Old Mother Hubbard Book

A reissue of dePaola’s 1981 version of the nursery rhyme. His wonderful illustrations, in warm hues that echo the warm brown woody framing of the stage, imagine a kind of variety show act, with the audience consisting of other nursery rhyme characters, such as Humpty Dumpty, Mother Goose and Little Bo Peep. Mother Hubbard clearly dotes on her dog, and takes it in stride that he has abilities beyond the usual pet, such as playing the flute and smoking a pipe. The dog’s silly antics, which at times are quite quaint, will delight young readers. With a couplet per page, readers have time to examine the framing which contains more nursery rhyme details. Adults will need to explain “fruiterer” and “hatter” and other terms long out of use, but the charm of the art and rhymes makes it worthwhile.