Jiggle Joggle Jee!

by Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards, Sam Williams (Illustrator)

Be prepared. Reading this book is addictive. Read it once and you have to read it again. Read it twice and you want to read it again. Read it three times--and you know it by heart. Whatever your age, you will find yourself chanting it wherever you go. So get on board this is an unforgettable train ride, and the ticket is in your hand!

Genres: Picture Books, Storytime, Transport, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1902

About the author

Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards (27 February, 1850 – 14 January, 1943) was an American writer. She often published as Laura E. Richards & wrote more than 90 books including biographies, poetry, and several for children.

Her father was Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, an abolitionist and the founder of the Perkins Institution and Massachusetts School for the Blind. She was named after his famous deaf-blind pupil Laura Bridgman. Her mother Julia Ward Howe wrote the words to "The Battle Hymn of the Republic".

Reviews

[Abigail]

Originally entitled The Baby Goes to Boston, this children's poem from late nineteenth/early-twentieth century author Laura E. Richards - it was included in her 1902 collection, Tirra Lirra: Rhymes Old and New - has been made into a picture-book, with colorful pencil and watercolor artwork by English illustrator Sam Williams. A rhythmic celebration of a train, a baby, and the journey they make (real? imaginary?) together, Jiggle Joggle Jee! takes it title from the poem's refrain (meant to simulate the sounds of a train on the tracks), and provides an entertaining bedtime book.

I was excited to see that my library had this picture-book, as I have recently become quite interested in Richards' work - I read her five-volume Hildegarde series recently, and hope to do the same with her Margaret series - most of which is out of print, and no longer circulating in public libraries. I can't say it was especially thrilling, but it was a fun little piece, and I appreciated the ways in which Williams' artwork expanded the story, making it as much a journey of the imagination, as an actual train trip.

[Fred Kohn]

I bought this book sight unseen because it is by Laura E. Richards. She came to my attention via The Nonsense Book of Nonsense, which contains a number of her poems. Laura E. Richards is apparently fond of nonsense words. One of her oft mentioned poems is Eletelephony, which is aimed at an older demographic than Jiggle Joggle Jee! (many adults enjoy Eletelephony). I wasn’t aware that this book was aimed at such a young demographic when I bought it, but that’s ok, I still enjoyed it. The pictures are probably the best part.

[Steph]

Turn/Level: 2/1.5

Trains, Toys, Babies

This book is mostly rhyming nonsense, but fun to read nonetheless.

[Erin]

Wonderful story to read aloud. I used this book for a 3 year old storytime and was able to keep a steady rhythm for the children to bounce with while I was reading. Its so much fun, and would be a great bedtime lullaby.

[Kate Hastings]

Rhyming sounds with bells for music and movement. Fun for transportation theme.

[Amy]

For storytimes, parents can bounce their babies on their laps everytime we say "jiggle joggle" and the kids can make the "ting" sound for the bells.

[Ashton]

This author's mother wrote the "Battle Hymn of the Republic". This book is a little bit weird, but there is a good rhythm to it.

[Geni]

made up words, not as fun are easy to pronounce compared to Seuss.
Positive: Words are big and bold for kids to see during story time.

[Andrea]

The rhythm and rhyme in this book is fantastic! I loved it and my toddler did too.

[Tina]

Henry and I read this on September 23rd. Just awful. Illustrations aren't even redeeming.

[Angela]

A definite try for baby storytime with a train theme. Phonological awareness is really emphasized in the book. I can imagine an easy lap sit to go along with this book

[Annabel Rodriguez]

(5 yo)

It's about silly words! "Jiggle Joggle Jee"