Great Grandmother Goose

Helen Cooper's 'Great Grandmother Goose' is a fascinating collection that brings together 80 rhymes from medieval sources, presenting them as the potential nursery rhymes of their era. This book offers a unique window into the past, allowing readers to experience the simple, rhythmic verses that entertained children centuries ago. While the specific content of each rhyme isn't detailed, the premise itself is rich with historical and literary appeal. The book handles its historical subject matter by directly presenting the rhymes, allowing their language and themes to speak for themselves. The emotional arc is likely gentle and playful throughout, consistent with the nature of nursery rhymes. This collection is specifically for children aged 4-11 who enjoy poetry, rhymes, or have a budding interest in history and how people lived long ago. A parent might reach for this book when looking for something beyond contemporary nursery rhymes, seeking to introduce their child to the origins of children's literature, or simply to share a unique read-aloud experience. Parents might want to preview some of the rhymes to gauge their child's understanding of older language or cultural references, though most nursery rhymes are universally accessible. Younger children (4-6) will enjoy the rhythm and sound of the rhymes, while older children (7-11) might appreciate the historical context and the idea of 'ancient' poems. What makes this book different is its explicit focus on medieval sources, offering a distinct historical perspective compared to more common Mother Goose collections.