A collection of old (and some "very old") rhymes for children. Just about every little verse has its own corresponding pen-and-ink illustration. These short and simple rhymes tell of family, wildlife, nature, the elements, youthful frustrations and ambitions.
Reading to children, even to infants who can't yet speak, is understood to be a crucial way of imprinting the structure of language on young minds. The sounds of gentle rhymes are soothing, in addition to being instructive, so these bite-size nursery rhymes can help settle a youngster into bed at night or naptime.
Among the rhymes included are "Dingle, Dingle Dousy," "Wee Davie Daylicht," "Cam Ye By the Kirk," "I Saw A Ship A-Sailing," "If Wishes Were Horses" and many others, some of which will be familiar to American children, and many new ones to add to any parent's bedtime routine.
Nearly 100 nursery rhymes are featured in this paperback volume. The rhymes are divided up with a sections on lullabies, and the remainder grouped according to loose age-appropriate designations ("One to Two," "Two to Three," etc., up to "Five to Six."
Editor Alasdair Hutton has a longstanding connection with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in addition to working for the BBC, and serving as a member of the European Parliament for the South of Scotland. For anyone interested in hearing a pro read these rhymes aloud, in order to get the musical phrasing, stresses and rhythms, Hutton has provided readings of select rhymes on the Luath Press website.
223 page paperback.