School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-6-Children's literature powerhouses McKissack and Pinkney team up for the second time, creating a dynamic collection of songs, rhymes, and stories with origins in the African American diaspora. McKissack recalls most of the examples from her childhood in Missouri and Tennessee and shares her own versions as well as memories and anecdotes. However, this volume is far from just a trip down memory lane. The extensive research, much of which the author attributes to her late husband in the thorough back matter, highlights the histories behind these classics. McKissack weaves this research together fluidly in a storylike format with accessible language. Many pieces have changed over time, and she acknowledges this evolution by presenting different versions and iterations. The content represents a wide range of formats and includes performance poetry by Langston Hughes, Anansi trickster tales, Christian spirituals, Underground Railroad hymns, proverbs, and such standards as "Miss Mary Mack" and "If You're Happy and You Know It." Pinkney's artistry brings even more joy to this lively assortment. His distinctive broad brushstrokes, bright watercolors, and playful characterizations add a splash of color and light. Each section heading features a large, vibrant illustration, with other color and black-and-white vignettes peppered throughout the chapters. VERDICT Part songbook, part research text, this work is perfect for families to share together or for young scholars who seek to discover an important piece of cultural history. McKissack and Pinkney capture the essence of the songs, stories, and play of an African American childhood.-Clara Hendricks, Cambridge Public Library, MA © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Over nine chapters, McKissack celebrates oral traditions in African-American communities through a vibrant assemblage of rhymes, proverbs, folktales, and songs, drawing on memories of her own upbringing. Movement is central to many offerings-particularly in opening chapters that share clapping, rope-jumping, and ring games such as "Eenie-Meenie-Sassafreeny" and "Hot, Hot Pepper"-and it's ably reflected in Pinkney's swoopy watercolor-and-ink illustrations (not all seen by PW), which frequently feature dancing and singing children, as well as familiar folk figures such as Anansi, Br'er Rabbit, and John Henry in later sections. McKissack often addresses how slavery and discrimination shaped many of these tales and songs, including the coded messages of "Follow the Drinking Gourd" or a hand-clapping song, "Shame," that she sung as a child in a segregated Nashville "to poke fun at the stores whose rules restricted us." It's a collection valuable both for its rich assembly of songs and stories that have delighted, comforted, and inspired generations of black families and for the illuminating historical context that McKissack brings to each selection. All ages. Author's agent: Elizabeth Harding, Curtis Brown. Illustrator's agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (Jan.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
McKissack and Pinkney are a formidable author-and-illustrator duo. Both are award-winning and best-selling figures in children's literature, and they draw on their own childhood playtime rituals and games as a basis of inspiration for this cultural compendium of games for young people. This book is a catalog of childhood diversions in their simplest forms: basic movements, tunes, rhymes, and dance steps. These activities serve as a vehicle to explore African American folk heroes, legends, and lore. Entire individual chapters are devoted to simple hand-clapping games, jump-rope poems, and spiritual songs and hymns. These activities can be done with almost no preparation and can take place anywhere. They are also steeped in a tradition of symbolism and storytelling, encouraging imagination. Young readers will spend hours entertaining themselves with the songs and games in the book, and may also gain a greater understanding of culture, as countless avenues for deeper understanding of African American heritage are offered.--Anderson, Erin Copyright 2016 Booklist
