Mother Goose: The Original Volland Edition

This is more than a kids's book to me: it is a treasured family heirloom.The Volland Edition of Mother Goose Nursery rhymes is a well-worn book that sits on our lowest shelf for our kids to access freely. This has resulted in a bit of fraying on the edges of the pages and a binding that has started falling apart. But I have no regrets that my kids have returned to this book often and with anticipation when I announce that it is story time.In this Mother Goose collection, you will find all the favorite rhymes in their original form; beautiful, sentimental, at times seemingly savage to our 21st century sensibilities - they were all written without regard to political correctness. For instance, the little old woman who lived in a shoe actually whipped all her children soundly before sending them to bed (not "kissed"), and Jack and Jill really do "break their crowns" instead of their hats or just bumping their heads. A few other selections mention the deaths of children and animals. Parents will have to prepare to explain some serious things to children after reading some of these rhymes.The language back then was apparently more sophisticated than modern versions: consider "The Cat and the Fiddle" in which the little dog laughed to see such craft, which rhymes rather better than the later versions' (dumbed down) sport or play. In my opinion, that only adds to their color and charm. Hey, you can use it as an educational opportunity to teach new word usages to your kids. But the real reason to choose this rhyme book is that the Volland Edition of Mother Goose is illustrated with an eye to beauty that you simply won't find in modern nursery rhyme books. That is what really sets the Volland Edition apart from all the modern collections; magical, perfect watercolors for each rhyme. No picture book since the Volland Edition has matched the quality here and I do believe that children enjoy good artwork and benefit from it greatly. In my case, this very book was inspirational in setting a high standard for my aspirations to become an artist someday.As a great way to teach children poems and rhymes that will stay with them their whole lives, or as a valued heritage from another century, the Volland Mother Goose is one book every family should experience IMHO.-Andrea, aka Merribelle

This is the definitive collection of Mother Goose nursery rhymes. If you love words and language, this is for you. This book has all the old favorites and many that you've never heard. Compare them with the modern versions of the same rhymes and you'll see how society has changed--as well as our attitudes about children. To be culturally literate, English speakers should know their Mother Goose. Beware, however: These are not bowdlerized. Sometimes violent, always reflective of a rougher time, this book is perhaps not best for the casual reader just looking for a few rhymes. With my daughter (22 months), I pick and choose which ones I read. She loves them. "Sing a song of sixpence, a pocket full of rye..."

This wonderful book of nursery rhymes survived my own two children, who are now adults. It was so loved by them and by me, that it is missing both covers and the pages are falling out. I am now reading it to my first granddaughter, who listened intently when she was just days old. She is now 17 months, and it is our favorite thing to do. She doesn't have many words yet, but she knows practically all the nursery rhymes and can show me anything I ask her. I really would love to get my hands on a new copy, so she could actively turn the pages without continuing to wreck the book. I would also like to purchase more copies for grandchildren yet to come. The illustrations are terrific, and all of the old favorites are in the book. I hope it gets republished.

My daughters are 17 and 14 years old. I started reading from this book when they were one and younger. We all loved the beautiful illustrations. Unfortunately our book is well worn. I have been looking for this book that I might give each of my daughters a copy when they have children. I also would like to give this book as a baby gift. This is my favorite Mother Goose book. I have not found any other that even compares.

My parents bought this book for me when I was a little girl. It is the first book I remember picking up to read on my own. I could spend hours and hours leafing through the pages, memorizing the wonderful nursery rhymes, and enjoying the delightful, whimsical illustrations. I have many, many wonderful memories of this Mother Goose edition, and have kept it safely tucked away to be read to my own children, which, happily, I am now able to do. It would be a great service to other young parents out there if you would PLEASE consider reprinting this book. I know I'd be buying at least 4 copies right away.