"Little Miss Muffet
sat on a tuffet
eating her ham and eggs,
and when a big spider
then sat down beside her,
she petted his long, furry legs."
I am a fan of re-imagined literary works when they are done as well as this one. Meant to empower young girls, but accessible to all readers, it is thought-provoking, humorous and a most enjoyable read. In recommending it today, I hold out hope that the intended audience has knowledge of the original nursery rhymes that inspired this new work from the talented and prolific Jeanne Willis.
The author begins with the title rhyme, including both boys and girls in an uplifting nod to 'sun and rain and heart and brain'. Moving forward, she gives new meaning to familiar rhymes such as Georgie Porgie, Little Jack Horner, Jack and Jill, Little Miss Muffet ... and so on. There are 17 in all.
"Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
The doctor arrived
and she mended his shell
and dried all his eggy tears
gently as well."
Girls and women are shown to be brave, accomplished, and able to take care of themselves ... always refreshing and welcome. They are at the center of the action, and have a voice in what happens.
Ms. Follath's mixed-media illustrations are full of fun, beautifully textured and boldly colored. They offer many charming details of interest. Boys are allowed to be what they want to be as well; a refreshing take on child care and dressing up.
"Except for little things, much the same -
that's what boys are made of."
If the children you are sharing this with have not had much experience with traditional nursery rhymes, be sure to have a collection for comparison. What fun that could be!
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