And the Green Grass Grew All Around by Alvin Schwartz

Bibliography
Schwartz, Alvin. 1992. And the Green Grass Grew All Around: Folk Poetry from Everyone. Ill. Sue G. Truesdell. Harper Collins.

ISBN: 0-06-022757-5

Summary
This book is a compilation of American folk poetry.

Critical Analysis
Alvin Schwartz does a fantastic job of compiling a complete collection of all sorts of American folk poetry. Schwartz's selections are perfect examples of strong repetition and rhythm that are characteristic of traditional literature. Additionally, his selections are chants, jump rope rhymes, songs, puns, jokes, riddles, and more examples of traditional literature. Schwartz's collection is reminiscent of the oral-telling these samplings originated from. The rhyming and rhythm throughout the book make this en enjoyable, easy-to-read book.

Schwartz's selections are organized into categories, such as people, food, teases and taunts, riddles, and more. A table of contents and first line index are also included. A bonus to the book is the historical information provided at the end. This information provides intriguing facts about out American folk poetry past.

Sue Truesdell provides simple, black and white illustrations to accompany the text. The illustrations are done in caricature/cartoon fashion and provide interest without overpowering all the fun.

Children will enjoy the nonsense and adults will enjoy the memories this book will bring. A fun collection for all, And the Green Grass Grew All Around is sure to bring a smile to many faces and a laugh to many souls. . . and that's a fact because, "I"m the boss, applesauce" (37).

Review Excerpts
From School Library Journal, "A marvelous book that is sure to become a classic if children have any say in the matter. Schwartz has gathered sassy, funny, scary, and slightly naughty children's folk poetry heard on school grounds and wherever else kids are having fun. Adults who stew over the appropriateness of Roald Dahl's books or Shel Silverstein's poetry may have concerns here, but kids will love having all their underground playground rhymes in one volume."

From Kirkus Review, "In b&w pen and watercolor, Truesdell's marvelous characters dance across the generously broad pages, peering inquisitively at the hilarious goings-on or gleefully joining in the shenanigans. It's hard to imagine a child who wouldn't greet this treasure trove with enthusiasm."

Reviews accessed from http://www.amazon.com/

Connections
Other stories by Alvin Schwartz:
The Cat's Elbow: and Other Secret Languages
All of Our Noses are Here and Other Noodle Tales
Whoppers: Tall Tales and Other Lies
Tomfoolery: Trickery and Foolery With Words
Witcracks: Jokes and Jests from American Folklore

This book would be useful in a study of American poetry. After reading poems from this collection, students could write their own American folk poetry.