Mother Goose's Pajama Party

by Danna Smith, Virginia Allyn (Illustrator)

"Star light, star bright, come to story time tonight." You're invited to a magical pajama party with all your nursery rhyme friends! Join Little Bo-Peep, Georgie Porgie, Miss Muffet, the cow that jumped over the moon, and all their pals as they march merrily toward Mother Goose's house for a cozy slumber party full of stories. And after they are all tucked in, continue to the back of the book and find a special section with your favorite nursery rhymes.

Genres: Picture Books, Nursery Rhymes, Storytime, Childrens, Poetry

42 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2015

About the author

When Danna was a child, her favorite “toy” was a pencil. Today, she is a poet and award-winning author of over twenty-five books for children. Danna lives in northern California with her husband, children, and grandchildren. For more information about her books and teaching activities, visit her website at www.dannadmithbooks.com.

Reviews

[Charlotte Offsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness this is adorable! I don't know what I love more the brilliant rhyming read-aloud, the adorable art, the inclusion of so many wonderful nursery rhyme characters, or the fact that the original nursery rhymes are included in the back! This perfect bedtime read revolves around a storytime slumber party and is one I highly recommend adding to your shelves!⁠

[Carol V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like a good collection of Mother Goose rhymes and this book has a nice, fresh story to go with the rhymes! Join the party and enjoy a great "collective gathering" of good 'ole Mother Goose characters. In this story, they have all been invited to Mother Goose's PJ party. Follow them as they travel to the party and have a wonderful time together. Their favorite rhymes are shared in this book!

Worthy of adding to a children's book collection! Wonderful eye-appealing illustrations!

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairytale characters prepare for a slumber party in rhyming text.

I REALLY appreciated the inclusion of all the nursery rhymes that were alluded to in text, especially because there were at least a few I don't remember from my childhood.

Digital artwork. Great for reading together at bedtime or aloud for a fairytale-themed or bedtime storytime. PreK-2.

[Sydney Matejik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title (italicize): Mother Goose’s Pajama Party
Author: Danna Smith
Illustrator (if separate from author): Virginia Allyn
Genre: Nursery Rhyme
Theme(s): Goodnight, Rhymes,
Opening line/sentence (type directly from text): Star light, star bright, come to story time tonight.
Brief Book Summary (2-3 sentences in your own words):
This night time book combined with a storyline includes Mother Goose’s most well known nursery rhymes sends children off to sleep dreaming of stars, sheep, Little Miss Muffet and more. Her story invites each character in one by one in a playful way. As mother goose wishes her friends a goodnight she does so in a calm, peaceful way without disrupting the tired energy of the reader.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1 (cut & paste): Vicki Foote (Children's Literature)
Mother Goose invites her nursery rhyme friends to a pajama party in this rhyming fanciful story. This large book has richly colored illustrations and a verse on each two-page spread. Mother Goose writes an invitation using the stars in the sky; the moon is the first to see the note and she shows it to the cow. The cow tells Dish and Spoon, who then tell Cat. The word is spread to John, Jack-a-Dandy, Wee Willie Winkie, Georgie Porgie, and more. When they come upon the crooked man, they all walk a crooked mile to Mother Goose s house. They are all dressed in jammies and share cake and candy. Mother Goose reads to all of them from her famous book and then tucks them into bed. An elaborate illustration shows her writing Good Night into the sky with stars. The remaining pages feature the verses of the characters who attended the party, including The Cat and the Fiddle, Georgie Porgie, and Jack Be Nimble. This is a pleasant read-aloud for young children, especially at bedtime, and a fun way to revisit the classical nursery rhymes. The lovely illustrations are entertaining and provide lots of details and interesting figures for the reader to discover. 2015, Doubleday/Penguin Random House,, $17.99. Ages 3 to 6.
(PUBLISHER: Random House (New York:), PUBLISHED: [2015])
Professional Recommendation/Review #2 (cut & paste): Smith and Allyn romp through the Mother Goose canon as characters like Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary and the Dish and the Spoon prepare for a slumber party thrown by Ms. Goose herself. The invitation is written in the stars (Mother Goose’s magic-tinged version of skywriting), and the opening pages feature the characters telling each other about the party: “Wee Willie Winkie spread the word/ and Georgie Porgie overheard./ He told Bo-Peep with one quick kiss,/ then shared it with another Miss.” (It’s a good way to introduce everyone, if not to move the story along.) Allyn’s digitally created illustrations have the warmth of acrylic paintings, and she gives her ethnically diverse young cast round faces, gleaming eyes, and fuzzy heads of hair. The atmosphere is definitely slumber party cozy, especially after the children settle down to hear Mother Goose read stories from her “famous book.” Fifteen Mother Goose rhymes are reproduced at the end, allowing the book to serve as a nursery rhyme primer in more ways than one. Ages 3–7.
(PUBLISHER: Random House (New York:), PUBLISHED: [2015])
Response to Two Professional Reviews (3-4 sentences in your own words):
The familiarity of characters featured in this story, is in mentioned in both reviews. The reviewers note how children will be delighted to interact with their favorite nursery rhymes again and even indulge in unknown ones at the end of the book. The illustrations make this a whimsical read and both note the appropriateness of this for children at bedtime.
Evaluation of Literary Elements (3-4 sentences in your own words):
This book is engaging for children to follow along as each page rhymes into the next. By featuring familiar characters on each page children are more inclined to understand the text and who Mother Goose will be inviting. The set up of the story makes its relatable and enjoyable for a child being read to at bed time.
Consideration of Instructional Application (3-4 sentences in your own words):
If this book were to be used in a preschool setting it would be ideal to read before naptime. This book could be read starting with the recognizable nursery rhymes in the back as children settle down and conclude with the story as children drift off into sleep. The vast and vibrant illustrations are easy to follow along with and place children in a dream like land.

[Carrie Charley Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I grew up, Nursery Rhymes were a huge part of my very first reading encounters. This book is a great excuse to bring back the forgotten tales that do not always get passed on to children in current times. I think it would be more meaningful to start with the original tales before walking children through this unique story involving a full cast of nursery rhyme characters. (About 16!) Little did I know that each original tale would be included in the back matter of the book. Brilliant! Personally, I would start there first, and allow children to get to know the characters before moving on to the tale of the pajama party. It will make the story more meaningful and allow the child to make text to text connections and comparisons. The illustrations are enchanting. I especially love the page featuring all of the characters walking to the party. Then, the contrast and white space in the black and white crooked mile. (I’ll call it Alice in Wonderland-esque.) Characteristic of the original nursery rhymes, Mother Goose’s Pajama Party is told is rhyme, as well. I would definitely recommend this as a wonderful addition to every bedroom and pre-k/kindergarten classroom.

I received a review copy of this book from Random House Children's in exchange for an honest review.

[Wendy Greenley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The colorful illustrations pulled me in and I paged through this book once without reading the text. Featuring a multicultural--and multispecies--cast, the opening double page spread with Mother Goose's invitation written in the stars perfectly captures the magical feeling that makes the story work. Can the moon talk? Of course it can! Can animals talk to people? Of course! The gorgeous harlequin pattern from the endpapers is carried throughout on rugs in everyone's houses.
The author's lively rhyming text introduces each character and leads them across this fairy tale world to a cozy bed. (Actually sleeping at a pajama party is one element that may not ring true, lol!) Perhaps having some prior knowledge of the traditional rhymes would enhance a reader's understanding and enjoyment. But if this is your first exposure to them, the author includes the fifteen rhymes that contain the characters as the last eight pages of this forty page book. (I honestly didn't remember Jack-a-Dandy.)
Note: I received an advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Enoch Perez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Smith, Dana. Mother Goose's Pajama Party (2015). Illustrated by Virginia Allyn. The book is not a traditional Mother Goose rhyming book. This is narrative of how mother and her goose pick up each character from each traditional rhyme and create a unique bedtime story. After the story ends, the original 15 Mother Goose rhymes are added for the reader. The illustrations present an authentic cartoon animated feel. The story does not work because it has too many characters and can be confusing. Target audience: Ages 3-7.

[Miss Pippi the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mother Goose is throwing a pajama party. The invitation moves from one famous character to another. They all come together for stories, snacks, and sleep. If you are familiar with Mother Goose characters it is fun to see how Smith wove the story together. If you are unfamiliar with Mother Goose rhymes, she goes include their rhyme in the back of the book after the story. For myself, I was unfamiliar with Betty Blue and I Saw a Ship A-Sailing. It was nice to be able to read them instead of hunting for them somewhere else.

Reviewed from a library copy.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

What could be better than a story time with Mother Goose? A Mother Goose pajama party, of course. Danna Smith's charming rhyming text, combined with Virginia Allyn's rich, whimsical illustrations, make this book an instant bedtime favorite. The familiar nursery rhymes included in the back will be a great introduction to the world of Mother Goose.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is adorable in with storyline and illustration. I love that the book includes most of the rhymes at the end too, since I wasn't familiar with all of them.

Basically is like a huge cross-over episode with many well-known nursery rhymes getting together at Mother Goose's place for a pajama party (the title is simplistically accurate).

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

GORGEOUS illustrations and playful rhyme! I also love how all the nursery rhymes referred to in the story are printed at the back of the book for reference. I think I'm going to try using this as the center of a nursery rhyme story time.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairy tale characters have a nursery rhyme/ story filled slumber party. Perfect for a Mother Goose or Nursery Rhyme storytime.

[Lynne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED the wonderful rhyme and clever cumulative story. Beautiful art to accompany.

[Deb Adamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What could be more endearing than a story-time slumber party that includes many of your favorite traditional nursery rhyme characters? This sweet rhyming book is beautifully illustrated and includes the inspiring nursery rhymes in the back. A must have title for any bedtime bookshelf!

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story and beautiful illustrations
Just too long to be engaging

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty illustrations but have better Mother Goose books.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A preschool and up book about all sorts of Mother Goose charcters coming to her house for a sleepover.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet, different compilation of nursery rhymes. It has a good rhythm throughout. I like that at the end, it has each of the full nursery rhymes that was introduced in the story.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great candidate for Storytime, esp. Pajama Storytime

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

For kids who already have some familiarity with nursery rhymes, this book is a fun way to reinforce their knowledge and to play with their favorite rhymes a little bit. Kids tend to be fascinated by sleepovers, so a pajama party at Mother Goose's house is a good way to get their attention, and it also makes the book a natural choice for librarians to read at stuffed animal sleepover programs. The text rhymes, which is not surprising, given the Mother Goose focus, and since it borrows most of the rhyming words from the original nursery rhymes, none seems out of place or forced. Also included at the back of the book are all the rhymes referenced in the story, which is especially helpful for identifying lesser-known figures like Little Betty Blue.

Sweet faces and brightly colored figures give the illustrations strong visual appeal, but the pictures do not necessarily build upon the text. On most pages, the pictures depict only what the text says, and nothing more. There are some surprises - Jack who jumps over the candlestick is portrayed as a rabbit, Jack-a-Dandy is a pig, and the cow who jumped over the moon has wings - and there is some diversity - John from Diddle Diddle Dumpling and Little Bo Peep are both black, and Betty Blue appears to be of Asian descent. Otherwise, though, the art isn't especially memorable, and the book looks like a lot of other nursery rhyme book. Interestingly, my favorite image in the entire book is also the simplest: the black-and-white illustration of the characters in silhouette parading along the "crooked mile" to Mother Goose's house while the Gingerbread Man runs ahead of them.

This book makes a nice read-alike for Mem Fox's Good Night, Sleep Tight, which also incorporates nursery rhymes into a narrative story. I would not suggest this as a child's first introduction to nursery rhymes, as there are so many wonderful collections designed specifically for that purpose, but as a refresher, or as part of a larger unit of study, it would work fine. It also makes a decent read-alike for the classic Each Peach Pear Plum.

Read at Moms Club Story Time on 2/25/16: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun story with engaging pictures and rhymes.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such cute little children with rosy round cheeks and a darling little Mother Goose make this a fun book to open at night. Watch as all of the nursery rhyme characters gather for a pajama party - then read each of their riddles at the end.

Ages: 3 - 7

Here’s a few of our bedtime favs: watch my reel!

Content Considerations: Georgie Porgie kisses the girls.

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[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps this lovely book filled with digital artwork will introduce a new generation of readers to the delights of nursery rhymes. The book itself features Mother Goose planning a pajama party and inviting several different characters featured in nursery rhymes to attend. The rhyming text and inclusion of the nursery rhymes in their entirety as part of the back matter adds to the book's charms. Interestingly, nursery rhymes seem to have gone out of fashion these days as many of my college students claim to have never heard them before. If that is indeed the case, it's terribly sad since these simple verses are fun to say and encourage word play and an appreciation for the musicality of language. Whether someone chooses this volume or the classic Mother Goose, these nursery rhymes should be required reading for youngsters since they are so much fun to say. As for this one, the idea of a pajama party didn't really appeal to me, but young readers may be drawn to the misbehavior of some of the characters on their way to the big event.

[Renate]

One of the best parts of this book is that it includes all the Mother Goose rhymes at the end of the book. The book is basically a mash-up of a lot of Mother Goose rhymes. So Mother Goose decides to have all the characters over for a story time and pajama party. Using the characteristics that made them famous - such as being nimble and quick-- they all show up at Mother Goose's house. This would be fun to read the end first to make sure the kids know about the nursery rhymes and then read the book. Another plus for the book is the diverse portrayal of the characters in the book.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The wonderful illustrations in Mother Goose's Pajama Party by Danna Smith and Virginia Allyn will surely suck adult and child into this fantastic story. The story is chock full of familiar Mother Goose characters all seamlessly woven into a story about Mother Goose having a slumber party for all her friends. Eight pages at the end of the book contain many familiar Mother Goose Rhymes to share. For ages 0 - 8

[Read Ribbet · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I am not sure we need another Mother Goose book, Smith's creation cleverly brings together multiple nursery rhyme characters for one lullaby and a good night of sleep. The book presents the narrative verse and adds the traditional rhymes at the end of the book. Many young children come without this cultural knowledge so having a collection is helpful. Diverse classrooms will need to look more deeply into other sources of cultural knowledge for young children.

[Darinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy a good Mother Goose book, and this one is cute with the characters from various nursery rhymes going to a pajama party at Mother Goose's house. Colorful artwork. I appreciated that the nursery rhymes referred to in the story were included in the back of the book, especially since I didn't remember all of them.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this rhyming book where all the famous nursery rhyme characters gather at Mother Goose's for a sleepover. So many kids today are never exposed to the traditional nursery rhymes, so my favorite part is all the nursery rhymes added in the back.

[Meredith Spidel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so sweet and fun! I love it, but moreover, I know my mother, a tremendous Mother Goose fan would have loved it. So it's a joy to share this book with my children, and I love reading all the precious, silliness of our advanced copy with them.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mother Goose invites a whole host of characters from her nursery rhymes to her house for storytime. The story in verse has a good rhythm, but the adorable illustrations steal the show. The author smartly includes all of the nursery rhymes that were alluded to at the back of the book.