Knock at the Door and Other Baby Action Rhymes [Hardcover]

Kay Chorao (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 1 and up

Kay Chorao, known for her sweet and luscious books for babies, adds this lively, lovely treasury of action rhymes to her collections. And it promises lots of hand-clapping, toe-tapping, finger-wiggling fun for baby... and parent! Old favorites, such as "Pat-a-Cake," are included, as well as lesser-known ones that are just as delightful.

Rosy as a baby's cheek and bursting with rainbow colors, the cheery illustrations depict a child's imaginary world full of friendly animals, adorable tots, and toys galore. More fun and precious details-such as tiny dollhouse furniture, numerous playful mice, and a choo-choo train packed with cuddly creatures-are revealed with each repeated reading. Easy-to-follow diagrams depict hand and body movements that toddlers can easily perform while the rhymes are read aloud. These rhymes were specially selected for their simple actions and basic concepts. This enjoyable picture book is sure to provide lots of warm, happy moments between parents and their little ones.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-A collection of 20 fingerplays or action rhymes told in rhythmic language. Each line or two is accompanied by a simple line-drawing icon to suggest the actions. The watercolor illustrations expand the story the rhyme tells. Adorable youngsters, some animal, some human, sit at the center of many of the pictures, either surrounded by the characters mentioned in the rhyme or in the middle of the action. For "The Teapot," a blond tot holds in his lap a blue-checked teapot that is almost as big as he is; he tries to pour a liquid into an equally huge cup inhabited by a small gray mouse delighted at being tickled by the shower. In others, the characters themselves inhabit the page. The soft, gentle cottage and garden surroundings of many of the double-page spreads suggest a simplicity and innocence that perfectly accompany the words. Chorao is clearly adept at choosing rhymes appropriate for babies. Out of the 20 collected here, only two use actions that involve standing or even whole body movement. Most of the action involves making circles on baby's hand or tapping baby's toes, head, or tummy. This book is similar to Marc Brown's Play Rhymes (Puffin, 1993) and Carol F. Ra's Trot, Trot to Boston (Lothrop, 1987; o.p.), but there are enough new selections here, as well as enough charm and delight, to make this a worthy addition to most collections.
Jane Marino, Scarsdale Public Library, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 1 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile; 1st edition (July 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525459693
• ISBN-13: 978-0525459699
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 9.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,932,125 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars There must be something better, October 6, 2009

By 

vamommy (Midlothian, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Knock at the Door and Other Baby Action Rhymes (Paperback)

This book has a few very cute action songs, but it is very difficult to interpret the hand guides shown. Some description would go a long ways.

4.0 out of 5 stars Baby Book, October 8, 2004

By 

Noodle Faye (Falmouth, KY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Knock at the Door and Other Baby Action Rhymes (Hardcover)

This would be a great baby shower gift! I love the old and new fingerplays of familiar nursery rhymes in this book, and my baby loves them too!