Children's Book Reviews

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The Dorling Kindersley Book of Nursery Rhymes by Debi Gliori
DK, March, 2001.
Picture Book, 64 pages
ISBN: 0789466783
Ages Baby-Preschool
Ordering information:
Amazon.com

The most treasured children's books are those that can be enjoyed by both older and younger readers. For this reason, The Dorling Kindersley Book of Nursery Rhymes is sure to become a family favorite. For the adult, or older child, little historical captions telling the history of these ancient rhymes are included on almost every page. Since nursery rhymes are a very strong part of the cultural and linguistic heritage of children, a book of nursery rhymes is as essential for the young child's world as building blocks and teddy bears.

In her introduction to the book, Debi Gliori explains that she has used three threads to weave the poems into something very useful. The first rhyme begins with "Boys and Girls, Come Out to Play" and moves through the day ending with "Sleep, Baby, Sleep." The second thread is a family thread which shows (more or less) a little girl, a little boy and a baby. Other children join in during the day, along with a teacher and neighborhood friends. The subjects of the rhymes are skillfully drawn in this lovely child's world. Ms. Gliori's illustrations add much humor to and fit in well with the nonsense of nursery rhymes. The rhymes are woven throughout the illustrations, which adds a necessary whimsical touch. The book makes us see new the old nursery rhymes in a new way. Humpty Dumpty falls from the toddler's highchair tray because the toddler is at that frustrating stage when watching things fall is so entertaining.

Although poetry has sadly become less important in the lives of the majority of us, we must always keep in mind that young children thrive on rhyme, meter and beat. For some as yet unexplored reason, the youngest citizens of this planet respond to poetry with enthusiasm and affection. For this very reason, if for no other, the modern family must include poetry and rhyme in the environment of their children. Apparently, poetry and rhyme are essential vitamins in a developing intelligence. Debi Gliori does an excellent job of showing the old standards in a new way, making this book a must-have for the family library.

--Sarah Reaves White

Grandpa's Overalls by Tony Crunk, Pictures by Scott Nash
Orchard Books, June, 2001.
Picture Book, 32 pages
ISBN: 0531303217
Ages 4-8
Ordering information:
Amazon.com

Grandpa's Overalls
by Tony Crunk, Pictures by Scott Nash

Grandpa's Overalls is a hilarious, ridiculous romp in which an old man's overalls jump off the hook one morning and simply run away. The entire family, and later the entire town, becomes involved in chasing the errant piece of clothing, and Grandpa follows with the constant refrain of "A man can't work in nothin' but his long-handled drawers!" and "I've got work to do today!"

First the family chases the runaway overalls across the yard and over the fence, and through the chicken house. Then the neighbors come out and begin to ask questions. Everyone is sympathetic, but the overalls can outrun them all. Through the barn, the apple orchard and up into the clouds run the overalls. There is no catching them. The obvious has to happen. Grandpa has to spend the day sitting in the smokehouse and everyone else has to pitch in and get the work done. Strangely, Grandpa is not overly disappointed in not being able to work. Then, just as everyone settles down and walks toward the house, there goes Grandma's nightgown across the yard with Grandpa's overalls. Grandma declares that she cannot sleep without her long-tailed nightie, so the entire ludicrous chase begins all over again, while the moon smiles down on all of them.

Scott Nash's whimsical, cartoon characters of an entire family and town composed of dogs matches the lighthearted silliness of the narrative. The overalls wear a self-satisfied smirk and the chickens look as absurd as only a flock of alarmed chickens can. All of the illustrations are amusing, and they embellish the story as they reflect the attitudes of the various characters. Children will find great humor in the device of the whole silly caper starting over again: this time, by the light of a smiling moon. Don't be surprised if you get asked to read it over again and again.

--Sarah Reaves White

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Children's Book Reviews

The Dorling Kindersley Book of Nursery Rhymes by Debi Gliori

Grandpa's Overalls by Tony Crunk, Pictures by Scott Nash