Mockingbird

by Allan Ahlberg, Paul Howard (Illustrator)

The creator of the Jolly Postman books revisits the traditional lullaby, as Mama, Papa, Polly, Rosie, and Granny make it a special day for the family's new little baby, captured in warm, nostalgic color illustrations.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Poetry, Music

24 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Allan Ahlberg was one of the UK's most acclaimed and successful authors of children's books - including the best-selling Jolly Postman series. Born in Croydon in 1938, he was educated at Sunderland Technical College. Although he dreamed of becoming a writer since the age of twelve, his route to that goal was somewhat circuitous. Other jobs along the way included postman (not an especially jolly one, he recalls), gravedigger, plumber, and teacher.

Ahlberg wrote his first book when he was thirty-seven, after a decade of teaching - a profession that he maintains is "much harder" than being a writer. He says that if he hadn't become a writer, he would have loved to be a soccer player. He was married for many years to fellow children's author Janet Ahlberg, with whom he often worked. Their daughter, Jessica Ahlberg, is also a children's author.

Reviews

[Sylvester (Taking a break in 2023) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5* art
5* lyrics

An old song slightly revised and given new meaning with charming illustrations. Squirt and I loved this book - a story on every page, and fun to sing.

[Shiloah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Song lyrics with pictures. These were different lyrics than what we’ve learned. The illustrations were old-fashioned, beautiful, and fun!

[Cheryl]

Love the action and detail in the pictures. A 'nursie' and/or 'cook' and/or gardener or handyman would no doubt have been a part of the household and should have had a verse, too, though.

But I am glad to be reminded of how I changed some of the lines of the classic song when singing this over and over to my little one. And I am interested that I can see how much better Ahlberg did so.

[E & E’s Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elliot and I both adore this playful version of the nursery song that I only knew because of Dumb and Dumber😂🙈 A sweet, Victorian family loves their little birthday boy, each showering him with gifts. The illustrations are beautiful!

* Public library book. Read at 20 months

[Alisha Oakley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I shared this book with my year 1/2 class at the end of the day however I think they prefer the more interactive, brightly coloured and funny books. A lovely book nevertheless, just not for this class.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Hush little baby, don't say a word. Mama's going to buy you a mockingbird."

This is a sweet rendition of the nursery rhyme and song.

[James Ingram · Rating 3 out of 5]

The version of the song is lovely, but the pictures are so saccharine in their Edwardian setting and saturated colours - all comfortable and middle class and unnecessary.

[Fawziyyah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahlberg's variation on the old nursery rhyme 'Mockingbird' is set perfectly in the Edwardian era through Paul Howard's illustrations.

This book is perfect for introducing different family structures to young children and considering how times and places have changed.

It can also be useful in prompting the children to talk and elaborate on the events in their day. This would work well with dialogic teaching. many questions can be extended.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mockingbird is a classic lullaby many children are familiar with. It is of a doting family and the gifts they bring for the child.

Written by Allan Ahlberg and illustrated by Paul Howard, this timeless lullaby is brought to life through playful lyrics and large captivating illustrations.

Grade Level: Pre-K-1st Grade
Classroom Uses: To inspire a class book, read aloud, close of day song,

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

sweet pictures based upon the song. would be good for younger music and movement class.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice, simple, illustrated version of the otherwise complicated mockingbird lullabye. Great cartoon, Victorian illustrations!

[Michelle Farella · Rating 2 out of 5]

What happened to the dog??? :-(

[Dorothea Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could remember when I use to read the boring verse of Mockingbird, but still Allan Ahlberg breathes spirited new life into the comforting strains of a traditional lullaby.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read at preschool story time at Redland Baptist church on 2/22/17: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is such a sweet book. I love to read it with my 2 year old and she loves it too. It is by far the best version of this song I've ever seen.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The classic nursery rhyme works quite well as a picture book, especially when the illustrations in the picture book portray Edwardian England.

[N · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slight variation on the original version. I like that Papa does the baking.

[Melissa McAlvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

we love this song and the book did not disappoint. cute book. old fashion illistrations that were fun. i loved that the dad actally did stuff like make a cake, give the child a bat, etc. Any book that shows fathers in a positive light gets a thumbs up in my book. :)