Twenty years after Iona Opie and Rosemary Wells released their first collection of Mother Goose rhymes, the celebrated original is back in a gorgeous anniversary edition.
To a small child, words are magical. And the most magical of all are the beloved words of Mother Goose. Here, folklorist Iona Opie has gathered more than sixty treasured rhymes in their most perfect, honest forms, from “Hey Diddle, Diddle" and “Pat-a-Cake” to “Little Jack Horner” and “Pussycat, Pussycat” — familiar verses that have been passed from parent to child for generations and are every child’s birthright. With watercolors by Rosemary Wells capturing the simple joy and sly humor of the classic nursery rhymes, this special anniversary volume features a case cover and jacket and includes a note from the illustrator on the unparalleled influence of Mother Goose, both during childhood and far beyond it.
My very favourite baby shower gift.
"This book is a love gesture to all the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends of very little children. It captures the magic of the English language as it’s been passed down to us over the generations. The illustrations delight: sweet, charming, fully alive. Even the texture of the paper invites touching, tactile swooning. It is an invitation to take a moment…or more, in full engagement with a young child. I’ve gifted many, and will continue to do so. It’s an honour and an opportunity."
