Publishers Weekly
The rhyming continues in This Little Piggy and Other Rhymes to Sing and Play, edited by Jane Yolen with musical arrangements by Adam Stemple, illus. by Will Hillenbrand. The luxuriously oversize volume includes dozens of nursery rhymes and songs, from "There Was an Old Woman" to "Miss Mary Mack," and a CD models for youngsters how to sing along. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature
This collection is also subtitled "Lap Songs, Finger Plays, Clapping Games, and Pantomime Rhymes." Yet again Yolen proves her genius at whatever she decides to tackle. Having chosen many old favorites, she also includes many unusual and less well-known ditties to share with little people. Her personal introduction reminds us, "The lap is a kind of schoolroom. What a child learns there is learned forever." The sections are labeled: "Upsie, Downsie," "Bumpety, Bumpety," "Wiggle, Wiggle," "Clap, Clap, Clap," and "Take a Bow." Each selection is introduced by a short bit of history gleaned by the author in her extensive research for this title. It is extremely interesting to learn that "Goosey, Goosey, Gander" was originally "Old Father Long-Legs" and was "actually a political rhyme about Cardinal Beaton, a man assassinated in 1564 because of a dispute over prayer books." The other aspect of this book that makes it a must have for all who interact with babies is the instructions for the actions that accompany each of the poems and songs. For example, "Pat or smooth the bottom of the child's bare foot for the first two lines and then tap the top lightly for the rest," are the directions that go with "Shoe the Horse." Hillenbrand's illustrations are charming and perky—just right to catch the eye of little folk and to be pleasing to adults as well. This is a must have for anyone who has not had any formal training in introducing stimulation as a road to brain development for babies and toddlers. Mothers, grandmothers, teachers, and caregivers will find this a treasure, and their charges will delight in the sharing while learning a lot in the process. The index to first lines makes it easy tofind a favorite, while the bibliography provides an opportunity for further research. A CD is also included with the book, which is a great boon for those of us who cannot carry a tune—fun to sing along anyway! 2005, Candlewick Press, Ages 3 mo. up.

School Library Journal
A beautifully crafted, oversized anthology of approximately 60 lap rhymes, songs, clapping rhymes, and finger and foot rhymes, all presented with explanations and simple instructions for parents to play with their babies and toddlers. Most are familiar, but there are also a few that are less well known. Hillenbrand has framed the rhymes with lovely mixed-media pictures in an array of sherbet pastel colors with happy piggy families acting out the rhymes. The songs include simple musical arrangements for guitar and piano. A delightful accompanying CD includes 13 songs from the text, beautifully done with vivacious accompaniment. The result is a perfect book for one-on-one sharing-a feast for the eyes and the ears-as well as a wonderful compendium of first rhymes for the very young. A special selection that all new parents and grandparents will want to read again and again.-Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews
Divided into the types of games parents and children can play as they read these rhymes, this collection focuses on lifting, bumping, wiggling, clapping and pantomiming motions. With directions for play, brief historical notes, music for piano and guitar and many of the more obscure rhymes, this is a comprehensive collection. Yolen's introduction states that, "The lap is a kind of schoolroom. What a child learns there is learned forever." In this case, they will learn not only the familiar, but some British and European rhymes, little-known to the American mom or dad, but good for playing games similar to the recognizable ones. Hillenbrand's illustrations are a delight, featuring a largely porcine cast, soft colors and playful borders echoing the monkey business within. A 15-minute CD of selected songs arranged and performed by Jeff Waxman is included. With so much vibrant and fun music out there for kids now, this CD is a disappointment by being neither. If comprehensiveness is a consideration, this is a must for a collection. (Picture book. 1-5)

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