POP! Goes the Nursey Rhyme

PreS-Gr 1–In this spoof on popular nursery rhymes, Bird collects eight classics, including “Jack & Jill,” “Patty-cake,” and “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” but unconventionally ends each with “POP! Goes the weasel.” Much to the chagrin of an omnipresent goose, a weasel suddenly interrupts each rhyme, wreaking havoc on all concerned. Tsurumi illustrates each verse in a unique and often contemporary setting with different animals appearing as the main characters. For example, Mary, a sheep, is followed by her little lamb on a tandem bicycle and roller blades, while Little Miss Muffet is a buff mouse on a yoga ball tuffet in a gym. After each “popped!” rhyme, the increasingly exasperated goose responds with consternation via speech bubble, apparently to the weasel, but the two never interact. Tsurumi’s vibrant, cartoon-style illustrations are a perfect match for this zany offering. An author’s note at the end provides a bit of history on nursery rhymes in general, and “Pop! Goes the Weasel” in particular.