Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review“Wonderful rhymes and beautiful illustrations … perfectly crafted to help nurture love and understanding of our natural world.”
Nicky Needham, Zoologist, United Kingdom
-- Nicky Needham
“This poetic approach to plants, animals, and the natural world brings each to life with a delicate twist of rhyme and insight that helps early learners absorb the basics about environmental importance and preservation. Today, more than ever, this inviting message needs to fall upon young ears; not deaf ones.”
D. Donovan, Sr.Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
-- D. Donovan
Mother Nature Nursery Rhymes
Mindy Bingham, Penelope Colville Paine and Sandy Stryker
Paper Posie Publishing Company
978-0-9707944-9-9 $19.95
www.mothernaturenurseryrhymes.com
This picture book treasure of environmentally aware nursery rhymes originally appeared in 1990, but remains as relevant to young audiences of modern times as it did in the past. It's a delight to see it reincarnated in 2023 in a lovely presentation illustrated with equally compelling and timeless art by Itoko Maeno.
The poetic approach to plants, animals, and the natural world brings each to life with a delicate twist of rhyme and insight that helps early learners absorb the basics about environmental importance and preservation. Today, more than ever, this inviting message needs to fall upon young ears; not deaf ones.
Read-aloud adults will find these twists on familiar nursery rhymes to be enlightening and educational, as well. Take the classic 'Little Miss Muffet' for an idea of how nature, here, is represented as being appealing rather than threatening:
"Little Miss Muffet
Sat on her tuffet
Eating a berry sorbet
Along came a spider
Who sat down beside her
To frighten the houseflies away."
Readers might initially question why such approaches are tailored to babies and the very young, who are hardly in the position of becoming even early advocates. The reason is: because these are the future stewards of the world. There is no inappropriate time for starting this education and appreciation, much less developing cognizance about the importance of the world beyond human use and intentions.
This is why the compelling rhymes and focus of Mother Nature Nursery Rhymes not only needs, but deserves a place in any child's library. Its ability to gently instruct and cultivate a better attitude towards nature and its appreciation and preservation can't be introduced at a young enough age.
D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
-- D. Donovan * Midwest Book Review *
Over twenty years spent working in zoos and aquariums I’ve witnessed on countless magical occasions the innate curiosity and empathy that young children have for wildlife. These wonderful rhymes and their beautiful illustrations are perfectly crafted to help nurture that love and understanding of the next generation of guardians of our natural world.
Nicky Needham, Zoologist, United Kingdom
-- Nicky Needham * UK Zoologist *
“Mother Nature Nursery Rhymes” is a delightful and educational children's book that beautifully
combines the charm of classic nursery rhymes with an important message about caring for our
natural world.
Within the pages of this enchanting collection, young readers embark on a journey through the
wonders of nature. From the playful scamper of woodland creatures to the gentle rustle of leaves
in the wind, each rhyme paints vivid pictures of the natural world. The carefully crafted verses
not only make for joyful reading but also serve as a poignant reminder of the vital role we play in
preserving our environment.
Illustrated with gorgeous, watercolor images inviting young readers to explore the great outdoors
with curiosity and wonder.
This book is an invaluable tool for parents and educators seeking to inspire a deep connection to
nature, and a sense of responsibility toward its protection.
With its engaging rhymes, and timeless themes, it’s destined to become a cherished addition to
any child's library, nurturing a lifelong appreciation for nature and a commitment to safeguarding
our precious planet.
-- Jill Harris * PGCE *
Mother Nature Nursery Rhymes is truly a beautiful book for kids ages 1 to 5. The watercolor illustrations are stunning. The fun switch up from the traditional story versions are great conversation starters.”
-- Jodie Lynn * St. Louis Post-Dispatch *
