Schoolyard Rhymes by Judy Sierra

Bibliography:
Sierra, Judy. 2005. Schoolyard Rhymes: Kids' Own Rhymes for Rope Skipping, Hand Clapping, Ball Bouncing, and Just Plain Fun. Melissa Sweet (Illustrator). New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0375825169

Plot Summary:
Sierra's Schoolyard Rhymes is a book full of memorable chants, poems and rhymes. These enjoyable rhymes as stated in Sierra introduction; "stick in the mind like bubble gum to a shoe." There are more than 50 verses of all kinds of fun, loving hand-clapping games to funny rhymes.

Critical Analysis:
Sierra's Schoolyard Rhymes takes one right back to the school playground at recess and one's neighborhood sidewalk. Her book brings back fond memories of hand-clapping to "Miss Mary Mack" (page 3) and skipping rope to "Miss Susie had a baby" (page 5). Oh, my and I can not forget "Anna Banana" (page 2). The water colored illustrations were warm and inviting. These traditional childhood favorites can relate to any child's playtime memories. Some of the wording my be different than I recall but they still all brought me back to second grade at Lisbon Elementary school on the black-top. This book made me reach back to a time I loved and long for my children to share. This book will help one recovery their childhood and give them a chance to share them with their children, giving great memories of their own. I hope just reading this book and sharing with my children will provide them with shared fond memories of my childhood, leaving them with a sense of warmth and happiness.

Review Excerpt(s):
Publishers Weekly
Schoolyard Rhymes: Kids' Own Rhymes for Rope Skipping, Hand Clapping, Ball Bouncing, and Just Plan Fun by Judy Sierra contains 50 rhymes perfect for recess or after-school play, such as the familiar "Miss Mary Mack." Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
Drawing on her Ph.D. in folklore, Sierra has compiled an upbeat selection of dozens of schoolyard rhymes and funny poems, complemented any Sweet's charming illustrations in watercolor and fabric collage. The collection includes many old clapping games and jump ropes rhymes that have been around for generations, as well as familiar short chants and funny verses. The illustrations bring a fresh focus of the collection with a sophisticated design that includes tine columns of the typeset rhymes creatively enhancing the illustrations, outlining a palm tree or serving as jump ropes. There are many available collections of children's traditional rhymes, but this one use bright colors, great illustrations and pleasing design elements to reach out to contemporary children. Includes and index of the first line and an author's note. (Nonfiction. 4-8)

Connections:
after reading this book one could; "make up a line or new verse for an old rhyme, perform it with a friend or class, and see if it sticks" as stated in the introduction of Sierra' Schoolyard Rhymes. She challenges one to be a playground poet, which would be a great challenge to what students will come up with.