Mary Engelbreit's Mother Goose

Starred review from November 14, 2005
Score one for tradition. For listeners seeking a classic collection of the beloved nursery rhymes, this volume collected by author/artist Engelbreit and read in a bright and inviting tone by Redgrave will be the perfect cup of tea. The British actress is an inspired choice here, providing crisp pronunciation and lilting rhythm throughout. Cheery and playful without being silly, her performance catches all the fun-to-say and fun-to-hear elements of the verse. Marcus leads off with his praise of Mother Goose's ability to encourage children's love of language. From there, Redgrave's reading is largely unfettered, with brief pauses between each rhyme and a snippet of guitar instrumentals nestled after every 10selections. The recording works fine as a standalone, but may also serve as a read-along with Engelbreit's simultaneously released—and intricately illustrated—anthology of the same name. All ages.

March 1, 2006
PreS-Gr 1 -A popular artist has illustrated 100 nursery rhymes in her distinctive style, reminiscent of the work of Kate Greenaway and Tasha Tudor. Historian and critic Leonard S. Marcus provides an introduction about the staying power of Mother Goose rhymes, and Engelbreit -s afterword discusses her illustration process. Well-known rhymes are included, along with some that will be less familiar to both children and adults. No more than three rhymes appear on any spread, giving the layout a clean, uncluttered look. The illustrations feature children and adults of various ethnicities and ages, although almost all have the simple rounded faces and bodies for which the artist is known. Engelbreit has outfitted her characters, both fantastic and human, in a variety of period clothes, from medieval to more contemporary. Most have an English look to them -little boys wear short pants and knee socks, and little girls wear flowered dresses and pinafores. There are occasional comic touches, like the pussycat coming back from visiting the queen in shades and a pink coat, and with lots of luggage. Endpapers feature old-fashioned pastel renderings of well-known nursery-rhyme characters. This volume is likely to prove popular with children and Engelbreit -s adult following. A solid collection that would be useful in any library." -Barbara Chatton, College of Education, University of Wyoming, Laramie"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.