And the Green Grass Grew All Around

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Schwartz, Alvin. AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND: FOLK POETRY FROM EVERYONE. Ill. by Sue Truesdell. New York: HarperTrophy, 1999.

PLOT SUMMARY
This book contains over 250 folk poems passed down from generation to generation. The book is arranged by category so that it is easy to find poems about anything.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This collection of folk poetry provides a wide array of poems from various cultures and generations. The book is arranged by category so that it is much easier for someone to find a poem on a particular topic. I had a hard time knowing where one poem ended and another began because of the lack of titles.

One interesting thing about the book is that Schwartz gives side notes as to how to read the poems. For example, if the poem has a melody that goes along with it such as “On top of Spaghetti” to the tune of “On top of Old Smoky”. In the fun and game section, he provides a brief note about what to do with each game. For instance, in the poem “Clapping” he states when to clap ones hands.

This is a great book to use as a way to make poetry fun. There may be a limit to the educational use of the book, but there is certainly no limit to the fun to be had.

The illustrations in the book are simple little diagrams or figures. They do a great job of breaking up the poems and giving something to look at however I do not see them adding any help to the actual poems themselves.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
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 schoolgrounds and wherever else kids are having fun. SLJ

It's hard to imagine a child who wouldn't greet this treasure trove with enthusiasm. Kirkus Reviews

CONNECTIONS

This book would be a great source for a lesson in poetry. The limitless amounts of poems in this book allow for a lesson in many different types of poems. Have the students go through the book and pick out types of poems. Ex. Limerick, haiku, sonnet.