Schoolyard rhymes: Kids’ own rhymes for rope skipping, hand clapping, ball bouncing, and just plain fun

Bibliography

Sierra, Judy, comp. 2005. Schoolyard rhymes: Kids’ own rhymes for rope skipping, hand clapping, ball bouncing, and just plain fun. Ill. by Melissa Sweet. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0375825169

Plot Summary

A collection of 50 rhymes, songs, and chants collected from playgrounds across the country. Nonsensical and fun these rhymes are perfect for skipping rope and clapping games. Kids are sure to recognize some of their favorite playground chants, learn new verses, and discover new rhymes.

Critical Analysis 

This collection presents a sample of rhymes including traditional rhymes and some newer playground generated poems. The rhymes run riot with the illustrations in this book. Each page has one to three rhymes surrounded by watercolor and fabric collages depicting the zany action in the rhymes. The colorful illustrations compliment the playful spirit of the rhymes.

I shared this book with my daughter and we were both excited to find rhymes that we knew. It was also interesting to see how the version in the book differs from the version we know.

Review Excerpts

School Library Journal: “Sierra has selected some of the funniest and most memorable schoolyard rhymes available in this appealing collection”

The Horn Book: “This picture book rejoices in the rhymes of childhood--not the adult-approved Mother Goose nursery rhymes but the sometimes spiteful, always zesty rhymes chanted by children themselves.”

Connections

* Have children share the versions of these rhymes that they know. Compare and contrast the versions.
* Have children create a book with the rhymes that they chant on the playground.