AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND: FOLK POETRY FROM EVERYONE

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Schwartz, Alvin. 1999. AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND: FOLK POETRY FROM EVERYONE. by Sue Truesdell. USA: HarperCollins Publisher. ISBN: 0064462145

2. PLOT SUMMARY:
AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND: FOLK POETRY FROM EVERYONE is a collection of poetry, riddles, rhymes, and taunts that have been spread by word of mouth from place to place and in which Alvin Schwartz has brought together into creating an outstanding book for kids and adults of all ages. This book is full of material that is fun and very enjoyable to read.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Alvin Schwartz has taken folk poetry from most every decade and has created a book divided into chapters, in which makes it easy to follow and read. He has also included a very helpful section that details the sources of each folk poem and summarized the reason for writing certain poems based on a subject. This is just a great and funny book.

Illustrations by Sue Truesdell highlight particular scenes on a page and are in a simple black ink sketch. The sketches look child-like and would appeal to both children and adults of all ages. The text just flows with all the sketches in the book. The musical notes are used as illustrations to help make it easier for readers to sing their favorite tunes.


4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S):
*School Library Journal: "A marvelous book that is sure to become a classic if children have any say in the matter. Schwartz has gathered sassy, funny, scary, and slightly naughty children's folk poetry heard on school grounds and wherever else kids are having fun.
*The Horn Book Magazine: "Full of vigorous, swinging rhythms and funny, often nasty, sentiments, the pages are filled with well-known rhymes as well as new discoveries."

5. CONNECTIONS:
* Have students compare and contrast between two different poems?
*Do interacting writing, in which both the educator and the student create a new poetry or rhyme?