes Selected and Illustrated by Michael Hague, pg. 1
Child Craft Vol. 1 Once Upon a Time, pg. 11
Who was found under the haystack fast asleep?
Little Boy Blue
Mother Goose selected and illustrated by Scott Cook, pg. 19
Child Craft Vol. 1 Once Upon a Time, pg. 46
Mother Goose a Collection of Classic Nursery Rhymes Selected and Illustrated by Michael Hague, pg. 48
Part II
1. Who is Mother Goose?
Mother Goose was a generic name given to numerous authors who wrote rhymes and fairytale. They then handed them down for generations to enjoy.
2. Who collected the rhymes and published them?
In 1697, Charles Perrault was the first to collect them, as they grew in popularity in France Robert Samber translated them into English. Later John Newberry focused on printing children’s books. So he began collecting the rhymes and published them as “Mother Goose’s Melody” in 1960.
3. Connect the study of mother goose to the kindergarten curriculum. Use the Common Core Standards and see if you can find any standards that mention nursery rhymes or the characteristics of nursery rhymes. (kindergarten) The Common Core Standards for ELA are linked on the D2L site.
You can connect the study of Mother Goose nursery rhymes to the Common Core standards using phonological awareness skills, re-telling, and fluency. One Common Core Standard that I found was:
“R.F.K.2 Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds (phonemes).
1 Recognize and produce rhyming words.
2 Count, pronounce, blend, and segment syllables in spoken words.
3 Blend and segment onsets and rimes of single-syllable spoken words.
4 Isolate and pronounce the initial, medial vowel, and final sounds (phonemes) in three-phoneme (consonant-vowel-consonant, or CVC) words. 1 (This does not include CVCs ending with /l/, /r/, or /x/.)
Add or substitute individual sounds (phonemes) in simple, one-syllable words to make new words.”
However, I believe that there are many ways that nursery rhymes can be used in the Common Core. For example, finger-plays, rhymes, scientific demonstrations, math, gross motor development and class discussion can be used.
For a Reading Activity – Do a shared reading and then have the children put the nursery rhymes in sequence.
For Literacy - the Rhyme Humpty Dumpty could be used to match rhymes (as they put Humpty together again).
For Math – You could use Little Boy Blue and have the children find shapes under the haystack.
For Science – Using the rhyme Little Miss Muffet, you could have the students do a comparison of the insects and spiders that are found in your area.
4. Identify 5 characteristics of an anthology of nursery rhymes for teachers that would make the anthology brilliant.
1. Colorful, Great illustrations
2. Easy to read Aloud, no major tongue twisters.
3. Table of Contents in the front of the book. In alphabetic order for quick reference for using in the curriculum.
4. A Paragraph before the rhyme describing the meaning or references of the original rhyme. I enjoy the information of Bansbury Cross. I would love to read more about some of the other poems. Also there are a few that could be seen in different perspectives based on the reader.
5. Different activities that may be used to really get the children active and involved in the reading. Whether they be art, music or math or literacy, I believe that this could add to what the teacher may already have in mind.
5. Identify 5 characteristics of an anthology of nursery rhymes for children that would make the anthology brilliant.
1. Colorful, Great illustrations.
2. Easy for the student to read alone.
3. Possibly split into many smaller books so that the child does not feel overwhelmed.
4. Simple illustrations
5. Make the collections cheap, so that the parents could afford.
Part III
Answer These:
What would you like if you were buying a collection of rhymes?
a. Indexes?
a. subject index
title index
I think perhaps a little of both of these would work. This would help in comparing the poems to one another.
B. Color? I really prefer the colorful illustrations over the black and white ones. In looking at the different illustrations, I found that Jack Sprat was a man in two books, a mouse in another. It did not matter whether he was a man or mouse, the colors really added something to the story.
C. Notes? I think notes of different activities that could be done with the rhyme would be beneficial. It would add to the ideas that the teacher has already determined to use in the curriculum.
D. Many Poems? I believe that the teachers book could be full of poems. However it would have to be something light so that the teacher would be able to hold it turned to the children while she is reading it out loud to the students.
E. Explanations of the context of the rhyme? Yes, I believe that this would add something to the understanding of the poems. I also believe that it would be something that may make the students gain a better understanding of life when the rhymes where written.
F. Table of Contents? I personally would prefer a listing of the titles at the front of the book. In some of the books I read the index was in the back. Most of the Mother Goose rhymes that I read had the index in alphabetical order based on the first lines of the poems. While this was a pretty good idea, since that is the way I am able to remember most of them, it was difficult for some. For example, I remembered A diller, A dollar, A 10 o’clock scholar as simply “A 10 o’clock scholar”. Because of this I had many problems locating the correct poem. The other problem that I ran into was that I confused the riddle –“A house full, a hole full, but you cannot gather a bowl full?” with the one by Beatrix Potter. So I was thinking “Smoke”. I was discussing these rhymes with my mom. I gave her the riddle and she said, “Mist”. I laughed and said “Nope, smoke.” So she proceeded to pull out our old nursery rhyme book to show me that she was correct. I am really glad that she did because I then researched and realized that I was thinking of The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin. Which would have been really confusing when I started doing research for the anthologies.
G. Cheap? Yes, As a teacher there will be many things that I want for my classroom. Being able to afford the books that I want in there is important. However I mean cheap in price not in the way that it is made. I would want to make sure that this book would last.
What would you like if you were buying for a 5 year old? Would her idea of what makes a "good" anthology be the same as yours?
A. Indexes?
a. subject index
b. title index
I do not believe that younger children would care if there was an index or not.
B. Color? Yes, Most definitely! My 5 year old loves looking at the pictures. He enjoys picking our the words that he knows but he also enjoys comparing the pictures to what has been read to him.
C. Notes? I do not believe that this would be important at a younger age.
D. Many Poems? I believe that fewer poems would be more beneficial at this age. The students could be easily overwhelmed with a larger book. But having a smaller one the student may not feel this way.
E. Explanations of the context of the rhyme? I think that the parents would enjoy reading this for their children. However I do not believe that the younger child would care either way. I mean it could add to the story but I do not believe that this would be a must have.
F. Table of Contents? Yes, this could help them to find their favorite poems fast.
G. Cheap? Yes, I believe that the child/parent would be more willing to add a book to the children’s bookshelf if it was affordable.
Rhyme Answer or completion Anthology/Page
In what rhyme is the hour of one o' clock important?
Hickory, Dickory Dock
The Real Mother Goose illustrated by Blanche Fisher Wright pg. 125
Child Craft Vol. 1 Once Upon a Time, pg. 11
Mother Goose a Collection of Classic Nursery Rhymes Selected and Illustrated by Michael Hague, pg. 26
When we ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross, what are we going to buy?
A Galloping Horse
A penny white loaf, a penny white cake, a two penny apple pie.
Century Co. , The Century Volume 14 Banbury Cross Verses 2 and 3, (1877) – internet source
Newberry, The Original Mother Goose Melody Banbury Cross Verse 3,– internet source
Tommy Thumbs Pretty Song Book (1744) –internet source
http://www.mothergooseclub.com/rhymes...
"Bye, Baby Bunting" what did Daddy go a hunting for?
A rabbit skin
Mother Goose a Collection of Classic Nursery Rhymes Selected and Illustrated by Michael Hague, pg. 33
Child Craft Vol. 1 Once Upon a Time, pg. 12
The Real Mother Goose illustrated by Blanche Fisher Wright pg. 77
In What rhyme is the hour of ten o' clock mentioned?
A diller, a dollar, a 10 o’clock Scholar
The Real Mother Goose illustrated by Blanche Fisher Wright pg. 94
Mary Engelbreit’s Mother Goose: One Hundred Best Loved Verses, by Mary Engelbreit pg. 90
A Treasury of Mother Goose, by Hilda Offen, pg. 139
What is the answer to this riddle--A house full, a hole full, but you cannot gather a bowl full?
Mist
The Real Mother Goose illustrated by Blanche Fisher Wright pg. 35
The Original Mother Goose by Blanche Fisher Wright – internet source
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/moth... - internet source
What did Mother Goose ride on when she wanted to wander?
A gander
Mother Goose selected and illustrated by Scott Cook, pg. 9
Mother Goose a Collection of Classic Nursery Rhymes Selected and Illustrated by Michael Hague, pg. 1
Child Craft Vol. 1 Once Upon a Time, pg. 11
Who was found under the haystack fast asleep?
Little Boy Blue
Mother Goose selected and illustrated by Scott Cook, pg. 19
Child Craft Vol. 1 Once Upon a Time, pg. 46
Mother Goose a Collection of Classic Nursery Rhymes Selected and Illustrated by Michael Hague, pg. 48
Part II
1. Who is Mother Goose?
Mother Goose was a generic name given to numerous authors who wrote rhymes and fairytale. They then handed them down for generations to enjoy.
2. Who collected the rhymes and published them?
In 1697, Charles Perrault was the first to collect them, as they grew in popularity in France Robert Samber translated them into English. Later John Newberry focused on printing children’s books. So he began collecting the rhymes and published them as “Mother Goose’s Melody” in 1960.
3. Connect the study of mother goose to the kindergarten curriculum. Use the Common Core Standards and see if you can find any standards that mention nursery rhymes or the characteristics of nursery rhymes. (kindergarten) The Common Core Standards for ELA are linked on the D2L site.
You can connect the study of Mother Goose nursery rhymes to the Common Core standards using phonological awareness skills, re-telling, and fluency. One Common Core Standard that I found was:
“R.F.K.2 Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds (phonemes).
1 Recognize and produce rhyming words.
2 Count, pronounce, blend, and segment syllables in spoken words.
3 Blend and segment onsets and rimes of single-syllable spoken words.
4 Isolate and pronounce the initial, medial vowel, and final sounds (phonemes) in three-phoneme (consonant-vowel-consonant, or CVC) words. 1 (This does not include CVCs ending with /l/, /r/, or /x/.)
Add or substitute individual sounds (phonemes) in simple, one-syllable words to make new words.”
However, I believe that there are many ways that nursery rhymes can be used in the Common Core. For example, finger-plays, rhymes, scientific demonstrations, math, gross motor development and class discussion can be used.
For a Reading Activity – Do a shared reading and then have the children put the nursery rhymes in sequence.
For Literacy - the Rhyme Humpty Dumpty could be used to match rhymes (as they put Humpty together again).
For Math – You could use Little Boy Blue and have the children find shapes under the haystack.
For Science – Using the rhyme Little Miss Muffet, you could have the students do a comparison of the insects and spiders that are found in your area.
4. Identify 5 characteristics of an anthology of nursery rhymes for teachers that would make the anthology brilliant.
1. Colorful, Great illustrations
2. Easy to read Aloud, no major tongue twisters.
3. Table of Contents in the front of the book. In alphabetic order for quick reference for using in the curriculum.
4. A Paragraph before the rhyme describing the meaning or references of the original rhyme. I enjoy the information of Bansbury Cross. I would love to read more about some of the other poems. Also there are a few that could be seen in different perspectives based on the reader.
5. Different activities that may be used to really get the children active and involved in the reading. Whether they be art, music or math or literacy, I believe that this could add to what the teacher may already have in mind.
5. Identify 5 characteristics of an anthology of nursery rhymes for children that would make the anthology brilliant.
1. Colorful, Great illustrations.
2. Easy for the student to read alone.
3. Possibly split into many smaller books so that the child does not feel overwhelmed.
4. Simple illustrations
5. Make the collections cheap, so that the parents could afford.
Part III
Answer These:
What would you like if you were buying a collection of rhymes?
a. Indexes?
a. subject index
title index
I think perhaps a little of both of these would work. This would help in comparing the poems to one another.
B. Color? I really prefer the colorful illustrations over the black and white ones. In looking at the different illustrations, I found that Jack Sprat was a man in two books, a mouse in another. It did not matter whether he was a man or mouse, the colors really added something to the story.
C. Notes? I think notes of different activities that could be done with the rhyme would be beneficial. It would add to the ideas that the teacher has already determined to use in the curriculum.
D. Many Poems? I believe that the teachers book could be full of poems. However it would have to be something light so that the teacher would be able to hold it turned to the children while she is reading it out loud to the students.
E. Explanations of the context of the rhyme? Yes, I believe that this would add something to the understanding of the poems. I also believe that it would be something that may make the students gain a better understanding of life when the rhymes where written.
F. Table of Contents? I personally would prefer a listing of the titles at the front of the book. In some of the books I read the index was in the back. Most of the Mother Goose rhymes that I read had the index in alphabetical order based on the first lines of the poems. While this was a pretty good idea, since that is the way I am able to remember most of them, it was difficult for some. For example, I remembered A diller, A dollar, A 10 o’clock scholar as simply “A 10 o’clock scholar”. Because of this I had many problems locating the correct poem. The other problem that I ran into was that I confused the riddle –“A house full, a hole full, but you cannot gather a bowl full?” with the one by Beatrix Potter. So I was thinking “Smoke”. I was discussing these rhymes with my mom. I gave her the riddle and she said, “Mist”. I laughed and said “Nope, smoke.” So she proceeded to pull out our old nursery rhyme book to show me that she was correct. I am really glad that she did because I then researched and realized that I was thinking of The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin. Which would have been really confusing when I started doing research for the anthologies.
G. Cheap? Yes, As a teacher there will be many things that I want for my classroom. Being able to afford the books that I want in there is important. However I mean cheap in price not in the way that it is made. I would want to make sure that this book would last.
What would you like if you were buying for a 5 year old? Would her idea of what makes a "good" anthology be the same as yours?
A. Indexes?
a. subject index
b. title index
I do not believe that younger children would care if there was an index or not.
B. Color? Yes, Most definitely! My 5 year old loves looking at the pictures. He enjoys picking our the words that he knows but he also enjoys comparing the pictures to what has been read to him.
C. Notes? I do not believe that this would be important at a younger age.
D. Many Poems? I believe that fewer poems would be more beneficial at this age. The students could be easily overwhelmed with a larger book. But having a smaller one the student may not feel this way.
E. Explanations of the context of the rhyme? I think that the parents would enjoy reading this for their children. However I do not believe that the younger child would care either way. I mean it could add to the story but I do not believe that this would be a must have.
F. Table of Contents? Yes, this could help them to find their favorite poems fast.
G. Cheap? Yes, I believe that the child/parent would be more willing to add a book to the children’s bookshelf if it was affordable.
Read
February 17, 2017Title : My Very First Mother Goose
Author: Iona Opie
Illustrator : Rosemary Wells
Genre: Nursery rhymes, classics, fiction
Theme(s): mother goose
Opening line/sentence:
Jack and Jill went up the hill,
To fetch a pail of water;
Jack fell down and broke his crown,
And Jill came tumbling after.
Brief Book Summary: There are more than sixty Mother Goose rhymes in 4 chapters. They are very classic. At the end of the book, an index of first lines is provided. It should be a magic journey for parents and young kids or babies to go through.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Hazel Rochman (Booklist, Sept. 1, 1996 (Vol. 93, No. 1))
Gentle nonsense and sly mischief characterize the verses and the illustrations in this large-size nursery-rhyme collection for reading aloud and chanting and singing to the very youngest child. Opie's great folklore collection, I Saw Esau (1992), illustrated by Maurice Sendak, included schoolyard rhymes that were vulgar, fierce, and gross. But in these 60 verses, there's little of the usual Mother Goose violence--no blind mice with their tails cut off, no old men thrown down the stairs, and no simpering pretty maids, either. Wells' watercolor-and-ink pictures show a kindly, grandmotherly Mother Goose. There is pandemonium, and it's part of the fun in cozy families of rabbits, cats, bears, and mice. Sometimes Wells extends the scenarios: the little mouse under the chair sticks out its tongue at the cat; in "Dickory, Dickory, Dock," the cat's asleep while the mouse dares to run up and down the clock. Wells makes clear that, for a toddler today, riding a cockhorse is a bouncing game, and this book is a first choice for the lap-time story hour. With the play and the farce, there's such tenderness. From "Star Light, Star Bright" to "Dance to Your Daddy," the words sing, and everyone is safe at home. Category: For the Young. 1996, Candlewick, $19.99. Ages 1-4. Starred Review.
(PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press (Cambridge Mass.:), PUBLISHED: c1996.)
Professional Recommendation/Review #2 :
Leslie Millar (CM Magazine, September 5, 1997 (Vol. IV, No. 1))
Iona Opie is considered the leading authority in the field of collecting and preserving children's games and rhymes. With her late husband, Peter Opie, she has edited many acclaimed books of children's folklore, including The Oxford Dictionary of Nursery Rhymes, The Lore and Language of Schoolchildren, and I Saw Esau. My Very First Mother Goose opens with a message from Iona Opie which explains her love for nursery rhymes, especially for what they offer: "A suggestion that mishaps might be funny rather than tragic...and that laughter is the cure for everything." There is much here to make readers smile, if not laugh outright. Covering more than 60 rhymes, most of which exude a delightful silliness, the book is divided into four chapters. Extra-large font text and full page illustrations are afforded generous amounts of room. The book's spacious layout adds to users' ease and pleasure of reading. In addition to an opening table of contents, the book also has a concluding first line index. Award winning illustrator Rosemary Wells has used warm, inviting colours to animate these rhymes and has populated them with rabbits, mice and cats. A healthy assortment of other animals, including, of course, Mother Goose, herself, and a few humans also make an appearance. What a cheerful bunch they are, brimming with the innocence, joy and mischief that are the property of childhood. Children will grow to love this book under the tutelage of adults who, in turn, will have the opportunity to rediscover how playful and profound words can be and how complexity hides in simplicity - in short, what a happy thing language is. Highly recommended. Rating: **** /4. Preschool and up. 1996, Candlewick Press, 108pp., hardcover, $19.99. Ages 3 up.
(PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press (Cambridge Mass.:), PUBLISHED: c1996.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
The reviews both mention that Opie’s large-size nursery-rhyme collection for reading aloud. Covering more than 60 rhymes, there are both classic and non-classic nursery rhymes melt hearts. She picked stories with less fierce and violence, which is perfect for young kids to read. Each rhyme is different and has a meaning. Also, the reviews reflect how great the illustrator Rosemary use warm color to animate these rhymes.
Evaluation of Literary Elements:
Mother goose book differs from most books. Since there are many different nursery rhymes, holding separate meanings. Each rhyme is short but soothes babies and young child. Since short, it boosts the interests that the child wants to hear or read one and one more. Also, the illustrations are bright and tender, which are perfect for such a rhyme book. Children as well as their families will be engaged with the stories.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
This book would be a great read aloud in both classroom and at home. For younger kids, the teacher could choose a few of the nursery rhymes and read them before naptime. The children would be engaged because they all are fun, engaging stories. For older kids in kindergarten, teacher can do vocabulary with nursery rhymes since Nursery rhymes are a great way to introduce new vocabulary.
Author: Iona Opie
Illustrator : Rosemary Wells
Genre: Nursery rhymes, classics, fiction
Theme(s): mother goose
Opening line/sentence:
Jack and Jill went up the hill,
To fetch a pail of water;
Jack fell down and broke his crown,
And Jill came tumbling after.
Brief Book Summary: There are more than sixty Mother Goose rhymes in 4 chapters. They are very classic. At the end of the book, an index of first lines is provided. It should be a magic journey for parents and young kids or babies to go through.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Hazel Rochman (Booklist, Sept. 1, 1996 (Vol. 93, No. 1))
Gentle nonsense and sly mischief characterize the verses and the illustrations in this large-size nursery-rhyme collection for reading aloud and chanting and singing to the very youngest child. Opie's great folklore collection, I Saw Esau (1992), illustrated by Maurice Sendak, included schoolyard rhymes that were vulgar, fierce, and gross. But in these 60 verses, there's little of the usual Mother Goose violence--no blind mice with their tails cut off, no old men thrown down the stairs, and no simpering pretty maids, either. Wells' watercolor-and-ink pictures show a kindly, grandmotherly Mother Goose. There is pandemonium, and it's part of the fun in cozy families of rabbits, cats, bears, and mice. Sometimes Wells extends the scenarios: the little mouse under the chair sticks out its tongue at the cat; in "Dickory, Dickory, Dock," the cat's asleep while the mouse dares to run up and down the clock. Wells makes clear that, for a toddler today, riding a cockhorse is a bouncing game, and this book is a first choice for the lap-time story hour. With the play and the farce, there's such tenderness. From "Star Light, Star Bright" to "Dance to Your Daddy," the words sing, and everyone is safe at home. Category: For the Young. 1996, Candlewick, $19.99. Ages 1-4. Starred Review.
(PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press (Cambridge Mass.:), PUBLISHED: c1996.)
Professional Recommendation/Review #2 :
Leslie Millar (CM Magazine, September 5, 1997 (Vol. IV, No. 1))
Iona Opie is considered the leading authority in the field of collecting and preserving children's games and rhymes. With her late husband, Peter Opie, she has edited many acclaimed books of children's folklore, including The Oxford Dictionary of Nursery Rhymes, The Lore and Language of Schoolchildren, and I Saw Esau. My Very First Mother Goose opens with a message from Iona Opie which explains her love for nursery rhymes, especially for what they offer: "A suggestion that mishaps might be funny rather than tragic...and that laughter is the cure for everything." There is much here to make readers smile, if not laugh outright. Covering more than 60 rhymes, most of which exude a delightful silliness, the book is divided into four chapters. Extra-large font text and full page illustrations are afforded generous amounts of room. The book's spacious layout adds to users' ease and pleasure of reading. In addition to an opening table of contents, the book also has a concluding first line index. Award winning illustrator Rosemary Wells has used warm, inviting colours to animate these rhymes and has populated them with rabbits, mice and cats. A healthy assortment of other animals, including, of course, Mother Goose, herself, and a few humans also make an appearance. What a cheerful bunch they are, brimming with the innocence, joy and mischief that are the property of childhood. Children will grow to love this book under the tutelage of adults who, in turn, will have the opportunity to rediscover how playful and profound words can be and how complexity hides in simplicity - in short, what a happy thing language is. Highly recommended. Rating: **** /4. Preschool and up. 1996, Candlewick Press, 108pp., hardcover, $19.99. Ages 3 up.
(PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press (Cambridge Mass.:), PUBLISHED: c1996.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
The reviews both mention that Opie’s large-size nursery-rhyme collection for reading aloud. Covering more than 60 rhymes, there are both classic and non-classic nursery rhymes melt hearts. She picked stories with less fierce and violence, which is perfect for young kids to read. Each rhyme is different and has a meaning. Also, the reviews reflect how great the illustrator Rosemary use warm color to animate these rhymes.
Evaluation of Literary Elements:
Mother goose book differs from most books. Since there are many different nursery rhymes, holding separate meanings. Each rhyme is short but soothes babies and young child. Since short, it boosts the interests that the child wants to hear or read one and one more. Also, the illustrations are bright and tender, which are perfect for such a rhyme book. Children as well as their families will be engaged with the stories.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
This book would be a great read aloud in both classroom and at home. For younger kids, the teacher could choose a few of the nursery rhymes and read them before naptime. The children would be engaged because they all are fun, engaging stories. For older kids in kindergarten, teacher can do vocabulary with nursery rhymes since Nursery rhymes are a great way to introduce new vocabulary.
March 19, 2019
Awards Received (if any):
-Notable Children’s Books (1997)
-Parent’s Choice Award
Appropriate Grade Level:
-Pre-K through 3rd grade
Original Summary:
-This is a wonderful compilation of over sixty Mother Goose nursery rhymes separated into four chapters; consisting of classic, familiar rhymes for children, as well as some new ones to add on. There are fun and colorful illustrations to go along with the rhymes, and the wording is large enough for kids to see and follow along during a read aloud. Some of the classic rhymes included in this book are Jack and Jill, Humpty Dumpty, Jack be nimble, Pat-a-cake, Baa Baa Black Sheep, and more.
Original Review:
-I really love the compilation of nursery rhymes included in this book, and I especially love the fact that the font is large enough for children to see during a read aloud. The back of the book also has an index of the first lines of each rhyme, so it is easy to navigate and pick out individual sections to read.
Possible In-Class Use:
-This book is prime for a read aloud, but also wonderful for children to pick up on their own for silent or small group reading activities. The words are easy to follow and help teach the children how to rhyme.
-Notable Children’s Books (1997)
-Parent’s Choice Award
Appropriate Grade Level:
-Pre-K through 3rd grade
Original Summary:
-This is a wonderful compilation of over sixty Mother Goose nursery rhymes separated into four chapters; consisting of classic, familiar rhymes for children, as well as some new ones to add on. There are fun and colorful illustrations to go along with the rhymes, and the wording is large enough for kids to see and follow along during a read aloud. Some of the classic rhymes included in this book are Jack and Jill, Humpty Dumpty, Jack be nimble, Pat-a-cake, Baa Baa Black Sheep, and more.
Original Review:
-I really love the compilation of nursery rhymes included in this book, and I especially love the fact that the font is large enough for children to see during a read aloud. The back of the book also has an index of the first lines of each rhyme, so it is easy to navigate and pick out individual sections to read.
Possible In-Class Use:
-This book is prime for a read aloud, but also wonderful for children to pick up on their own for silent or small group reading activities. The words are easy to follow and help teach the children how to rhyme.
October 25, 2020
Amongst many things, Iona Opie was the leading authority on all things nursery rhyme. Along with her husband, Peter, she spent most of her life researching children's games and rhymes and now, fortunately, much of their work is archived in the Bodleian. Her The Oxford Dictionary of Nursery Rhymes will forever be unequalled and it is from this that a range of poems have been gathered.
In this sumptuous collection, 60 traditional rhymes, all illustrated by Rosemary Wells whose cats, bears and rabbits are synonymous with young literature for me, come together to celebrate rhyme, repetition and our cultural heritage. The book is generous in size and each page is richly painted and presented. There will be many rhymes you recognise; some you may not and some that you half know - changed through publication or word of mouth over time and location. Whatever the case this collection should be a staple in any FS/KS classroom and home.
In this sumptuous collection, 60 traditional rhymes, all illustrated by Rosemary Wells whose cats, bears and rabbits are synonymous with young literature for me, come together to celebrate rhyme, repetition and our cultural heritage. The book is generous in size and each page is richly painted and presented. There will be many rhymes you recognise; some you may not and some that you half know - changed through publication or word of mouth over time and location. Whatever the case this collection should be a staple in any FS/KS classroom and home.
December 3, 2018
My Very First Mother Goose. Opie, Iona. Illus. Rosemary Wells. New York: Candlewick, 1996. The genre is Poetry, Mother Goose Books. The age range is 1-4 years. The book has big, clear, and vivid colors, however the quality of the drawings are not appealing for me. They are a little scary to my taste, therefore, it does not make it attractive to read. I do not think the book gives enough value for its average price of $24 dollars. The verses are old and not clear to understand. Next, each rhyme has its own illustration on each page which is well executed with the text, it helps the children to recreate more in their imagination. The book has an index at the beginning of the book with the clear list of the four chapters and an index of first lines at the end of the book. Overall, it must be a good book for many people but this genre is not my favorite and this book was not it neither. I am a visual person and the illustrations in this book took away my interest. I am used to reading books with sweet cute nursery drawings but My Very First Mother Goose was the opposite.
November 7, 2017
Awards: Parents Choice Award
Grade Level: Pre-K-2
Summary: This book is poetic nursery rhyme filled with colorful illustrations. It also contains unfamiliar rhymes and stories that any child can sing along too. This can help children learn about rhyming. Also, they could be able to compare one nursery rhyme to another which helps them learn about patterns of rhyming.
Review: I like how the colors of the illustrations are very vibrant which makes the story more entertaining. Also, I enjoy the rhythms of the poems and it could teach children a lot about rhyme. Which is an important part of the reading process and this book helps children to use their imagination and broaden their knowledge through the use of rhyme and illustrations. This could hep them recognize letters, learn the alphabet, and even act out some things included in the poem.
In Class Uses: 1. I would choose a nursery rhyme form the book and read it to the children who take naps.
2. I could incorporate a lesson using nursery rhymes and teach about poetry stanzas/interpretations.
3. Choose rhyming words from the stories then have the children create their own short story using rhyming words.
Grade Level: Pre-K-2
Summary: This book is poetic nursery rhyme filled with colorful illustrations. It also contains unfamiliar rhymes and stories that any child can sing along too. This can help children learn about rhyming. Also, they could be able to compare one nursery rhyme to another which helps them learn about patterns of rhyming.
Review: I like how the colors of the illustrations are very vibrant which makes the story more entertaining. Also, I enjoy the rhythms of the poems and it could teach children a lot about rhyme. Which is an important part of the reading process and this book helps children to use their imagination and broaden their knowledge through the use of rhyme and illustrations. This could hep them recognize letters, learn the alphabet, and even act out some things included in the poem.
In Class Uses: 1. I would choose a nursery rhyme form the book and read it to the children who take naps.
2. I could incorporate a lesson using nursery rhymes and teach about poetry stanzas/interpretations.
3. Choose rhyming words from the stories then have the children create their own short story using rhyming words.
December 5, 2016
1) Book summary: This book is a collection of nursey rhymes.
2) Grade level, interest level, lexile: 3-5th grade, 4 and up, lexile is unknown
3) Appropriate classroom use (subject area): Reading block
4) Individual students who might benefit from reading: Smaller children would benefit best from this book because they'll learn nursery rhymes
5) Small group use (literary circles): I wouldn't use this as a small group use
6) Whole class use (read aloud) : Each day I would choose a nursey rhyme before the students took naps if I decide to teach kindergarten
7) Related books in genre/subject or content area: Close Your Eyes, Busy Penguins (A busy book)
8) Multimedia connections (audio book, movie) available: Hardcover, Paperback
2) Grade level, interest level, lexile: 3-5th grade, 4 and up, lexile is unknown
3) Appropriate classroom use (subject area): Reading block
4) Individual students who might benefit from reading: Smaller children would benefit best from this book because they'll learn nursery rhymes
5) Small group use (literary circles): I wouldn't use this as a small group use
6) Whole class use (read aloud) : Each day I would choose a nursey rhyme before the students took naps if I decide to teach kindergarten
7) Related books in genre/subject or content area: Close Your Eyes, Busy Penguins (A busy book)
8) Multimedia connections (audio book, movie) available: Hardcover, Paperback
July 20, 2025
This is an absolutely stunning collection of traditional nursery rhymes by renowned folklorist Iona Opie. To add to the joy, the anthology is beautifully illustrated by American author/ illustrator, Rosemary Wells. Her charming animal characters are personality plus and there are lots of other quirky details which often add humour or previously unimagined interpretations. This is an absolute treasure and would make a perfect family gift for a newborn baby and will likely be an heirloom passed on to the next generation. I bought it as a gift for a friend who has just welcomed her first grandchild. I have since purchased a copy for myself ….I just had to have it on my own shelf!
July 23, 2017
Iona Opie did a wonderful job editing My Very First Mother Goose, which is categorized under traditional literature. This book has a collection of more than sixty Mother Goose nursery rhymes separated into four chapters that focus on famous characters such as Jack and Jill, Humpty Dumpty, and Little Jack Horner. This picture book, illustrated by Rosemary Wells, includes images on every page, making the various settings, such as the sea, a kitchen, a bath tub, outdoors, the sky, and more come to life in this engaging children’s book (Opie, 1996).
December 10, 2020
1. Notable Children's Books; Parent's Choice
2. Grades 3-5
3. This book has different rhymes in it that every child at some point has heard. They will have something to talk to their parents about.
4. This is a good book to read to every kid, because at some point they may be poems that may have heard of already. So they would have that prior knowledge to the book.
5. It is a great book to read in a read a loud in class. Children can make their own rhymes following the patterns from the poems in the book.
2. Grades 3-5
3. This book has different rhymes in it that every child at some point has heard. They will have something to talk to their parents about.
4. This is a good book to read to every kid, because at some point they may be poems that may have heard of already. So they would have that prior knowledge to the book.
5. It is a great book to read in a read a loud in class. Children can make their own rhymes following the patterns from the poems in the book.
October 7, 2024
I loved this book, and especially its illustrations.
I am rather confused though, on the 'What are little boys made of' poem. In this book (the one I grew up with), it always said that little boys were sugar and spice and girls were puppy dog tails. So that's the version I always knew, and just assumed Powerpuff Girls had butchered it. Why was it changed? Why does this seem to be the only different version of that nursery rhyme? Why does there seem to be no discussion about it anywhere?
I am rather confused though, on the 'What are little boys made of' poem. In this book (the one I grew up with), it always said that little boys were sugar and spice and girls were puppy dog tails. So that's the version I always knew, and just assumed Powerpuff Girls had butchered it. Why was it changed? Why does this seem to be the only different version of that nursery rhyme? Why does there seem to be no discussion about it anywhere?
January 8, 2018
I highly recommend this book. My daughter and I enjoyed the rhymes, many times over. I haven't seen our copy, in years, but it was a well loved book. The illustrations and the choice of rhymes are very nicely thought out. Kudos to the author for taking an old bag of tricks and putting it out in a new format that works very well.
April 30, 2018
1. Awards- Notable Children's Books (1997)
2. Grade levels- PreK-2
3. Summary- This book contains more than 60 popular nursery rhymes along with beautiful illustrations.
4. This book is very entertaining to read because of the bright colorful illustrations and pulls the reader into each poem.
5. In class uses- Counting, colors, ABCs, learning classic rhymes.
2. Grade levels- PreK-2
3. Summary- This book contains more than 60 popular nursery rhymes along with beautiful illustrations.
4. This book is very entertaining to read because of the bright colorful illustrations and pulls the reader into each poem.
5. In class uses- Counting, colors, ABCs, learning classic rhymes.
Read
October 15, 2020award - Notable Children's Books
grade - kindergarten
summary - It is a children's picture book. It is a collection of sixty-eight nursery rhymes, chosen by Opie from the Mother Goose oeuvre.
Review - I like this book because it has so many nursery rhyme. Every time you read it you can read a new rhyme.
Use in class - after reading multiple rhymes, the class can make one of their own
grade - kindergarten
summary - It is a children's picture book. It is a collection of sixty-eight nursery rhymes, chosen by Opie from the Mother Goose oeuvre.
Review - I like this book because it has so many nursery rhyme. Every time you read it you can read a new rhyme.
Use in class - after reading multiple rhymes, the class can make one of their own
Want to read
March 24, 2021"My Very First Mother Goose" is an amazing story. This story is a collection of poems and and rhymes. They are very enticing and perfect for the little ones. They are familiar to most adults so it is a very fun book for parents to read with their children.
Reading age: 2 years and up
Lexile measure: N/A
Reading age: 2 years and up
Lexile measure: N/A
January 29, 2024
Very large and has a lot of rhymes. Definitely designed with toddlers and maybe even babies in mind. There aren't very many words on each page and there are a lot of pictures to look at. My 16 month old will sit through the whole thing! As a side note, these are weird for modern ears. I recognize maybe six of them. It'll be interesting to see what I would explain to my kid once he is older.
July 25, 2017
This children's books is an excellent collection of children's nursery rhymes. These familiar tales will strike a cord in readers of all ages as you explore the classic nursery rhymes including everything from Pat-a-Cake to Hey Diddle Diddle.
January 22, 2020
This poetry nursery rhyme was very colorful to the reader. Children have the opportunity to sing along to the book and can help them learn about rhyming. There will be some unfamiliar rhyming to them as well.
April 9, 2020
These are very sweet and classic stories, songs, and rhymes all compiled together. I loved the pictures and the whole presentation of the book!
Lexile: N/A
Guided Reading: N/A
Trait: Sentence Fluency
Lexile: N/A
Guided Reading: N/A
Trait: Sentence Fluency
April 1, 2021
The illustrations were pleasing for little children. However, it was not very engaging. I think this book would have been better as a collection of books vs. one large book. Even with the large print and colorful pictures, it is almost too much for little kids to take-in.
September 11, 2018
Good but not exceptional
some illustrations are choppy
I liked how the text varied based on the length of the rhyme
not a bad addition to a personal library
some illustrations are choppy
I liked how the text varied based on the length of the rhyme
not a bad addition to a personal library
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews