Module 4: The Neighborhood Mother Goose

Crews, Nina. 2004. The Neighborhood Mother Goose. Illus by Author. Greenwillow Books: New York. ISBN 0-06-051574-0.

The photographic choices this author made urbanize and rejuvenate the classic Mother Goose rhymes that have been enjoyed for decades. Readers are greeted with a title page photograph of a regal looking goose. This could be Mother Goose. The clever photographs illustrate the rhymes in a current setting. Jack be nimble is jumping over a candle that is sitting atop a cupcake. A real cat appears to be playing a fiddle. Mary, Mary quite contrary is watering flowers in her urban garden. The children in the photographs reveal the meaning of the rhyme and are current and authentic models. They could be from anyone’s neighborhood. The alphabetical table of contents allows readers to find that perfect rhyme. This book makes Mother Goose relevant to another generation.