Skip Across The Ocean [Paperback]

Floella Benjamin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1995 | Age Level: 4 and up

A collection of international nursery rhymes includes selections from such countries as Poland, Sri Lanka, Japan, and Nigeria, while North America is represented by Native American, Arctic Canadian, and Puerto Rican pieces.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-A multicultural collection of 32 nursery rhymes, some of which appear in their original languages-French, German, Spanish, Norwegian, Fanti, Luganda, and Yoruba-as well as in English. The sprightly, brightly colored folk-art illustrations have a childlike quality, complementing the rhymes, which are divided into categories of lullabies, action rhymes, nature, and miscellaneous. These work well for baby or laptime story hours, as actions are clearly described.
Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 1^-5. Faux-naive, vibrantly colored paintings dominate this attractive international collection of 32 nursery rhymes. Some of the verses are familiar ("Frere Jacques," "Ride a Cock Horse" ), but most are less well known. Although the absence of music is a drawback with the lullabies, parents and babies should enjoy the finger plays, complete with unobtrusive directions. Some ditties appear in both the original language (German, Yoruba) and English; unfortunately, rhythm is sometimes sacrificed in translation. The illustrations often evoke the native country, but Moxley has taken care to include urban settings, not just the rustic or picturesque. Recommended for large collections needing additional nursery treasuries or books with a global slant. Julie Corsaro

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 45 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic; Complete Numbers Starting with 1, 1st Ed edition (September 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531094553
• ISBN-13: 978-0531094556
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,639,000 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting book to add to your children's shelf., February 14, 2002

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Aquaria.Info "Aquaria.Info - Aquarium Fish On... (Aquaria.Info) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Skip Across The Ocean (Paperback)

I bought this book to get a more worldly view of nursery rhymes. I wanted to read some of the rhymes that are told to children in other countries, and wanted to expose my future kids to other cultures.

The book does all of this with over 30 rhymes from various countries around the world. Some of the rhymes don't really rhyme as that was lost in translation, but it's still fun to see what is told to children in that country.

Each page is a colorful bonanza of illustrations to accompany the rhyme.

It's sure to keep your child's attention on the page as you read the rhymes.

I recommend this book to anyone wanting to inject a bit of worldly culture into their child's reading time.