Ride a-Cock-Horse and Other Rhymes and Stories

by Randolph Caldecott

First published in 1878, this collection of comic poems and traditional rhymes for very young children is outstanding for its delightful watercolor illustrations by the great children's book illustrator Randolph Caldecott.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 12, 1995

About the author

Known chiefly for his book illustrations, Caldecott was a gifted artist respected by his contemporaries. The Caldecott Medal which is given out each year for the most distinguished children's picture book is named for him.

In 1877, Edmund Evans, who was a leading colour printer asked Caldecott for illustrations for two Christmas books. The results were The House that Jack Built and The Diverting History of John Gilpin, published in 1878.

It was Caldecott's health among other things which prompted his many winter trips to the Mediterranean and other warm climates. It was on such a tour in 1886 that he was taken ill again and died in St. Augustine, Florida, just before his 40th birthday.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randolph...

Sometimes his name is transcribed as Ralph Caldecott, for example on the book "The Babes in the Wood & The Elegy of the Mad Dog."

Reviews

[Kacie-Jo Bradford · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pictures carried this book.

[Robynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published by Everyman's Library Children's Classics. The binding is lovely and the book is a pleasure to hold. Included are the wonderful House that Jack Built and the nonsensical The Great Panjandrum Himself. I remember well those verses and illustrations from my childhood. Although I had no idea who Caldecott was until recently. A delightful collection.