The Farmer in the Dell, sung by The Topp Twins ill Jenny Cooper

Take your partner by the hand!

The farmer in the dell, the farmer in the dell,

Heigh-ho, the merry-o, the farmer in the dell.

Take your partner by the hand!

The farmer in the dell, the farmer in the dell,

Heigh-ho, the merry-o, the farmer in the dell.

A worn-hat, scarf-wearing, banjo-playing dog sets the beat for ‘The Farmer in the Dell’ and one by one from farmer to cheese, the dance begins. The farmer arrives on his tractor and starts the dancing, which expands to include, wife, child, nurse, cow and other animals. Finally the mouse takes the cheese, before the banjo-playing dog finishes up with a bow. The text wanders about the page with the dancers with the chorus words hightlighted. Illustrations show each of the participants joining in, with facial expressions suggesting that there are some pairings that could be a little troublesome. Full colour pastel pages allow the action to happen in the ‘spotlight’ with backgrounds just hinted at. The Topp Twins CD includes an extended version of the song/story. A music score is on the final page.

The Farmer in the Dell is part of a series from Scholastic featuring well-known stories, songs and rhymes and which include CDs. They are wild and exuberant and a great way to introduce old favourites to a new audience. In a classroom, they offer an opportunity to connect picture books to song and movement. In fact, it’s almost impossible to sit still while reading. The illustrations depict a farming family. The ‘nurse’, who in the original singings of the song was probably a nanny, is now in a white uniform with a stethoscope and dressing scissors. Great fun for pre- and early-schoolers. Get your dancing shoes on.

 

The Farmer in the Dell, sung The Topp Twins ill Jenny Cooper Scholastic 2014 ISBN: 9781775431954

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s author and bookseller

www.clairesaxby.com

There's a Hole in my Bucket

There’s a Hole in My Bucket! accurately details the steps that can be taken to fix a wooden bucket, but it’s charm lies in the repartee between the two characters, Henry and Liza. It’s an easy rhyme to learn and will appeal to children who enjoy hearing as well as reading the words.

There’s a Hole in My Bucket! reprises the well-known circular rhyme, and gives characters to the song. Liza is a duck and Henry a goat. The pair dance and sing their way through the rhyme. Liza’s mood changes are very clear, but at the end, where the bucket remains unfixed and a solution seems unfindable, the pair are to be found dancing together good-humouredly. The illustrations are full of colour and fun. A CD is included to introduce a new generation to an old favourite.

There’s a Hole in My Bucket! accurately details the steps that can be taken to fix a wooden bucket, but it’s charm lies in the repartee between the two characters, Henry and Liza. It’s an easy rhyme to learn and will appeal to children who enjoy hearing as well as reading the words. The illustrations, particularly Liza’s changing demeanour, will have them giggling and the music will have them up and dancing. A classroom could be divided into Henrys and Lizas, each singing their part. Great fun. Recommended for pre- and early-school age children.

There's a Hole in My Bucket!

There’s a Hole in My Bucket!, sung by The Topp Twins ill Jenny Cooper
Scholastic NZ
ISBN: 9781775430469

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author

www.clairesaxby.com

This book can be purchased in good bookstores, or online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Pirate Peter and the Pig, by Simon Grant

Peter was a pirate.
One day he went into a pet shop.
‘I’d like a parrot,’ he said.
‘I’m sorry,’ said the pet shop owner.
‘I’ve run out of parrots. Would you like a pig instead?’

Everyone knows that a pirate needs a parrot and Pirate Peter is no exception. Except that the pet shop has run out of parrots. The pet shop owner is very helpful and offers him an alternative. Peter’s protestations that the pig is not quite right evokes even more assistance. Very little that she offers is quite right. But like all the best pet shop owners, this one is not giving up. Eventually though, Peter is happy. Well, almost. Illustrations are gentle and humourous, with warm colours barely contained within the pages.

Pirate Peter and the Pig is quite absurd, in the best possible way. Pirate Peter is keen to be the best, scariest pirate there is but he’s not really quite sure how that can work. The pet shop owner is full of goodwill and helpful suggestions, which she can’t quite support. The more despondent about his appearance Peter becomes, the wilder her suggestions. Eventually though, her good nature finds a solution. She comes sideways at his problem and gently brings him to happiness. A good fun read. Recommended for pre- and early schoolers.

Pirate Peter and the Pig, Simon Grant ill Jenny Cooper
Scholastic 2009
ISBN:9781869439408

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author
www.clairesaxby.com