From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-A collection of rhymes from 17 countries around the globe, most of which are not widely known. All are printed in English as well as in their original languages; all of the selections, even those that do not use the Roman alphabet, have been transcribed into verselike form. The overall effect is not soporific, counteracted at least in part by the lively illustrations, each done by an artist native to the country represented. The colors are neither muted nor necessarily restful; in fact, few of the scenes take place in full night. The techniques vary widely from painterly to cartoon fantasy to an approximation of woodcut; some seem sketchy and unfinished, others are more detailed and defined. This book won't calm either a parent or a child, but it should encourage conversation and commentary.
Ruth K. MacDonald, Quinnipiac College, Hamden, CTCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Ages 4-8. This companion volume to
Street Rhymes around the World (1992) offers 21 lullabies from various parts of the globe, including Uganda, Slovenia, and Iran. The universality of putting children to sleep knows no boundaries as evidenced by the soothing words and images shared by each culture. Each poem or song is presented in its native language with an English translation, and the illustrations are by artists native to the countries. The quality varies, with a couple that are too precious; however, most of the art depicting babes in beds, on mats, in mothers' arms, and in all kinds of cradles captures the gentle tenor of the subject and the flavor of the culture.
Denia Hester
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.