Grumbles from the Town: Mother-Goose Voices with a Twist Hardcover – Picture Book, September 13, 2016

The writing duo of Yolen and Dotlich, authors of Grumbles from the Forest: Fairy-Tale Voices with a Twist, have done it again. This time they have taken on nursery rhymes with their unique approach of writing a pair of poems from different viewpoints from the original rhymes. From the hundreds of Mother Goose and other nursery rhymes, they have chosen 14 to focus on for our entertainment. For "There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe" we hear from the shoe itself, as well as one of the children who lived in it. The plum from "Little Jack Horner" shares how it feels about being poked with a boy's thumb. Even the sock from "Diddle, Diddle, Dumpling" speaks up.The illustrations add another layer to the experience. The opening note to readers is shown as being tacked to a wall, and underneath are ads for Peter Piper's Picked Peppers and a notice that some sheep have been found (call Bo Peep). One of the funniest pictures is that of the bleary eyed dog who can't get any sleep because of the snoring in "It's Raining, It's Pouring." All around him are birds sleeping in nests, frogs and squirrels snoozing, and the old man asleep in his armchair. They are all snoring away while the poor dog is tossing and turning in his doghouse, wide awake.Whether you want to find out how the pail felt about the trip Jack and Jill made up the hill, or have always wondered how the rosebush felt about kids dancing round and round it - this is the book for you. And, as the authors suggest, once you are done reading, you should pick a rhyme and write your own new companion piece. Perhaps you would like to expand on "Georgie Porgie" or "Simple Simon." Whatever you choose, make it fresh and funny to go along with Grumbles from the Town.I received a copy from the publisher for review purposes.

Poems inspired by classic nursery rhymes and other rhymes.Each spread in this book features two poems (in a variety of styles) inspired by a classic rhyme, the poems are written in two different voices (one by Yolen from one perspective and one by Dotlich from another perspective) that give new looks on the original stories. In the back of the book each of the original rhymes can be found as well as historical notes as to what the rhymes meant. I liked the illustration style and the creative poetry. Great book to use when talking about voice or point of view, historical background of nursery rhymes or when you want a fun poetry read.