Quick Take

Every day, children the world over sing, shout, and celebrate Mother Goose rhymes. And now there's a new reason to cheer: Nina Crews has added her own remarkable, jazzy style of illustration to a collection of forty-one favorite verses. Whether it's Jack jumping over a candlestick (atop a cupcake), Georgie Porgie kissing the girls (at the playground), or a fine lady riding a white horse (on the carousel), this exuberant treasury is sure to be read and enjoyed over and over again.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Neighborhood Mother Goose

Introduction

The Neighborhood Mother Goose by Nina Crews is a delightful collection of 41 traditional Mother Goose rhymes, given a fresh and engaging twist through the author's unique style of illustration. Featuring photographs of children from diverse backgrounds, this book offers a modern and relatable take on the classic nursery rhymes. In this article, we will explore the book's author, analyze reader reviews, and provide reasons for both recommending and not recommending this book.

About Nina Crews

Nina Crews is a well-known author and illustrator of children's books. With her signature jazzy style, she brings her own creative touch to the beloved Mother Goose rhymes. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Crews has a deep connection to the urban setting that serves as the backdrop for her illustrations. Her ability to capture the energy and diversity of Brooklyn through her photography adds a unique element to this book, making it relatable to both children and parents.

Analysis of Views

Relatability: Many readers praise the book for its ability to connect with children from diverse backgrounds. The photographs taken in Brooklyn, NY, depict children from various ethnicities, making the rhymes more relatable and engaging.
Freshness: The book's use of modern photographs and digital manipulation adds a fresh and contemporary feel to the classic Mother Goose rhymes. Readers appreciate the new perspective and enjoy seeing themselves or their children depicted in the illustrations.
Engaging Illustrations: The photographs in The Neighborhood Mother Goose are highly engaging, with lots of action and elements of surprise. They capture the imagination of young readers and encourage them to act out the rhymes themselves.
Diversity: The book's diverse cast of characters and settings resonates with readers who appreciate representation in children's literature. The inclusion of children from different ethnicities adds depth and richness to the storytelling.
Accessibility: The book's accessibility is also a point of praise. Readers appreciate the large photographs accompanying each rhyme, which help to illustrate the story and make it easier for young readers to connect with the text.

Reasons for Recommendation

Relatability: The Neighborhood Mother Goose offers a relatable and diverse representation of children that resonates with readers from various backgrounds. This inclusiveness makes it appealing to a wide audience.
Engaging Illustrations: The book's engaging illustrations, featuring photographs of children in urban settings, keep readers captivated and encourage them to explore the rhymes further.
Fresh Perspective: The use of modern photographs and digital manipulation adds a fresh and contemporary twist to the classic Mother Goose rhymes, making it a unique addition to any children's book collection.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Artwork: Some readers find the artwork in The Neighborhood Mother Goose to be uninteresting or lacking in creativity compared to other books. They feel that the photographs lack visual appeal and do not fully capture the essence of the rhymes.
Limited Relevance: A few readers express that some of the rhymes in the book may feel outdated or not as relevant to modern children as they could be. They suggest that some of the lesser-known rhymes may not hold as much appeal for younger readers as the more well-known classics.

Conclusion

The Neighborhood Mother Goose by Nina Crews is a delightful collection of traditional Mother Goose rhymes that offers a fresh and relatable twist through its engaging illustrations and diverse cast of characters. The book's ability to connect with children from various backgrounds, its accessibility, and its unique perspective make it a recommended read for parents and educators alike. While some readers may find the artwork uninteresting or feel that certain rhymes lack relevance, overall, The Neighborhood Mother Goose provides an enjoyable and educational experience for young readers.