Kid's Book Blog

By Alison Jay

Grades Pre-K to 3rd

This is a colorful book that uses well known nursery rhymes to introduce color. Colors are only part of the story in this lively, handsome picture book that dramatizes 20 nursery rhymes with wild magic realism. Young children will enjoy spotting characters and scenarios from the rhymes that they know, from five pink piggies and Little Bo Peep's white sheep to a little teapot, short and stout.

Not all the featured nursery rhymes are sweet and merry. Miss Muffet is afraid of the big black spider for good reason; even though he only wanted to sit beside her, the picture shows that he is huge and scary. Something not very nice is happening to the three bespectacled blind mice, who leap across the double-page spread, away from a knife-wielding woman. Humpty Dumpty offers a sunnier view: it looks as though the king's horses and men may be able to help.

We often focus more on nursery rhymes rhythm and beat than on the sense in the words, and even older readers will have fun with these wry, literal looks at familiar rhymes and the stories they tell.

By Dave Horowitz
Grades 1-2
This book takes well known nursery rhymes, mixes them together, and creates a story about conquering your fears. Humpty Dumpty has a fall but recovers after the doctor tends to him. However, he is scared and doesn't see the point of climbing walls or doing anything. He sits at home and watches TV in his underwear. After a spider scares him out of his house, Humpty Dumpty ventures out to the wall again. He finds that the King's horse has gotten stuck and needs help. Humpty Dumpty rises to the occasion and saves the day.

Moral of the story, "...from that day on, Humpty Dumpty never climbed again with out the proper safety equipment. Or pants."

This is a very funny book. The font is large and easy to read. The pictures match the theme and style of the book perfect.  There is a good storyline that children will be somewhat familiar with and will get the jokes. The pictures and story aren't too feminine or masculine.

All in all, it is just a great picture book.