Maybe Mother Goose

by Esmé Raji Codell, Elisa Chavarri (Illustrator)

In the witty sequel to Fairly Fairy Tales , Esmé Raji Codell’s latest picture book features charming twists on the beloved Mother Goose nursery rhymes.

Could space aliens pay a visit in Twinkle Twinkle Little Star ?
Could a giraffe go to school in Mary Had a Little Lamb ?
Could the blackbirds in Sing a Song of Sixpence really play guitars?

Sometimes the answer is “yes” and sometimes it’s “no”—but the fun is in the asking! Gifted writer and educator Esmé Raji Codell asks these questions and more in a wonderful and witty picture book that both children and parents are sure to love. With a kid-friendly style and vivid detail, Elisa Chavarri’s sweet illustrations bring these beloved nursery rhymes boldly and humorously to life.

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

32 pages, Hardcover

First published June 21, 2016

About the author

Esme Raji Codell is the recipient of a prestigious James Patterson Pageturner Award for spreading the excitement of books in an effective and original way. She has been a keynote speaker for the International Reading Association and the American Library Association, a “virtual” keynote for the National Education Association’s “Stay Afloat!” online conference for first-year teachers, and a featured speaker at the National Museum for Women in the Arts. She has appeared on CBS’s The Early Show, CNN, C-SPAN, and NPR, among other media outlets across the country. The author of How to Get Your Child to Love Reading, as well as five award-winning books for children, Esmé runs the popular children’s literature website and the unique literary salon, PlanetEsme.com

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The rhymes are cute, but I really enjoy the diverse class of children in this one.

[Lupine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Esme Raji Codell but when I got the first book Fairly Fairy Tales and was disappointed. I didn't really get it. However, it turns out, my kids LOVE that book. I would find them just tiny "reading" it aloud to each other and laughing hysterically. This one is no exception. They LOVE IT. Chalk it up to Ms Codell to know exactly what kids love in a book. Brilliant. It's my favorite kind of surprise.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know! The artwork is lovely but I can't imagine any scenario where I'd use this in a program.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is best suited to children who can listen to the six nursery rhymes in order to answer one-word questions. (Three of these things go together and one does not belong, funny situation.) It is basically three yes answers and one no answer for each one. Lovely illustrations.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute story with fun illustrations of many of the classic nursery rhymes!

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an engaging and interactive high quality piece everyone needs for their early childhood classrooms! Could not love it more--- well, maybe ;)
It's great, truly great
Recommended

[Jillian · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a fan. I found the "fun" parts to be too formulaic (I'd never get my storytime kids to do the full call-and-response that many times), and the "extra additions" too unpredictable to make sense. Even if I did try it in a storytime, the illustrations on the "Well, maybe" pages are gorgeous, but too detailed for a group read-aloud and there's no text to explain the joke to the kids who can't see them.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many variants on fairy tales entertain us, but this takes Mother Goose in a new angle. Readers can try to guess how a seemingly non-related object could be part of a rhyme, such as a guitar and "Sing a Song of Sixpence." Young readers can also jump in with the repetition of "Well, maybe." This would be perfect for a preschool class as the book starts and ends with students at school, as if they are reading nursery rhymes during real aloud time.
I do wish more nursery rhymes had been included here, but young writers/illustrators might have fun using these as a pattern to make their own.
Colorful illustrations fit the tone and whimsical tone.

[Brindi Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

perfect book for my toddler nursery rhymes program

[Linnea Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mother Goose classics, with a twist. First the rhyme, then we assemble the parts of the rhyme - like a King, a pie, blackbirds, and a guitar. Wait, a guitar?! Well, maybe . . .

Humor (probably appeal to adults and children), classic nursery rhymes, diverse characters. Lots of details & references to other Mother Goose in the illustrations make this a great fit for one-on-one storytime, while the rhymes, large text with the responsive questions, and repetition make it a great fit for storytime. Can be flexible up and down with the ages, I think - so a good read for all!

[Novelesque Life · Rating 3 out of 5]

MAYBE MOTHER GOOSE
Written by Esme Raji Codell
Illustrated by Elisa Chavarri
2016; 32 Pages
Aladdin
Genre: children's, picture book, nursery rhymes

★★★

This collections gives us some wonderful nursery rhymes and then asks questions that are yes, no or maybe! A fun book for kids learning to read. (Ages 3-5)

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

The reasons why I gave this one whole star: I love Codell's work normally. I loved the illustrations. But this? Maybe NOT.

No rhyme or reason to the items chosen to complete the nursery rhyme. Why? Just dumb.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable take on classic nursery rhymes with accompanying pictures and one word to introduce a cute picture and the next rhyme.

[Mary Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite as fun as Fairly Fairy Tales, but it will make a fun read aloud to any age, especially youngers.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a fan of the illustrations or the concept.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Popular nursery rhymes re-imagined. Digital illustrations. A silly read aloud for PreK-2.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really, really do not care for this one at all...

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept is a little strange but I thought some of the pages were quite funny. I also really enjoyed the illustrations--lots of bright colors and cheerful characters.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm in love with the pictures

[Cara Byrne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premise and sweet illustrations, but he organization if the book made it difficult to read aloud.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute concept and adorable, bright illustrations.

[Bethe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Selection of Mother Goose rhymes with a twist that I don't really get...

[Jodie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not get this one. Someone might need to explain to me.

[Andréa · Rating 2 out of 5]

🤷 I can't imagine when/how I (or kids) would use this book.

[Gabrielle Neufeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was really sweet. The book starts by saying that indoor recess will be fun because you can use your imagination and read a book instead! The book is full of little twists. I gave this book a 4

Grade Equivalent: Preschool-3rd
Lexile: BR-70