What do you think?
Rate this book
Mother Goose: Numbers on the Loose
The numbers are on the loose--hiding and dancing, skipping and laughing through the rhymes of Mother Goose! It’s a good thing Caldecott Medal-winning artists Leo and Diane Dillon have helped gather up all these mischievous numbers in a stunning celebration of counting, rhymes, and imagination.
The rhymes, both familiar and lesser known, are ordered from simple (1, 2, 3) to more complex numbers, making this a collection to grow with. The illustrations are filled with surprising wit and whimsy. And this vibrant, playful volume is irresistible as an introduction to Mother Goose or as a new delight for her longtime fans.
Includes a note from the illustrators.
The rhymes, both familiar and lesser known, are ordered from simple (1, 2, 3) to more complex numbers, making this a collection to grow with. The illustrations are filled with surprising wit and whimsy. And this vibrant, playful volume is irresistible as an introduction to Mother Goose or as a new delight for her longtime fans.
Includes a note from the illustrators.
56 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
4 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Leo Dillon
122 books34 followersLeo Dillon was a celebrated African-American magazine and book-cover artist, and a children's book author and illustrator. The vast majority of his work was done collaboratively with his wife, Diane Dillon, with whom he won his many awards, although a few early titles were solo projects.
Born in Brooklyn in 1933, Lionel John Dillon was the son of Trinidadian immigrants, and was educated at the Parsons School of Design, after serving in the US Navy for three years. Here he met Diane Sorber, who was initially a fierce artistic competitor. Eventually the two married, and commenced a fifty-year collaborative career that produced over one hundred speculative fiction book and magazine covers, and numerous picture-book illustrations. They were jointly awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1976 and 1977, the only artists to be so honored twice in a row. The Dillons had one son, Lee Dillon, who also became an artist, and with whom they collaborated on Nancy Willard's Pish, Posh, Said Hieronymus Bosch. Dillon died of lung cancer in 2012.
Born in Brooklyn in 1933, Lionel John Dillon was the son of Trinidadian immigrants, and was educated at the Parsons School of Design, after serving in the US Navy for three years. Here he met Diane Sorber, who was initially a fierce artistic competitor. Eventually the two married, and commenced a fifty-year collaborative career that produced over one hundred speculative fiction book and magazine covers, and numerous picture-book illustrations. They were jointly awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1976 and 1977, the only artists to be so honored twice in a row. The Dillons had one son, Lee Dillon, who also became an artist, and with whom they collaborated on Nancy Willard's Pish, Posh, Said Hieronymus Bosch. Dillon died of lung cancer in 2012.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
November 27, 2018
I read this to my four-year-old. I think the book is a great concept: highlighting the numbers in nursery rhymes. There were just two things about it that made it less enjoyable.
1. Too long.
2. The illustrations were a little on the weird side of quirky, and my kid didn't love them.
1. Too long.
2. The illustrations were a little on the weird side of quirky, and my kid didn't love them.
November 5, 2012
Genre: Mother Goose
Mother Goose Numbers on the Loose
Summary: well-known Mother Goose nursery rhymes are joined with the concept of counting in this book. Each rhyme showcases specific numbers that are “on the loose” as the reader attempts to located them though out the book.
a) Area for comment: organization
Critique:
b) Aside from random number or color identification for early learners, this book was difficult to follow as an adult reader. The numbers are highlighted and presented in various colors, but there is no true theme presented to the reader. Presenting the numbers out of order has the potential to confuse early learners and some of the rhymes don’t seem to make much sense.
c) For example, “Hickery, dickery 6 and 7, Alabone, Crackabone. 10 and 11. The use of rhyming may be beneficial for someone teaching this concept, but an attempt to instruct a lesson on number order with this title would not go over well with beginners.
Curriculum connection: Although this book may not be very helpful in a math setting, it may still be used with early learners who are just grasping number identification. Additionally, this title may be used when teaching a lesson on rhyming patterns.
Mother Goose Numbers on the Loose
Summary: well-known Mother Goose nursery rhymes are joined with the concept of counting in this book. Each rhyme showcases specific numbers that are “on the loose” as the reader attempts to located them though out the book.
a) Area for comment: organization
Critique:
b) Aside from random number or color identification for early learners, this book was difficult to follow as an adult reader. The numbers are highlighted and presented in various colors, but there is no true theme presented to the reader. Presenting the numbers out of order has the potential to confuse early learners and some of the rhymes don’t seem to make much sense.
c) For example, “Hickery, dickery 6 and 7, Alabone, Crackabone. 10 and 11. The use of rhyming may be beneficial for someone teaching this concept, but an attempt to instruct a lesson on number order with this title would not go over well with beginners.
Curriculum connection: Although this book may not be very helpful in a math setting, it may still be used with early learners who are just grasping number identification. Additionally, this title may be used when teaching a lesson on rhyming patterns.
October 19, 2018
This book is a great compilation of all the nursery rhymes that are familiar yet it incorporates numbers too. The illustrations are very vivid and lively. I like how it has nursery rhymes that are super popular and most everyone would know and also some that aren’t as familiar. I would consider adding this to my future classroom library.
Genre: Traditional Literature
Reading level: K-2
Genre: Traditional Literature
Reading level: K-2
May 2, 2019
I enjoyed the nursery rhymes, many I have not heard in a long time. I appreciate the little tweaks and updates. The illustrations were unique, sparking my imagination, suggesting fun stories beyond the text.
November 20, 2017
Book Level: 3.7
Summary: This rhyming, number story tells classic Mother Goose tales.
Writing Trait: Sentence Fluency – In this story, the movement of the text is facilitated by its rhyming quality. As a result, students can more easily recognize the rhythm that is evident in sentence fluency. After reading “Mother Goose Numbers on the Loose” aloud, students could practice creating rhyming sentences as a class.
Reading Component: Fluency – In class, students could take turns reading each page aloud. Each phrase in this story rhymes so students can demonstrate their fluency by pacing appropriately. As I listen to each student read aloud, I could fill out a checklist to keep track of their “speed, accuracy, and expression” (K12Reader, 2016).
Summary: This rhyming, number story tells classic Mother Goose tales.
Writing Trait: Sentence Fluency – In this story, the movement of the text is facilitated by its rhyming quality. As a result, students can more easily recognize the rhythm that is evident in sentence fluency. After reading “Mother Goose Numbers on the Loose” aloud, students could practice creating rhyming sentences as a class.
Reading Component: Fluency – In class, students could take turns reading each page aloud. Each phrase in this story rhymes so students can demonstrate their fluency by pacing appropriately. As I listen to each student read aloud, I could fill out a checklist to keep track of their “speed, accuracy, and expression” (K12Reader, 2016).
December 6, 2018
Grade level(s): PreK-3
Summary: This is not your traditional counting book, the numbers are on the loose! The numbers are hiding, dancing, and skipping from Mother Goose. Embark on this rhythmic adventure to help gather all these mischievous numbers.
Review: I really liked how this was not your conventional 1...2..3...4 book. There are parts where the child reads and sees theres a whole number such as 10 and its broken down saying theres 4 of this 2 of this 2 of this and 2 of this on a page completely after they're done talking about a different number. I think it helps children to keep thinking.
Uses: This could be used as an extended lesson to continue to teach children about counting.
Summary: This is not your traditional counting book, the numbers are on the loose! The numbers are hiding, dancing, and skipping from Mother Goose. Embark on this rhythmic adventure to help gather all these mischievous numbers.
Review: I really liked how this was not your conventional 1...2..3...4 book. There are parts where the child reads and sees theres a whole number such as 10 and its broken down saying theres 4 of this 2 of this 2 of this and 2 of this on a page completely after they're done talking about a different number. I think it helps children to keep thinking.
Uses: This could be used as an extended lesson to continue to teach children about counting.
June 22, 2017
This is a book full of Mother Goose nursery rhymes. All of the nursery rhymes in this book are ones that contain numbers or counting of some sort.
I think this book has a good collection of nursery rhymes. I like that it has all of the ones that include numbers. This book could be used when teaching children how to count or when teaching them nursery rhymes or rhyming in general.
(Traditional Lit)
I think this book has a good collection of nursery rhymes. I like that it has all of the ones that include numbers. This book could be used when teaching children how to count or when teaching them nursery rhymes or rhyming in general.
(Traditional Lit)
June 19, 2022
Families and other educators are going to have mixed feelings about this. This adult loves the art by the wonderful Dillon team, but can't guess how well the chosen rhymes would have gone over when her boys were little.
Also, it's unfortunate that several details in the image get lost in the gutter. I wonder if this is the rare picture-book that would actually work better as an e-book?
Also, it's unfortunate that several details in the image get lost in the gutter. I wonder if this is the rare picture-book that would actually work better as an e-book?
May 25, 2018
I didn't love this one. It was part of a nursery rhyme kit, but my toddler wasn't interested.
September 8, 2018
Loved it so much I had to buy two copies
GREAT illustrations also
helps develop numeracy- great work
GREAT illustrations also
helps develop numeracy- great work
April 3, 2019
Traditional mother goose rhymes with a focus on those that include numbers.
The illustrations are spot-on and always get the math/counting right (more rare than you might think).
The illustrations are spot-on and always get the math/counting right (more rare than you might think).
November 30, 2023
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! this book. The text is clever and entertaining and the Leo & Diane illustrations are FABULOUS!
December 19, 2023
Highly enjoyable.
Read
February 16, 2016Title: Mother Goose Numbers on the Loose
Author: Leo Dillon
Illustrator: Diane Dillon
Genre: Concept, Counting book
Theme(s): Numbers, rhyming, counting
Opening line/sentence:
1, 2, 3,
The bumblebee.
The rooster crows
And away he goes.
Brief Book Summary:
The numbers are on the loose as they move around through the different Mother Goose rhymes. The rhymes in the book are ordered from simple to more complex, and the illustrations are vibrant and whimsical. This is an exceptional book to introduce counting and Mother Goose nursery rhymes, or to reflect on some of your favorite rhymes.
First Professional Review
Publishers Weekly (Publishers Weekly)
A wholly original Mother Goose book, the Caldecott-winning Dillons' (Jazz on a Saturday Night\n, reviewed Aug. 6) collection of number rhymes is so imaginative and playful that each reading yields something new and unexpected. A cast of humans and animals parades across the stark white pages like carnival-goers, some of them sporting elaborate Renaissance masks and clothing. The sophisticated images, however, never interfere with the simplicity of the well-chosen rhymes. Brilliantly colored numbers, letters and inanimate objects become sideshow characters engaging in ancillary action. As the king is in his counting-house and the queen is in her parlor, a knobbly-skinned alligator dressed in a Sir Walter Raleigh–esque jacket and a cat in an Elizabethan ruff peer down from the roof. Opposite, the cat curls up in a laundry basket while the alligator gazes longingly at the blackbird who has just “snapped off” the cone-shaped nose mask of a maid hanging out the clothes. Numerous minor characters populate every page, and the Dillons endow each with distinct individuality. Two “O-U-T spells out” rhymes feature a queen and her froggy king deciding the fate of a chorus line of seven worried potatoes in purple fezes and frills, while opposite, Mary is seated on a milking stool and “eating cherries off a plate.” Despite the incongruities of plot and characters' sizes, the spread is remarkable for its unifying design and execution. Inventive, artistically dazzling and full of wit, this Mother Goose collection is absolutely irresistible. Ages 3-7.
Second Professional Review
Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, September 1, 2007 (Vol. 75, No. 17))
Long-limbed numbers and letters, anthropomorphic insects, stalwart vegetables, inventively dressed animals and other unusual creatures join multiethnic humans in a cheerful march to the irresistible rhythm of MotherGoose in this selection of numerical nursery rhymes. From the well known ("Baa, baa, black sheep," "1, 2, Buckle my shoe" and "Sing a song of sixpence") to the more obscure ("There were 2 wrens upon a tree," "Barber, barber, shave a pig" and "Little Blue Ben, who lives in the glen"), this assortment presents a nice sampling of the verses and updates a couple of them. The gorgeously rendered illustrations, replete with warmth and humor, highlight the buoyancy, catchiness and surreal nature of the verses and provide a reminder of why these rhymes have survived to be a favorite of children for countless generations. An appealing introduction to the world of Mother Goose and an excellent choice for young listeners and mathematicians alike. Includes a brief note on the history and selection of the rhymes. 2007, Harcourt, 56p, $17.00. Category: Picture book. Ages 3 to 6. © 2007 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
Both reviews note this book’s familiarity with popular Mother Goose rhymes. The reviews highlight how well illustrated the book is and how fun it is to read. The first review focuses more on the plot of the story, whereas the second review highlights a few favorite Mother Goose rhymes. Both agree that this book is funny and exciting for young readers.
Evaluation of Literary Elements:
This book was designed very well for young readers. There is a minimal amount of text on each page and the illustrations are a main focus so that they may be analyzed during the reading process. The rhyming in the book is great to grab attention and helps teach patterns and introduce rhyme scheme.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
This book is great for children to read along with a parent or teacher. Reading this book aloud will help children become familiar with numbers and rhyming. In a classroom setting, this book would be wonderful to teach numbers and how it relates to counting elements of pictures and illustrations.
Author: Leo Dillon
Illustrator: Diane Dillon
Genre: Concept, Counting book
Theme(s): Numbers, rhyming, counting
Opening line/sentence:
1, 2, 3,
The bumblebee.
The rooster crows
And away he goes.
Brief Book Summary:
The numbers are on the loose as they move around through the different Mother Goose rhymes. The rhymes in the book are ordered from simple to more complex, and the illustrations are vibrant and whimsical. This is an exceptional book to introduce counting and Mother Goose nursery rhymes, or to reflect on some of your favorite rhymes.
First Professional Review
Publishers Weekly (Publishers Weekly)
A wholly original Mother Goose book, the Caldecott-winning Dillons' (Jazz on a Saturday Night\n, reviewed Aug. 6) collection of number rhymes is so imaginative and playful that each reading yields something new and unexpected. A cast of humans and animals parades across the stark white pages like carnival-goers, some of them sporting elaborate Renaissance masks and clothing. The sophisticated images, however, never interfere with the simplicity of the well-chosen rhymes. Brilliantly colored numbers, letters and inanimate objects become sideshow characters engaging in ancillary action. As the king is in his counting-house and the queen is in her parlor, a knobbly-skinned alligator dressed in a Sir Walter Raleigh–esque jacket and a cat in an Elizabethan ruff peer down from the roof. Opposite, the cat curls up in a laundry basket while the alligator gazes longingly at the blackbird who has just “snapped off” the cone-shaped nose mask of a maid hanging out the clothes. Numerous minor characters populate every page, and the Dillons endow each with distinct individuality. Two “O-U-T spells out” rhymes feature a queen and her froggy king deciding the fate of a chorus line of seven worried potatoes in purple fezes and frills, while opposite, Mary is seated on a milking stool and “eating cherries off a plate.” Despite the incongruities of plot and characters' sizes, the spread is remarkable for its unifying design and execution. Inventive, artistically dazzling and full of wit, this Mother Goose collection is absolutely irresistible. Ages 3-7.
Second Professional Review
Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, September 1, 2007 (Vol. 75, No. 17))
Long-limbed numbers and letters, anthropomorphic insects, stalwart vegetables, inventively dressed animals and other unusual creatures join multiethnic humans in a cheerful march to the irresistible rhythm of MotherGoose in this selection of numerical nursery rhymes. From the well known ("Baa, baa, black sheep," "1, 2, Buckle my shoe" and "Sing a song of sixpence") to the more obscure ("There were 2 wrens upon a tree," "Barber, barber, shave a pig" and "Little Blue Ben, who lives in the glen"), this assortment presents a nice sampling of the verses and updates a couple of them. The gorgeously rendered illustrations, replete with warmth and humor, highlight the buoyancy, catchiness and surreal nature of the verses and provide a reminder of why these rhymes have survived to be a favorite of children for countless generations. An appealing introduction to the world of Mother Goose and an excellent choice for young listeners and mathematicians alike. Includes a brief note on the history and selection of the rhymes. 2007, Harcourt, 56p, $17.00. Category: Picture book. Ages 3 to 6. © 2007 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
Both reviews note this book’s familiarity with popular Mother Goose rhymes. The reviews highlight how well illustrated the book is and how fun it is to read. The first review focuses more on the plot of the story, whereas the second review highlights a few favorite Mother Goose rhymes. Both agree that this book is funny and exciting for young readers.
Evaluation of Literary Elements:
This book was designed very well for young readers. There is a minimal amount of text on each page and the illustrations are a main focus so that they may be analyzed during the reading process. The rhyming in the book is great to grab attention and helps teach patterns and introduce rhyme scheme.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
This book is great for children to read along with a parent or teacher. Reading this book aloud will help children become familiar with numbers and rhyming. In a classroom setting, this book would be wonderful to teach numbers and how it relates to counting elements of pictures and illustrations.
April 19, 2021
I think this book is for early primary, to primary grade levels and this book is a poetry book. I thought this book would be really great to teach students about nursery rhymes and I think this would be a really fun book to incorporate in a music classroom. I kept singing them all day long! Great book!
June 3, 2019
Part I: “Exposure to nursery rhymes improves children's phonological skills and thereby their later reading ability” (182 Galda, Cullinan, Sipe). By giving children nursery rhymes by word of mouth and in print, we give them the opportunity to play with forming and repeating sounds of language. It is also part of our cultural heritage as the human race to pass down oral stories to younger generations. Sharing this book and other nursery rhymes has the potential to make cross cultural connections. Literature and the Child says, “Nursery rhymes know no regional ethnic, cultural, or language boundaries.” (182 Galda, Cullinan, Sipe). I would suggest using this book with ESL students. The repetitiveness of the verses will help them to get a feel for the English language, while practicing specific sounds to improve their pronunciation. The use of nursery rhymes could be a common ground between you and the student, especially if you encourage them to relate verses they know in their language and compare how they may be translated to English.
Part II & III: The illustrations are beautifully done in “gouche on watercolor paper, with touches of pencil” (Dillon). The shapes are round and smooth, the lines simple, and the the shading is done smoothly, giving depth and texture to the characters on the page. Everything on the page is kept very simple. The colorful illustrations of the characters are posed against a pure white background. This helps to focus the eyes on what the rhymes are about. Since it is a book for younger children, having a white background should help with the concept of number that the book tries to develop. I don't think this book would be a good visual explanation of number for children who are too young to distinguish between the characters. In many number books, the child is only required to recognize one feature of what they are counting – ie, the book may say “Four Red Balls” and the page would have four red colored balls for the child to count. However, in this book, it is not that simple. In the rhyme, “Wash the dishes, wipe the dishes, ring the bell for tea, 3 good wishes, 3 good kisses, I will give to thee,” the illustration is a full page spread. On the verso there are three creatures carrying stacks of dishes: a bear, a bird, and a muskrat (maybe). They are different sizes, wearing different clothing, and have different kinds of dishes. The reader must be able to recognize the fact that there are three people, which a young child may not pick up on. An older reader should be able to pick out different aspects of the illustrations that are numbered, such as the three hearts with wings that symbolize three kisses, or the three tarts on the table. On page 110, it says, “The best illustrations for young children avoid distracting clutter so that the objects to be counted can be identified and counted without confusion. In books for older children the illustrations can be more complex” (Galda, Cullinan, Sipe).
Another aspect of the illustrations is the whimsical nature of the characters. There are many fantasy creatures, people in fantastic masks, and anthropomorphic animals. Children and adults can appreciate the humor they add to the rhymes, such as fish with legs wearing rain boots, making this a great book to use in guided reading because it will keep you and the child entertained. However, one drawback to the book is that there is an overemphasis of the number three, and some rhymes do not help to illustrate the concept of the number at all, but are just fun to say. This would make a good addition to any class library but I don't think it should be used purposefully in lesson plans to practice number knowledge.
Part II & III: The illustrations are beautifully done in “gouche on watercolor paper, with touches of pencil” (Dillon). The shapes are round and smooth, the lines simple, and the the shading is done smoothly, giving depth and texture to the characters on the page. Everything on the page is kept very simple. The colorful illustrations of the characters are posed against a pure white background. This helps to focus the eyes on what the rhymes are about. Since it is a book for younger children, having a white background should help with the concept of number that the book tries to develop. I don't think this book would be a good visual explanation of number for children who are too young to distinguish between the characters. In many number books, the child is only required to recognize one feature of what they are counting – ie, the book may say “Four Red Balls” and the page would have four red colored balls for the child to count. However, in this book, it is not that simple. In the rhyme, “Wash the dishes, wipe the dishes, ring the bell for tea, 3 good wishes, 3 good kisses, I will give to thee,” the illustration is a full page spread. On the verso there are three creatures carrying stacks of dishes: a bear, a bird, and a muskrat (maybe). They are different sizes, wearing different clothing, and have different kinds of dishes. The reader must be able to recognize the fact that there are three people, which a young child may not pick up on. An older reader should be able to pick out different aspects of the illustrations that are numbered, such as the three hearts with wings that symbolize three kisses, or the three tarts on the table. On page 110, it says, “The best illustrations for young children avoid distracting clutter so that the objects to be counted can be identified and counted without confusion. In books for older children the illustrations can be more complex” (Galda, Cullinan, Sipe).
Another aspect of the illustrations is the whimsical nature of the characters. There are many fantasy creatures, people in fantastic masks, and anthropomorphic animals. Children and adults can appreciate the humor they add to the rhymes, such as fish with legs wearing rain boots, making this a great book to use in guided reading because it will keep you and the child entertained. However, one drawback to the book is that there is an overemphasis of the number three, and some rhymes do not help to illustrate the concept of the number at all, but are just fun to say. This would make a good addition to any class library but I don't think it should be used purposefully in lesson plans to practice number knowledge.
Read
March 7, 2017This book focuses on rhyming and counting mainly. Each page has a little riddle or poem but included in those are counting riddles. I thought that this book was very simple, of course for me, but would be very useful and fun to read in younger aged classrooms.
Read
November 6, 2011Genre: Children’s, Counting
Summary:
The authors have brought together a delightful collection of commonly known and less well-known rhymes from Mother Goose. The rhymes are accompanied by vibrant and whimsical illustrations, offset by a bright white background. Each rhyme has some mention of numbers, usually as a pivotal part of the story and the rhyming structure.
Positives/Negatives:
The dancing numbers and endearing characters that accompany each rhyme bring it to life, giving an added dimension to the stories. The illustrations capture the silly and impossible situations the rhymes describe, portraying animals in full possession of human qualities that enable their interaction with humans and each other.
The use of the ordinal numbers within the text and their alternate color gives greater emphasis to their presence within each rhyme. Each page contains at least one reference to a number, many repeating single numbers.
Examples:
The repetition of the numbers in the text and in the illustrations such as that used in “1,2,3 the bumblebee, the rooster crows, and away he goes” provides clear contextual clues. Even before attempting to read the text, the child is alerted to the number subjects and can anticipate their presence in the words. Additionally the numbers are drawn in sequence to further support accurate prediction.
Curriculum Connections:
As the text of this book might be a bit too difficult for a young child, reading aloud with an adult would provide the necessary support. Allowing the child to fill in the words for the number during the reading gives them an interactive purpose and keeps them looking at each page for clues and words they might know.
Given the history of these rhymes and their long use, conducting research about their country and time of origin would provide an opportunity to expand the children’s knowledge. Introducing each rhyme with a small piece about when and why it might have been written gives them some background knowledge prior to the reading. They can be asked to look for clues in the rhyme itself that tie it back to its origin and share those after the read aloud.
Children can be given a copy of the book and go on a number hunt, finding the numbers in both the text and illustrations on each page. In keeping a tally they can then make a table showing the usage of each number and its frequency. They might also be asked to create a rhyme of their own, highlighting the use of a number or a sequence of numbers. In creating their own illustrations, the children can then find creative ways to incorporate “number characters” into their drawings.
Summary:
The authors have brought together a delightful collection of commonly known and less well-known rhymes from Mother Goose. The rhymes are accompanied by vibrant and whimsical illustrations, offset by a bright white background. Each rhyme has some mention of numbers, usually as a pivotal part of the story and the rhyming structure.
Positives/Negatives:
The dancing numbers and endearing characters that accompany each rhyme bring it to life, giving an added dimension to the stories. The illustrations capture the silly and impossible situations the rhymes describe, portraying animals in full possession of human qualities that enable their interaction with humans and each other.
The use of the ordinal numbers within the text and their alternate color gives greater emphasis to their presence within each rhyme. Each page contains at least one reference to a number, many repeating single numbers.
Examples:
The repetition of the numbers in the text and in the illustrations such as that used in “1,2,3 the bumblebee, the rooster crows, and away he goes” provides clear contextual clues. Even before attempting to read the text, the child is alerted to the number subjects and can anticipate their presence in the words. Additionally the numbers are drawn in sequence to further support accurate prediction.
Curriculum Connections:
As the text of this book might be a bit too difficult for a young child, reading aloud with an adult would provide the necessary support. Allowing the child to fill in the words for the number during the reading gives them an interactive purpose and keeps them looking at each page for clues and words they might know.
Given the history of these rhymes and their long use, conducting research about their country and time of origin would provide an opportunity to expand the children’s knowledge. Introducing each rhyme with a small piece about when and why it might have been written gives them some background knowledge prior to the reading. They can be asked to look for clues in the rhyme itself that tie it back to its origin and share those after the read aloud.
Children can be given a copy of the book and go on a number hunt, finding the numbers in both the text and illustrations on each page. In keeping a tally they can then make a table showing the usage of each number and its frequency. They might also be asked to create a rhyme of their own, highlighting the use of a number or a sequence of numbers. In creating their own illustrations, the children can then find creative ways to incorporate “number characters” into their drawings.
December 8, 2011
1. Mother Goose with elements of Counting
2. A collection of some well-known Mother Goose rhymes (as well as some that are not so well known) with an emphasis on counting. The bold illustrations create an inviting page turner for little fingers.
3. Critique
a. This book could have done a better job at organizing its different rhymes. I wasn't impressed with this book overall. I think there are number/counting books that are better suited for little ones, and there are certainly better collections of Mother Goose rhymes to introduce rhyme to little ones. However, its illustrations and simple context make it appropriate for the target age group.
b. While at times each rhyme connects to the one on the next page, this is not always the case. Mostly though, I was disappointed that the numbers (seemingly the reason for the book) weren't even in order. However, it was an adorable book that any small child would find enjoyable again and again due to its rhyme scheme and bold illustrations of dancing numbers drawn against a white backdrop.
c. The book utilizes rhyme and numbers to incorporate the two into a cute rendition of the timelessness of Mother Goose. Rhymes that familiar are included such as "Baa, Baa Black Sheep" and "1, 2 Buckle My Shoe" but also includes the lesser known rhymes suck as "Charley Barley". In its very safe way, the book introduces numbers; such as 1, 2, 3 and puts them directly into the rhyme but not always into context. For example: "1, 2, 3 the bumblebee, the rooster crows, and away he goes" does not show how many 1, 2, or 3 is.
4. I would use this book in my preschool settings for explaining rhyme. I would read the book a few times and then ask students to help me complete the rhyme as we read the different Mother Goose rhymes. "1, 2, 3 the __________, the rooster crows, and away he ______!"
I would also let children use the book individually. This way they could show me what numbers they recognize in print. I'd ask them to point to the number 1 for example, and then use the rhyme of the story and their memory of the words to help them remember what numbers they couldn't recall on their own. Older children could even find the written form of the numbers "One, Two, Three" to help them make further connections.
2. A collection of some well-known Mother Goose rhymes (as well as some that are not so well known) with an emphasis on counting. The bold illustrations create an inviting page turner for little fingers.
3. Critique
a. This book could have done a better job at organizing its different rhymes. I wasn't impressed with this book overall. I think there are number/counting books that are better suited for little ones, and there are certainly better collections of Mother Goose rhymes to introduce rhyme to little ones. However, its illustrations and simple context make it appropriate for the target age group.
b. While at times each rhyme connects to the one on the next page, this is not always the case. Mostly though, I was disappointed that the numbers (seemingly the reason for the book) weren't even in order. However, it was an adorable book that any small child would find enjoyable again and again due to its rhyme scheme and bold illustrations of dancing numbers drawn against a white backdrop.
c. The book utilizes rhyme and numbers to incorporate the two into a cute rendition of the timelessness of Mother Goose. Rhymes that familiar are included such as "Baa, Baa Black Sheep" and "1, 2 Buckle My Shoe" but also includes the lesser known rhymes suck as "Charley Barley". In its very safe way, the book introduces numbers; such as 1, 2, 3 and puts them directly into the rhyme but not always into context. For example: "1, 2, 3 the bumblebee, the rooster crows, and away he goes" does not show how many 1, 2, or 3 is.
4. I would use this book in my preschool settings for explaining rhyme. I would read the book a few times and then ask students to help me complete the rhyme as we read the different Mother Goose rhymes. "1, 2, 3 the __________, the rooster crows, and away he ______!"
I would also let children use the book individually. This way they could show me what numbers they recognize in print. I'd ask them to point to the number 1 for example, and then use the rhyme of the story and their memory of the words to help them remember what numbers they couldn't recall on their own. Older children could even find the written form of the numbers "One, Two, Three" to help them make further connections.
November 8, 2011
Leo and Diane Dillon created a wonderful Mother Goose book with their depictions of memorable children’s rhymes in Mother Goose: Numbers on the Loose. With every turn of the page, readers are invited to join in on the fun with words and numbers. Creative illustrations and memorable texts take each reader on a journey of rhyming and counting. This story fits into the picture book genre of mother goose stories!
a.) An immense strength of the book is created with the colorful and intriguing animal characters and numbers.
b.) Throughout the story, readers share their counting and rhyming world with a black sheep, postman stork, hopping hare, a good fat hen and young pigs in wigs. Using unique and exciting characters is a great way to grasp young reader’s attention and help them to remember rhymes. In addition, because the Dillons chose to use rhymes and character illustrations with numbers, the story teaches counting and number identification as well.
c.) Several illustrations through the book show how many. For example, “3 young rats with black felt hats, 3 young ducks with white straw flats, 3 young dogs with curling tails, 3 young cats with demi-veils” and “Little Blue Ben, who lives in the glen, keeps a blue car and 1 blue hen, which lays of blue eggs a score and 10” (p. 30 & 44-45). While other pages show characters carrying numbers. These characters include the postman stork and Ella on pages 8-9, the parade on pages 16-17 and the clocks, dogs and characters on pages 34-35.
I will gladly use Mother Goose: Numbers on the Loose in my classroom. Students in preschool and kindergarten are learning nursery rhymes and numbers throughout the entire year. This story is intriguing, informational and a fun read for the entire class. Many lessons are available for use with rhymes and numbers. For example, students can recognize and identify numbers in the story while they listen and read the text; students can identify rhyming words, as well as create words themselves which rhyme; students can learn and recite the numerous rhymes portrayed in Leo and Diane’s Mother Goose tale.
a.) An immense strength of the book is created with the colorful and intriguing animal characters and numbers.
b.) Throughout the story, readers share their counting and rhyming world with a black sheep, postman stork, hopping hare, a good fat hen and young pigs in wigs. Using unique and exciting characters is a great way to grasp young reader’s attention and help them to remember rhymes. In addition, because the Dillons chose to use rhymes and character illustrations with numbers, the story teaches counting and number identification as well.
c.) Several illustrations through the book show how many. For example, “3 young rats with black felt hats, 3 young ducks with white straw flats, 3 young dogs with curling tails, 3 young cats with demi-veils” and “Little Blue Ben, who lives in the glen, keeps a blue car and 1 blue hen, which lays of blue eggs a score and 10” (p. 30 & 44-45). While other pages show characters carrying numbers. These characters include the postman stork and Ella on pages 8-9, the parade on pages 16-17 and the clocks, dogs and characters on pages 34-35.
I will gladly use Mother Goose: Numbers on the Loose in my classroom. Students in preschool and kindergarten are learning nursery rhymes and numbers throughout the entire year. This story is intriguing, informational and a fun read for the entire class. Many lessons are available for use with rhymes and numbers. For example, students can recognize and identify numbers in the story while they listen and read the text; students can identify rhyming words, as well as create words themselves which rhyme; students can learn and recite the numerous rhymes portrayed in Leo and Diane’s Mother Goose tale.
October 15, 2012
Mother Goose: Numbers on the Loose
By Leo and Diane Dillon
Dillon, L., & Dillon, D. (2007). Mother goose numbers on the loose. New York: Harcourt INC.
1. Counting or Mother Goose
2. This book takes you on a journey of various mother goose stories. In the story however numbers are on the loose and found throughout the different stories. A cute story that will introduce children to the nursery rhymes of mother goose as well as the beginnings of counting their numbers.
3.a. Illustrations
b. The illustrations are wonderful in this story. Not only are they beautifully painted but also colorful and go right along with the story. The illustrations give meaning to the story. Sometimes mother goose nursery rhymes can be silly and sometimes hard to picture or understand. The pictures in this book give justice to the nursery rhymes that are written. With numbers being added to the story the illustrations also become very important again because of the ability to be able to physically count what number you are reading. This story does a good job of displaying the number of objects it is talking about so the reader can count along with the story to learn their numbers.
c. One great example of being able to count along with the story is on pages 19-20 where it says “1 for the anger, 2 for the mirth, 3 for the wedding, 4for the birth, 5 for the rich, 6 for the poor, 7 for a witch, I can tell you no more.” Then there is an awesome line of characters for each number described. Each of the characters are also holding a sign of their equivalent number. The angry mask is holding a 1, a joker is holding a two, a married couple with a 3, a stork with a 4, a rich man with a top hat a 5, a man in rags with a 6, and a green witch with a 7.
4. This book would be great for early childhood classrooms. So many activities can be stemmed off of this story. Just the introduction to mother goose nursery rhymes is great but added the addition of numbers to the story makes it fantastic. The students could create their own numbered nursery rhyme with pictures in completion of this story.
By Leo and Diane Dillon
Dillon, L., & Dillon, D. (2007). Mother goose numbers on the loose. New York: Harcourt INC.
1. Counting or Mother Goose
2. This book takes you on a journey of various mother goose stories. In the story however numbers are on the loose and found throughout the different stories. A cute story that will introduce children to the nursery rhymes of mother goose as well as the beginnings of counting their numbers.
3.a. Illustrations
b. The illustrations are wonderful in this story. Not only are they beautifully painted but also colorful and go right along with the story. The illustrations give meaning to the story. Sometimes mother goose nursery rhymes can be silly and sometimes hard to picture or understand. The pictures in this book give justice to the nursery rhymes that are written. With numbers being added to the story the illustrations also become very important again because of the ability to be able to physically count what number you are reading. This story does a good job of displaying the number of objects it is talking about so the reader can count along with the story to learn their numbers.
c. One great example of being able to count along with the story is on pages 19-20 where it says “1 for the anger, 2 for the mirth, 3 for the wedding, 4for the birth, 5 for the rich, 6 for the poor, 7 for a witch, I can tell you no more.” Then there is an awesome line of characters for each number described. Each of the characters are also holding a sign of their equivalent number. The angry mask is holding a 1, a joker is holding a two, a married couple with a 3, a stork with a 4, a rich man with a top hat a 5, a man in rags with a 6, and a green witch with a 7.
4. This book would be great for early childhood classrooms. So many activities can be stemmed off of this story. Just the introduction to mother goose nursery rhymes is great but added the addition of numbers to the story makes it fantastic. The students could create their own numbered nursery rhyme with pictures in completion of this story.
November 26, 2012
Genre: Mother Goose (& counting)
Summary: Mother Goose nursery rhymes are shared with a focus on numbers. This book incorporates all of the nursery rhymes that include numbers in any fashion and highlights them.
a) The strongest element within this book is the switch of focus from “language play” to “number play” in nursery rhymes with using the original rhymes.
b) Traditionally nursery rhymes are known as a form of children’s poetry. Focus has always been primarily on the fun word play presented throughout the rhyme. Leo and Diane Dillon were able to alter the focus in their collection of Mother Goose Numbers on the Loose from language to numbers. I never realized how common numbers and counting are woven into these classic nursery rhymes until I looked at this book. I really enjoyed looking at these rhymes with a new perspective of aiding in number comprehension. I also really liked the illustrations within this book. The illustrations were in a clean folksy style and were very detailed. Each illustration demonstrated the rhyme and if a number was mentioned that number was fully illustrated.
c) Every time a number was mentioned within the rhyme, the color and size of the font was enhanced to purple. This brings the readers’ attention to the numbers. Along with exaggerating the font of the numbers present, the illustrations incorporated how the number was used. For example, in “Sing a Song of Sixpence” (page 39-40) the rhyme mentions “four and twenty blackbirds, Baked in a pie…” The illustration shows twenty-four blackbirds lined up about to enter into a pie. The very last one holds a sign that has the number “24” on it. This helps the reader to understand that 4 and 20 were added to get 24, as well as understand the concept of the story told through the rhyme.
Curriculum Connection:
I think it would be fun to read a couple of the rhymes in this collection then split students into groups and give them different nursery rhymes to analyze for numbers.
Summary: Mother Goose nursery rhymes are shared with a focus on numbers. This book incorporates all of the nursery rhymes that include numbers in any fashion and highlights them.
a) The strongest element within this book is the switch of focus from “language play” to “number play” in nursery rhymes with using the original rhymes.
b) Traditionally nursery rhymes are known as a form of children’s poetry. Focus has always been primarily on the fun word play presented throughout the rhyme. Leo and Diane Dillon were able to alter the focus in their collection of Mother Goose Numbers on the Loose from language to numbers. I never realized how common numbers and counting are woven into these classic nursery rhymes until I looked at this book. I really enjoyed looking at these rhymes with a new perspective of aiding in number comprehension. I also really liked the illustrations within this book. The illustrations were in a clean folksy style and were very detailed. Each illustration demonstrated the rhyme and if a number was mentioned that number was fully illustrated.
c) Every time a number was mentioned within the rhyme, the color and size of the font was enhanced to purple. This brings the readers’ attention to the numbers. Along with exaggerating the font of the numbers present, the illustrations incorporated how the number was used. For example, in “Sing a Song of Sixpence” (page 39-40) the rhyme mentions “four and twenty blackbirds, Baked in a pie…” The illustration shows twenty-four blackbirds lined up about to enter into a pie. The very last one holds a sign that has the number “24” on it. This helps the reader to understand that 4 and 20 were added to get 24, as well as understand the concept of the story told through the rhyme.
Curriculum Connection:
I think it would be fun to read a couple of the rhymes in this collection then split students into groups and give them different nursery rhymes to analyze for numbers.
November 8, 2011
1. { Genre }: Counting
2. { Summary }: Numbers are on the loose and interlaced with Mother Goose!
3a. { Area for comment }: Content
3b. { Critique }: Mother Goose Numbers on the Loose intelligently unite both numbers and rhymes.
3c. { Critique Example }:
I had a fun time reading this title, not just for its illustrations, but also for its rhythm and rhyme. A great example of this can be found on all the pages. Each pair of pages is filled with detailed illustration, a rhyme and numbers. I particularly appreciate the fact that they color code the numbers making them stand out and not lost amongst the, what can be intimidating to young readers, text. Although, the intimidating of text is taken away by the appealing and inviting pictures. I feel that this titles true purpose is to mold rhyme and number, but with the priority to introduce rhyme and with the underlying purpose to review numbers. I just base this on the way in which the content is presented as far as digestibility. Because the illustrations come at the reader in bulks, it challenges the reader to find “3 bags full” or “5 fishes alive” which is something I would ask my students to do once they’ve mastered the concept of identifying and counting numbers. There are some titles that would be best for introducing concepts and others for supplementing.
4. { Curriculum Connection }:
I see this title being used in a K to Grade 2 classroom. As stated in my critique, I’m not particularly sure if this would be the best book to introduce numbers, but perhaps a supplementary text for when the student has a good grasp on counting. I would use it as a read-aloud exercise by reading each page and dedicate a pair of pages to each student. For example, I would read and ask my students to identify the objects that the text is describing by counting and pointing at the object - “How many bags are there?”, “Count and point at the bags that you see.”
2. { Summary }: Numbers are on the loose and interlaced with Mother Goose!
3a. { Area for comment }: Content
3b. { Critique }: Mother Goose Numbers on the Loose intelligently unite both numbers and rhymes.
3c. { Critique Example }:
I had a fun time reading this title, not just for its illustrations, but also for its rhythm and rhyme. A great example of this can be found on all the pages. Each pair of pages is filled with detailed illustration, a rhyme and numbers. I particularly appreciate the fact that they color code the numbers making them stand out and not lost amongst the, what can be intimidating to young readers, text. Although, the intimidating of text is taken away by the appealing and inviting pictures. I feel that this titles true purpose is to mold rhyme and number, but with the priority to introduce rhyme and with the underlying purpose to review numbers. I just base this on the way in which the content is presented as far as digestibility. Because the illustrations come at the reader in bulks, it challenges the reader to find “3 bags full” or “5 fishes alive” which is something I would ask my students to do once they’ve mastered the concept of identifying and counting numbers. There are some titles that would be best for introducing concepts and others for supplementing.
4. { Curriculum Connection }:
I see this title being used in a K to Grade 2 classroom. As stated in my critique, I’m not particularly sure if this would be the best book to introduce numbers, but perhaps a supplementary text for when the student has a good grasp on counting. I would use it as a read-aloud exercise by reading each page and dedicate a pair of pages to each student. For example, I would read and ask my students to identify the objects that the text is describing by counting and pointing at the object - “How many bags are there?”, “Count and point at the bags that you see.”
November 4, 2011
Genre: Picture book—Mother Goose
Summary: With numbers on the loose, this story is told by using many different Mother Goose rhymes. Numbers are put into these traditional rhymes.
Critique:
a. Two major strengths in this book are the illustrations, as well as the known mother goose rhymes.
b. Throughout this book, rhymes and numbers are put together to help students understand numbers. By doing so, the rhymes are represented by the illustrations. The illustrations represent the rhyme talked about and also show the number of things being expressed through the rhyme. They are very fun and illustrate childlike features. Students are able to count items represented by the number on each page as well as refer to the riddle. We see a variety of animals, fish and clocks with human features, different colors, and hats on insects. Also, illustrated are numbers and potatoes with legs.
c. To show the dreamlike illustrations throughout this book, all a reader has to do is open up the book to the first page. We see numbers with legs, insects dancing around, and a rooster with a microphone. On page 2 and 3, we see other illustrations like wishes being made as the made blows them out of her hand. The riddle “Baa, baa black sheep” is incorporated in this book by working with the number 3. We see three men taking 3 sacks of black wool away while the sheep is following them, wrapped up in a blanket. How creative?
Curriculum Connection:
This story would look well with very young students. It would help with their numbers as well as counting. Also, it will help them become more familiar with their rhymes they should have learned as a toddler. This book shows amazing illustrations that students will enjoy. The main connection to curriculum with this book is it helps students with their counting and numbers.
Summary: With numbers on the loose, this story is told by using many different Mother Goose rhymes. Numbers are put into these traditional rhymes.
Critique:
a. Two major strengths in this book are the illustrations, as well as the known mother goose rhymes.
b. Throughout this book, rhymes and numbers are put together to help students understand numbers. By doing so, the rhymes are represented by the illustrations. The illustrations represent the rhyme talked about and also show the number of things being expressed through the rhyme. They are very fun and illustrate childlike features. Students are able to count items represented by the number on each page as well as refer to the riddle. We see a variety of animals, fish and clocks with human features, different colors, and hats on insects. Also, illustrated are numbers and potatoes with legs.
c. To show the dreamlike illustrations throughout this book, all a reader has to do is open up the book to the first page. We see numbers with legs, insects dancing around, and a rooster with a microphone. On page 2 and 3, we see other illustrations like wishes being made as the made blows them out of her hand. The riddle “Baa, baa black sheep” is incorporated in this book by working with the number 3. We see three men taking 3 sacks of black wool away while the sheep is following them, wrapped up in a blanket. How creative?
Curriculum Connection:
This story would look well with very young students. It would help with their numbers as well as counting. Also, it will help them become more familiar with their rhymes they should have learned as a toddler. This book shows amazing illustrations that students will enjoy. The main connection to curriculum with this book is it helps students with their counting and numbers.
November 7, 2011
1. Genre: Mother Goose, picture book
2. Summary: Mother Goose takes you through many different childhood rhymes while throwing numbers and counting into the mix. It's a fun story of childhood tongue twisters.
3. Critique:
a.) This story is really cute. At times it is a little confusing because of the number of story rhymes that are thrown into the story and the counting is a little strange. There's no real method to the counting.
b.) The illustrations in the book are pretty clever. I like all of the animals that are unrealistic with hands, arms, and legs that are walking around and carrying things. I love the rhymes that are used in the story but the counting is a little strange. The story teaches children to count to 10 but the way the counting occurs is strange and confusing. I love the childhood rhymes it brings me back to the good old days.
c.) This book would be fun to read to young children. The rhymes are really catchy and the illustrations are cute and appealing. This story is a great way to introduce Mother Goose Rhymes to your children because there are so many different ones and they do not give you the whole rhymes just pieces. I wish the story included the whole rhymes. I do not like how the book counts to three a lot, 3 birds, 3 bags of coal, etc. and then later in the book it counts from 1 through 10. It doesn't really lead up to it and have a smooth transition it jumps around.
4. Curriculum Connection: This story can be used for a language arts lesson and students can be introduced to the genre of Mother Goose rhymes and you can discuss what rhymes are and have the students pick out the rhyming words throughout the book. This book can also be used for a math lesson in kindergarten to teach the students how to count to 10.
2. Summary: Mother Goose takes you through many different childhood rhymes while throwing numbers and counting into the mix. It's a fun story of childhood tongue twisters.
3. Critique:
a.) This story is really cute. At times it is a little confusing because of the number of story rhymes that are thrown into the story and the counting is a little strange. There's no real method to the counting.
b.) The illustrations in the book are pretty clever. I like all of the animals that are unrealistic with hands, arms, and legs that are walking around and carrying things. I love the rhymes that are used in the story but the counting is a little strange. The story teaches children to count to 10 but the way the counting occurs is strange and confusing. I love the childhood rhymes it brings me back to the good old days.
c.) This book would be fun to read to young children. The rhymes are really catchy and the illustrations are cute and appealing. This story is a great way to introduce Mother Goose Rhymes to your children because there are so many different ones and they do not give you the whole rhymes just pieces. I wish the story included the whole rhymes. I do not like how the book counts to three a lot, 3 birds, 3 bags of coal, etc. and then later in the book it counts from 1 through 10. It doesn't really lead up to it and have a smooth transition it jumps around.
4. Curriculum Connection: This story can be used for a language arts lesson and students can be introduced to the genre of Mother Goose rhymes and you can discuss what rhymes are and have the students pick out the rhyming words throughout the book. This book can also be used for a math lesson in kindergarten to teach the students how to count to 10.
October 8, 2012
Genre: Mother Goose
Summary: This book merges many traditional Mother Goose tales into short scenarios encompassing number sense and other concepts such as colors, spelling, and direction.
Critique: A. Organization
B. I am torn with this story because I love Mother Goose tales. This book shows traditional Mother Goose tales in a modern way and incorporates important concepts for young children. However, I do not like that there is not plot or organization in this story. I felt very confused as I was reading and I was trying to make the scenarios fit together somehow but I could not. There are numerous characters, concepts, words, and numbers presented throughout this book in no particular order at all and it was hard to keep track of what was going on at any given time during reading.
C. The book just does not make sense and is very random. For example, one of the pages says, "1 for anger, 2 for mirth, 3 for a wedding, 4 for a birth, 5 for rich, 6 for poor, 7 for a witch, I can tell you no more." Then the next page says, "1 potato, 2 potato, 3 potato 4, 5 potato, 6 potato, 7 potato, more. O-U-T- spells out, So out you must go, Because the king and queen say so." There is no flow between scenes/events in this book.
Curriculum Connection: This book could be used in preschool or kindergarten for students who are learning numbers, letters, and simple concepts. This book is best suited for students who do not have a long attention span to follow a distinct plot, because the story does not have one. Each page is something new and interesting and teaches a different concept. However disorganized this book may seem to adults, it can be beneficial to children and is cleverly written with regards to traditional Mother Goose stories.
Summary: This book merges many traditional Mother Goose tales into short scenarios encompassing number sense and other concepts such as colors, spelling, and direction.
Critique: A. Organization
B. I am torn with this story because I love Mother Goose tales. This book shows traditional Mother Goose tales in a modern way and incorporates important concepts for young children. However, I do not like that there is not plot or organization in this story. I felt very confused as I was reading and I was trying to make the scenarios fit together somehow but I could not. There are numerous characters, concepts, words, and numbers presented throughout this book in no particular order at all and it was hard to keep track of what was going on at any given time during reading.
C. The book just does not make sense and is very random. For example, one of the pages says, "1 for anger, 2 for mirth, 3 for a wedding, 4 for a birth, 5 for rich, 6 for poor, 7 for a witch, I can tell you no more." Then the next page says, "1 potato, 2 potato, 3 potato 4, 5 potato, 6 potato, 7 potato, more. O-U-T- spells out, So out you must go, Because the king and queen say so." There is no flow between scenes/events in this book.
Curriculum Connection: This book could be used in preschool or kindergarten for students who are learning numbers, letters, and simple concepts. This book is best suited for students who do not have a long attention span to follow a distinct plot, because the story does not have one. Each page is something new and interesting and teaches a different concept. However disorganized this book may seem to adults, it can be beneficial to children and is cleverly written with regards to traditional Mother Goose stories.
November 29, 2011
Genre: Mother Goose
Summary: This children’s book intertwines different nursery rhymes while emphasizing counting.
Critique: a) The nursery rhymes sometimes connect and flow as the book goes from one rhyme to another. The stories also highlight numbers but not in order. The pictures coordinate with the rhymes and add colorful details.
The nursery rhymes that are chosen are different than some of the more popular ones. I liked reading different rhymes than that are usually put in books but I think the book is a little confusing for children. The book does not flow as well as it should. The way they do flow is different which some people may find it interesting. The numbers idea is great in that the nursery rhymes all have to do with counting, but since the numbers are not in order it may be heard for early readers to use this book to learn. The best part of the book are the wonderful pictures. They coordinate with the rhymes well, give color to the story, and will interest children.
On the third and fourth pages are a great picture and a simple rhyme. “Wash the dishes, wipe the dishes, ring the bell for tea”. The picture is full of fantasy, fun, and has simple colors to go with a simple rhyme.
Curriculum Connection: The story is hard to use in the classroom for early counters but using the book as a search would be great. In the rhymes children could look for the numbers, what they describe, and find them in the pictures. Children could write their own poem or use a poem they find to incorporate a number and draw a picture depicting what they chose.
Critique: a) The nursery rhymes sometimes connect and flow as the book goes from one rhyme to another. The stories also highlight numbers but not in order. The pictures coordinate with the rhymes and add colorful details.
The nursery rhymes that are chosen are different than some of the more popular ones. I liked reading different rhymes than that are usually put in books but I think the book is a little confusing for children. The book does not flow as well as it should. The way they do flow is different which some people may find it interesting. The numbers idea is great in that the nursery rhymes all have to do with counting, but since the numbers are not in order it may be heard for early readers to use this book to learn. The best part of the book are the wonderful pictures. They coordinate with the rhymes well, give color to the story, and will interest children.
On the third and fourth pages are a great picture and a simple rhyme. “Wash the dishes, wipe the dishes, ring the bell for tea”. The picture is full of fantasy, fun, and has simple colors to go with a simple rhyme.
Curriculum Connection: The story is hard to use in the classroom for early counters but using the book as a search would be great. In the rhymes children could look for the numbers, what they describe, and find them in the pictures. Children could write their own poem or use a poem they find to incorporate a number and draw a picture depicting what they chose.
December 8, 2011
1. This book would fall under the category of a picture book, Mother Goose.
2. This book compiles traditional Mother Goose rhymes that contain numbers.
3. critique
a. The strongest part of this book is its illustrations.
b. The illustrations that accompany each rhyme tell the story or assist the reader to understand what the rhyme is saying.
c. On the first rhyme, it tells of three numbers (1,2,and 3) running along with the bumblebee and the rooster. You can see a visual depiction of the numbers going along with them. The illustrations accompanying Baa, Baa, Black Sheep show the three bags of wool. The reader can see one bag with his master, one for a dame, and one shown with a little girl on roller skates. Later, Chook, Chook, Chook shows the 10 chicks and sorts them as they are described. The reader can see that there are four yellow chicks, four brown chicks, and two speckled chicks. They could also go back and add to see that they add up to 10.
4. a curriculum connection
Rhymes are always fun for children to learn. They are attracted to the sing-song quality and would be interested and entertained by the sound when they are read. While I would not use this book as a primary way to teach numbers, I might use it to assist students with word problems. After reading doing some of the rhymes together, we could try to illustrate the words on our own. Then we could compare our drawings with the drawings that were done by the author. I wonder how close they will be?
2. This book compiles traditional Mother Goose rhymes that contain numbers.
3. critique
a. The strongest part of this book is its illustrations.
b. The illustrations that accompany each rhyme tell the story or assist the reader to understand what the rhyme is saying.
c. On the first rhyme, it tells of three numbers (1,2,and 3) running along with the bumblebee and the rooster. You can see a visual depiction of the numbers going along with them. The illustrations accompanying Baa, Baa, Black Sheep show the three bags of wool. The reader can see one bag with his master, one for a dame, and one shown with a little girl on roller skates. Later, Chook, Chook, Chook shows the 10 chicks and sorts them as they are described. The reader can see that there are four yellow chicks, four brown chicks, and two speckled chicks. They could also go back and add to see that they add up to 10.
4. a curriculum connection
Rhymes are always fun for children to learn. They are attracted to the sing-song quality and would be interested and entertained by the sound when they are read. While I would not use this book as a primary way to teach numbers, I might use it to assist students with word problems. After reading doing some of the rhymes together, we could try to illustrate the words on our own. Then we could compare our drawings with the drawings that were done by the author. I wonder how close they will be?
October 16, 2012
Genre: Mother Goose Picture Book
Summary: This book uses familiar Mother Goose rhymes and integrates numbers and color to teach number recognition through the presentation of these wonderful rhymes.
Critique:
a.) The author uses familiar rhymes that have been loved for generations, but incorporates the use of color and numbers to enhance the experience for the reader. The author does a fantastic job of accurately integrating the numbers and rhymes. The illustrations are also accurate in their depictions of both the rhymes and numbers integrated into the rhymes.
b.) The biggest strength of this book would have to be that it uses the familiarity of the rhymes used with the corresponding numbers and color that are integrated into the rhyme. The rhymes provide a fun and entertaining way to explore literature and learn number recognition at the same time. The only weakness of the book would be in the inherent difficulty of rhyming, especially for younger readers.
c.) On page 13 of the book, the text that is presented says “3rd on a donkey. And 4th on a pig.” The illustrations on the page clearly show exactly what the rhyme is saying. Page 12 says “1st in a carriage. 2nd in a gig.” Young readers would have difficulty understanding what the word gig means even after being provided with picture cues.
Curriculum Connection:
This book would be a wonderful way to present number recognition to a preschool classroom in order to enhance the experiences of the students.
Summary: This book uses familiar Mother Goose rhymes and integrates numbers and color to teach number recognition through the presentation of these wonderful rhymes.
Critique:
a.) The author uses familiar rhymes that have been loved for generations, but incorporates the use of color and numbers to enhance the experience for the reader. The author does a fantastic job of accurately integrating the numbers and rhymes. The illustrations are also accurate in their depictions of both the rhymes and numbers integrated into the rhymes.
b.) The biggest strength of this book would have to be that it uses the familiarity of the rhymes used with the corresponding numbers and color that are integrated into the rhyme. The rhymes provide a fun and entertaining way to explore literature and learn number recognition at the same time. The only weakness of the book would be in the inherent difficulty of rhyming, especially for younger readers.
c.) On page 13 of the book, the text that is presented says “3rd on a donkey. And 4th on a pig.” The illustrations on the page clearly show exactly what the rhyme is saying. Page 12 says “1st in a carriage. 2nd in a gig.” Young readers would have difficulty understanding what the word gig means even after being provided with picture cues.
Curriculum Connection:
This book would be a wonderful way to present number recognition to a preschool classroom in order to enhance the experiences of the students.
October 16, 2012
1. Mother Goose
2. This book uses a variety of excerpts from Mother Goose’s poems and vibrant illustrations in a counting by numbers collection.
3. Critique
a. Combination of Stories with the Counting
b. The author combined various Mother Goose rhymes to make one story which was intuitive and unique. The reader is exposed to many different characters in a short amount of time leaving them never knowing who may be on the next page. I loved how the author used the well-known Mother Goose tales to introduce counting to young children. These
c. The page with Mrs. Hen telling what looks like a wolf dressed as a cook was ironic and humorous to me. This is an example of the author’s clever way of incorporating different character’s from Mother Goose into one story. I also absolutely loved the cover photo which shows Mother Goose actually chasing after little numbers with arms and feet. The numbers seem to be running away, which truly portrays the concept in the title of the book- “on the loose.” It gives the reader the image that these numbers hopped into an otherwise characteristic Mother Goose collection, and Mother Goose is scrambling to get them out of her book.
4. I felt myself drawing a blank when it came to curriculum connections for this one. It seems more like a book you would find in a nursery or playroom for very young children to be read. It is great for introducing numbers to these young children and having them easily remembered because of the familiarity and humor of the accompanying Mother Goose story.
2. This book uses a variety of excerpts from Mother Goose’s poems and vibrant illustrations in a counting by numbers collection.
3. Critique
a. Combination of Stories with the Counting
b. The author combined various Mother Goose rhymes to make one story which was intuitive and unique. The reader is exposed to many different characters in a short amount of time leaving them never knowing who may be on the next page. I loved how the author used the well-known Mother Goose tales to introduce counting to young children. These
c. The page with Mrs. Hen telling what looks like a wolf dressed as a cook was ironic and humorous to me. This is an example of the author’s clever way of incorporating different character’s from Mother Goose into one story. I also absolutely loved the cover photo which shows Mother Goose actually chasing after little numbers with arms and feet. The numbers seem to be running away, which truly portrays the concept in the title of the book- “on the loose.” It gives the reader the image that these numbers hopped into an otherwise characteristic Mother Goose collection, and Mother Goose is scrambling to get them out of her book.
4. I felt myself drawing a blank when it came to curriculum connections for this one. It seems more like a book you would find in a nursery or playroom for very young children to be read. It is great for introducing numbers to these young children and having them easily remembered because of the familiarity and humor of the accompanying Mother Goose story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews