Sylvia Long's Big Book for Small Children

PreS-K—This is a collection of folktales, nursery rhymes, songs, and simple concepts paired with ink-and-watercolor illustrations by the creator of Sylvia Long's Mother Goose. An artist note in the beginning expresses Long's intent to pass on rhymes and stories of her childhood, as well as to be mindful of stereotypes. In this, Long is successful as "The Three Pigs" are sisters in her retelling of this classic. Other subtle changes in nursery rhymes help balance gender inequities throughout. Two other folktales, "The Three Bears" and "The Little Red Hen" are also included. "The Little Red Hen" suffers in its retelling as Long's choice to use a rebus in such a long story for young children seems at odds with the rest of the content. The majority of the book focuses on simple nursery rhymes, songs, and concepts, such as the alphabet, counting, colors, shapes, transportation, opposites, and things "I can do." Three recipes are also included, such as porridge at the end of "The Three Bears," so adults can extend activities with children after reading. Rich and vivid artwork conveys an old-fashioned quality that perfectly suits the subject matter. It covers a lot of material, but Long intersperses a mixture of elements throughout to keep readers engaged.