FICTION

Builder Goose

It's Construction Time Rhyme Time!
Builder Goose: It's Construction Time Rhyme Time! illus. by Sergio DeGiorgi. 32p. CIP. Sterling. 2012. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4027-7118-7. LC 2011004628.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2—Ashburn has rewritten nursery rhymes to reflect the activity found on a busy construction site. "Rat-a-tat" is sung to the tune of "Pat-a-Cake." Other selections include "Do You Know the Bulldozer?" and "The Itsy-Bitsy Skid Steer." Ten animals, male and female and of all sizes, appear in the 22 rhymes. The selections will teach children the names and purposes of the equipment and vehicles. The rhymes, one per page, are often illustrated on spreads. This connection reinforces the theme of teamwork and friendship seen throughout the book. In the morning, the workers plan their day together. In the evening, they say goodbye under a starry sky. During their shifts, they wear proper safety equipment and take a break for lunch. This collection will appeal to children interested in heavy machines and construction, and they'll enjoy hearing new words and identifying familiar rhymes.—Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada
"The Itsy-Bitsy Skid Steer," "Crumbling Bridge Is Falling Down," "Twinkle, Twinkle, Wrecking Ball"--it had to happen: someone would think to rewrite the Mother Goose classics in the construction-work vein; that the illustrations feature an all-animal crew is gravy. Too bad the execution isn't better: the rhymes sometimes feel stiffly constructed (so to speak). The well-composed art has a squeaky-clean look.

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