20 December 2011–Nursery Rhyme Comics

image courtesy :01 Second

Written & Illustrated by: Various; Edited by Chris Duffy :01 Second Books, 2011 ISBN: 978-1-59643-600-8 $18.99 Ages: 3 - 8

Summary Having long been a staple of children’s literature, nursery rhymes have been around for quite a while. In this newest collection, 50 rhymes have been interpreted and illustrated by 50 of the most talented comics artists working today. From such classics as “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” to “Pat-A-Cake”, this collection is guaranteed to delight young and old readers alike, offering up new (and sometimes surprising) interpretations of these age old standards. As a bonus, noted children’s literature historian Leonard S. Marcus provides an introduction that explains what is so enchanting about these specific rhymes in this book. Analysis  While there have been innumerable collections of nursery rhymes over the years, I have yet to see one with the heart, intensity or sheer enjoyment that literally pours out of this book – be it the delightful precociousness of Jack’s response to the narrator in “Jack Be Nimble”, the stunningly beautiful artwork of Craig Ferguson in Edward Leer’s “The Owl and the Pussycat”, or even the  surprising reinterpretation of “Hickory, Dickory, Dock”.  Major names are in abundance in this book, from Stan Sakai, Jules Pfeifer, Raina Telgemeier,  Dave Romaine and even Gahan Wilson all lend their talents to this book. Final Thoughts  Buy this book. It’s as simple as that. This has been one of my greatest acquisitions this year, and I cannot recommend this enough. Teachers, especially kindergarten teachers will find this book indispensable, libraries will struggle to keep it on the shelf, and parents, if you’re looking for a fantastic bed time storybook, you need this book!