Row, Row, Row Your Boat

PreS-Gr 1—"Row, row, row your boat/through the narrow gap./If you see a crocodile, don't forget to Snap! SNAP! SNAP!" The traditional children's song begins "merrily merrily" with rhyming rhythm but quickly adjusts to changes in flora and fauna as a kitten and puppy take a watery boat tour along a rainforest river, surrounded by easily identifiable animals and their sounds. Preschoolers will find a cartooned fantasy with colorful birds, mice, monkeys, elephants, butterflies, crocodile, lion, tiger, doves, and dragonflies. Rich acrylic paintings reveal brushstrokes through reflections in the water, a setting sun, and deep, lush forest vegetation. Introduced by a map with a patiently waiting mother dog at the end of the journey, the lyrical text also includes onomatopoeia at the end of each verse for interactive singing and play. Each verse (nine, including the original) may also be found with musical notation on the final page after "wearily, wearily, wearily" all "snuggle up and dream." A general purchase for all libraries.—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX