Review of AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND by Alvin Schwartz

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Schwartz, Alvin. 1992. AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND. Ill. By Truesdell, Susan. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 0060227575

2. PLOT SUMMARY

The book contains 250 folk poems, an index, and notes, explaining the different types of folk poetry included, a history, and why they are included in the book. The book has chapters which include folk poetry, rhymes, riddles, and chants which are about the chapter title. The chapters include: people, food, school, teases and taunts, wishes and warnings, love and marriage, work, stories, nonsense, riddles, fun and games, rain and shine, a tree, animals and insects, and ends with, other things. Each chapter varies in length, most are 10-15 pages long. The book contains almost any rhyme you are familiar with from childhood, and many that you probably haven’t heard. The book is an easy way to find almost any childhood rhyme and get an explanation about its origin, and whether it was a song, was used for a childhood activity, such as jump rope, or ways to combat childhood taunts.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book is a great resource for students interested in the background of their childhood rhymes, as well as what the rhymes were originally. Students will enjoy seeing the rhymes they say to each other in writing, as well as learning many more. The illustrations are in black and white, and are comical, to go along with the lightheartedness of the book. I would have preferred the illustrations inside the book to be in color like the front cover of the book. I think it would make them more noticeable and appealing to kids. I also wish the book would include a CD of the songs in the book. I think children would love to listen to these selections.


4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Review: “ A marvelous book that is sure to become a classic if children have any say in the matter. Schwartz has gathered sassy, funny, scary, and slightly naughty children's folk poetry heard on school grounds and wherever else kids are having fun. It's hard to imagine illustrations better suited to the book's silly, energized tone than Truesdell's big-eyed, animated, and humorous characters. Given plenty of white space, they tumble, goof, and guffaw across the pages, in ideal tandem with the poetry. These drawings may be in black and white, but readers will never pick up a more colorful book. “

KIRKUS Review:
“Not since Carl Withers's A Rocket in My Pocket (1948) has there been such a grand compilation of familiar (and unfamiliar) rhymes and chants from the children's own tradition: riddles, games, wishes and taunts; poems about love, food, school, or animals; parodies, nonsense, and stories.”

5. CONNECTIONS

This book would be a great way to introduce a writing assignment. Students could come up with their own poems, based on the chapter introduced. You could keep assignments from each chapter, and they could make their own book or collections.

The book could also be used as an art project. Students could illustrate their favorite poem, or illustrate their own poem.

The poem about the “Titanic,” could be used to expand on that event. A non-fiction book about the voyage of the Titanic, could be read, as well as a picture book version. Students may have no information about this event in history. DEAR AMERICA: VOYAGE ON THE GREAT TITANIC: THE DIARY OF MARGARET ANN BRADY, R.M.S. TITANIC, 1912 by Ellen Emerson White, could be used, as well as MAGIC TREE HOUSE RESEARCH: TITANIC by Will Osborne and Mary Pope Osborne.

This book could also be used for a discussion with students about their own favorite rhymes, poems, and chants. They could share them, write them down, and illustrate them, and present them to the class.

Students could also make their own recording of their favorite piece or song, and play it for the class. The teacher could put them all together and make a recording for everyone that participates.