Down by the River: Afro-Caribbean Rhymes, Games, and Songs for Children

by Grace Hallworth (Compiler), Caroline Binch

Down by the river,
Down by the sea,
Johnny break a bottle
An' he say is me.
I tell Ma,
Ma tell Pa,
Johnny get a licking,
An' a ha! ha! ha!

Here is a fun collection of Afro-Caribbean rhymes games and songs, collected by Trinidadian author Grace Hallworth, and brought to life by Caroline Binch's bright and life-like illustrations.

Genres: Poetry, Music, Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1996

Reviews

[Jelisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a compilation of Afro-Caribbean rhymes, games, and songs for young children. This book is a great collection of rhymes, songs, and games because many of them reflect customs specific to that culture. Many of the games and songs include dialects and vernacular specific to that particular culture. The author, Grace Hallworth was born in Trinidad and expressed that many of the excerpts used in the book were from the memory of her childhood which she thought originated from Trinidadian culture. Although when she researched the origins of songs and games they were traced back to European origin and the rhymes were of “French, African, English, American origin”. This book gives a great depiction of the “interrelationships of different cultures” and gives children the chance to experience these cultures in the form of songs and games, something they are very familiar with. The illustrations also give the book a very vibrant and playful dimension, which makes it very appealing to a younger audience. The Subgroup represented in this book is Creole culture, specifically a combination of Caribbean cultures (Trinidadian, Jamaican, Bahamas). The genre of this book is a combination of Poetry, and music.

[Huma Naqvi · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is full of interesting Afro-Caribbean rhymes, games and songs. Thou there was a variety of rhymes and games, they sound foreign to the average UK child who would be unfamiliar with the traditional tunes. An attached song sheet would be helpful and entertaining.


it is more meaningful to sing in a tune.

[Mathew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hallworth's introduction to this collection of Afro-Caribbean rhymes is both informative and interesting. Having grown up in Trinidad, Hallworth reflects on her time as a child split between living with her aunt in order to attend school for half the year and then moving back in with her parents and siblings when not at school. Her memories of games and songs associated with both places, as well as friends of hers, are what contribute to this collection.
Hallworth shares her discovery of how her own research into the song origins led her to find that many were as European descent brought through the rich mixture of races and cultures of the families who were all part of the Trinidadian people. Hallworth recognises the importance of this and how we should celebrate the inter-relationship of different cultures.
Many of these songs will be new to children and many will be well-known too. As always, Binch's photo-realistic artwork brings Trindad and its inhabitants to life as well as the local landscape. Small, short facts about key words or events are shared throughout too.

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

this is a better book than the two stars. these are "afro caribbean rhymes" that just don't move or reach me. but the art is nice and the writing true.

[Ruth Quiroa]

Américas Award Honorable Mention 1996

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everybody involved in early literacy, everyone who has ever enjoyed a nursery or Mother Goose rhyme, every educator should read this book. Young families should own it. I'm not the only tired of Old King Cole and Jack Sprat, right? Rhymes for counting, and counting out, for jumping rope, and signalling friendship, for rainy days, and bedtime, they're all here, with a Trinidadian music and setting.

Art is wonderful; the children must have been live models. Author's note in the beginning is important to older children and adults, but not necessary to tots. Sufficient notes on pages for unfamiliar words. No back matter, but none needed tbh.

Includes lines some of us have heard before "brown girl in the ring" and "chicka boom" for example.

[Josie Krysinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated children's book, Down by the River, teaches young readers about the beautiful traditions of the Caribbean heritage as well as captures the importance of family and friends. This is would be another wonderful addition to my classroom collection.