American Folk Songs for Chil-P560936/10

This is the bible for children's folksongs, with artwork by Barbara Cooney the icing on the cake!

This book is a treasure! The introduction gives a wonderful background on these authentic folk songs and how they can be used with children. This is an essential book for music teachers, but also great for parents. Be careful, though, because once the children know the songs you'll hear them over and over again... :)

I own a copy of the original print of this book. It posseses some of the most whimsical little songs I have yet to hear. Its just...fabulous...and I don't even know how to play any instruments....lol

I have used Seeger's American Folk Songs for Children since my first child was born in 1966. Later it was an invaluable resource in my classrooms of autistic children. The adaptability of the songs to making up your own verses, allowing children to interject their creative ideas, makes them work in many settings. My copy is tattered and torn, and I'm ordering a new one for a just-born great-nephew!

I have used this book not only in the pre-schools and elementary schools, but in middle school and high school as well. Many of the songs worked beautifully when I taught harmonica to 17 and 18-year-olds, and recorder to younger students. I very much like the way the author encourages improvisation and acknowledges that music changes over time. It is important to remind people that everyone can make their own music, and Ms. Seeger encourages creativity and imagination. I consider the introductory portion of this book to be one of the better parenting texts I have ever seen.