And the Green Grass Grew All Around

Bibliography:
Schwartz, Alvin. 1992. And the Green Grass Grew All Around. Ill. by Sue Truesdell. Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN 0-06-022757-5

Plot Summary:
This book is a compilation of over 250 folk poems of various genres. Within 160 pages, there are poems, chants, jokes, riddles, and parodies about people, food, school, love, work, animals, etcetera.

Critical Analysis:
The book is divided into chapters based on the different topics of content. Furthermore there are poems about just about anything in life whether it be silly, naughty, scary, or funny. The combination of these two things makes it easy for children to read poems about something they are interested in without wasting a lot of time finding what they are desire. Many of the poems are humorous and easy to understand and all of them rhyme which children will love. What child wouldn't love to read about monkies kissing baboons, kids shooting rubber bands at their teachers, and a tree that grows spaghetti! If a child likes a certain poem, the book also has a list of sources in the back that can help take the child to other poems similar to those or by the same author.

The illustrations are in a sketched cartoon format and are dispersed evenly throughout the book; at least one on each page. These cartoon characters are humorous while they help visually describe what is happening in the poems. However, the pictures are done in black and white only, which may make children lose some interest in the book.

Review Excerpts:
Kirkus Reviews: "...a grand compilation of familiar (and unfamiliar) rhymes and chants from the children's own tradition...It's hard to imagine a child who wouldn't greet this treasure trove with enthusiasm."
Notable Children's Books of 1993 (ALA)1993
Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book)1992
Children's Choices for 1993 (IRA/CBC)

Connections:
*This book can be used as an introduction to poetry.
*This book can be used to teach just about any subject desired based on the poem chosen (ex: lessons about important events, such as the Titanic, can use a poem within this book as the engage component).
*Songs and music can be introduced with the utilization of this book.