The Laughing Baby : Songs & Rhymes from Around the World [Paperback]

Anne Scott (Author), Lura Schwarz (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 2 and up

Sounds, combined with physical contact, have long been used to lull babies to sleep, soothe them in times of stress, and engage them in active play. Today we understand that using rhythmic sounds and sensations is not only fun-it actually strengthens the bonds between parents and babies and is integral to a baby's development and wellbeing. THE LAUGHING BABY is an inspirational collection of children's songs and rhymes gathered from around the world. Rooted in ancient oral traditions and handed down through the generations, the songs and rhymes are as fresh today as they were a century or more ago. From the lesser known "Samoan Rock-a-Bye" and "Hindi Peek-a-Boo" to the popular "Frère Jacques," THE LAUGHING BABY is a delightful way for parents and children to spend their special time together.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

What makes the book particularly valuable is the deliberate way it points attention to childcare traditions that are dying out in industrialised society. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

ANNE SCOTT was born in Hawaii and lived in California, Japan, and Europe during her childhood. After studying anthropology, she worked as a journalist in Asia and Central America where she pursued her longtime interest in cultural traditions, family life, and spirituality. She now lives in Northern California with her husband and two children, and gives seminars and retreats on spirituality in everyday life.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Celestial Arts (March 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587610108
• ISBN-13: 978-1587610103
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,031,272 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Multicultural baby development rhymes and games, September 9, 2000

By 

M. J. Smith (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Laughing Baby: Remembering Nursery Rhymes and Reasons (Hardcover)

This book is subtitled "Remembering Nursery Rhymes and Reasons". The reasons portion of this book - discussing child development and the role of rhymes and games in that development is good - not better or worse than a dozen similar books.

But when one moves to Part II: Rhymes for Verse and Play, the book distinguishes itself - one of the best available. While it is multicultural by design it is also multicultural because it chooses the best of the best.

For example, rocking songs include: Sweet Water Rolling from South Carolina, A white hen from France, Hopi Lullaby, Pima Wind Song, The Ballad of Downal Baun from Ireland, Hati Jhulare from India, Samoan Rock-a-bye, Rock-a-bye Baby Thy Cradle is Green from Ingland, The Sleepy Song which is unattributed, Huch 'n Bye another from South Carolina, Schlaf Kindlein Schlaf from Germany, Sweet and Low by Alfred Tennyson ... My only complaint is that music is not given for all of them. But in the best folk tradition, the parent can improvise - the baby has few expectations regarding ethnic music.

The are equivalent chapters for peek-a-boo, facial feature games, clapping, bouncing, lifting, tickling and finger play.

My only complaint - the bibliography is designed for child development not folklore.

If you can possibly find a copy of this for new parents, nap it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Global baby/toddler & parent fun!, May 17, 2006

By 

KSL "emma-and-me" (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Laughing Baby : Songs & Rhymes from Around the World (Paperback)

What drew me to this book was not only did it have some of the classic nursery rythmes, clapping, peek-a-boo, finger play and bouncing games that I remember as a child but also different versions from different countries as well.

I love that I have found many Chinese rythmes and can now also combine my hertiage and my daughter's as well.If you have a child that is adopted international and have been looking for games babies would play from their birth country this is a good place to start as well as help your child become globally aware that different countries have different ways to play peek-a-boo or play the same way. Like the other reviewer, if you have a chance to pick up this book, do so!
The illustrations are done in black & white.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Laughing Baby, April 10, 2011

By 

old rose - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Laughing Baby : Songs & Rhymes from Around the World (Paperback)

This is a wonderful book. It offers inspiration for enriching the lives of little ones, their parents, and their teachers. My only regret was that the the cover has changed from the lovely original art to a photograph.
This used book arrived promptly and in the condition described by the seller.