The Question Song

by Kaethe Zemach

Accompanied by illustrations using a rare nineteenth-century technique called theorem painting, a collection of entertaining verses provides solutions to a vast array of childhood dilemmas, from sharing to boredom.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2003

About the author

Has also written as Kaethe Zemach-Bersin, but per call to pub. Oct. 2004, correct name used is Kaethe Zemach.

Reviews

[Kris Dersch · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that as a parent annoys me because no one's parenting actually works this smoothly. Also, the rhyme scheme is not awesome.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book features a family dealing with various setbacks like a broken train or falling off roller skates. After each problem, they say "what are we going to do?" and then work out a solution together. I like this because it's already taught my son to think about "what can we do?" instead of "ah it's broken and life sucks and I'm mad!" He's actually asked me this "what are we going to do?" question a few times in day-to-day life since we began reading this book together.

There's probably a youtube video or something of the tune you are supposed to sing this too, but I unfortunately had to do a cold reading with my son, and it took me a bit to find a tune and rhythm. In one of the great injustices of the world, per toddler rules I have to sing this book every time while my husband only has to read it. Anyway, I'd advise a read-through first so you don't get caught out like I did if you're going to sing.

This book is another title (see also: Rain! and Mystery Vine: A Pumpkin Surprise) that features a multicultural family without making that the centerpoint of the book.

[Savannah Harpster · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Question Song! is a cute little way of showing children how to approach their problems and solve them through appealing solutions that are given by using this call-and-response game. Children of all ages can be able to relate to these simple problems that turn their world upside down and inside out until a solution is found. This story would be a good fit for any child in order to show them how to deal with any problem that comes their way. Overall, I believe this will help my students overcome and approach the hurdles of everyday life with a little humor and creativity.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't really crazy about this book. I usually love rhyming books, but this one was so sing-songy and not fun to read. I like the family working out their problems together with a good attitude, that was clever, but I couldn't wait for it to be over.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thought this one would be more sing-song-y with a catchy tune. An alright way to look at how to respond to problems, though.