Traditional Literature: Schoolyard Rhymes

Bibliography:
Sierra, Judy. 2005. SCHOOLYARD RHYMES: KIDS' OWN RHYMES FOR ROPE-SKIPPING, HAND CLAPPING, BALL BOUNCING, AND JUST PLAIN FUN. Ill. Melissa Sweet. New York: Alfred A Knopf. ISBN 978-0375825163.

Plot Summary:
Schoolyard Rhymes is a compilation of nearly fifty rhymes chanted by children everywhere going back a hundred years or more. Includes popular favorites Cinderella, Dressed in yella and Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around. Chants includes the gross-dead rats, big fat juicy worms, and burping; mentions the unspeakables-underwear and knickers; and of course the absurd-the alligator purse, the judge on his head, and the game of ball between the bedbugs and the cooties.

Critical Analysis:
This compilation will thrill children and adults alike. Children, boys and girls, will be enchanted with the wonderfully whimsical and weird rhymes. Adults will be thrown back into their own childhoods as they chant along with their youngsters. Judy Sierra has created an excellent collection of rhymes and chants from over the years.

Melissa Sweets illustrations are just as silly and strange as the rhymes. If one looks closely enough, the words appear as part of many of the illustrations themselves. Jumping rope is a common theme throughout as a banana, bears, and little boys and girls are all in on the action. The watercolors are vibrant with added definition in pencil. The illustrations appear as a collage, almost like pockets of a schoolyard.

Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s):
Not an award winner.
BOOKLIST review: “A great choice for back-to-school displays.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW: “…some of the funniest and most memorable schoolyard rhymes available…”

Connections:
*Students can compile their own version of SCHOOLYARD RHYMES and discuss how and why some rhymes have staying power while others are adapted or fizzle out completely.
*SCHOOLYARD RHYMES is a great book to use to get the blood flowing first thing in the morning or right after lunch.
*Other books of children’s favorite playground pastimes:
Dunn, Sorja and Mark Thurman. 1994. GIMME A BREAK, RATTLESNAKE!: SCHOOLYARD CHANTS AND OTHER NONSENSE. ISBN 978-0773756960
Cole, Joanna. 1989. ANNA BANANA: 101 JUMP ROPE RHYMES. ISBN 978-0688088095