1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Schwartz, Alvin. 1992. AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND: FOLK POETRY FROM EVERYONE. Ill. by Sue Truesdell. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 0-06-022757-5

2. PLOT SUMMARY
AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND is a delightful collection of over two hundred and fifty folk poems. The collection includes “from autograph rhymes to street rhymes, from parodies to riddles and nonsense, from work poems and story poems to love poems.” This book is a tribute to folk poetry and its unique cadence of life. While reading this book, I came across some folk poetry that I would recite to my son and daughter, when they were little. Also, I remember my mom and dad and other relatives would recite these folk poems. For example, my grandmother would say, “Too bad, So sad, You’re mad, I’m glad.” Further, my father would always say to my sisters and brother, when we wanted to borrow the car, “No way, Jose.” My all time favorite from my mother, “ Twinkle, twinkle, little star, What you say is what you are.” Now that my children are grown, I hear my son and my daughter saying to my grandson,” I love you, I love you, I love you lots. My love for you would fill all the pots. Buckets, pitchers, kettles and cans, The big washtub and both dishpans.” In my classroom, I say to my students, “You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit.” I grew up with this amazing poetry. I love it!



3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND is an eclectic collection of familiar and unfamiliar folk poetry from numerous authors. Many of the verses are introduced as fun and games; other poems are presented as teases and taunts, and wishes and warnings. This collection includes rhymes, riddles, finger plays, and chants. These folk poems
have been passed down orally from generation to generation. These poems are a part of our history and culture. Folk poems are forever etched in our hearts and minds and shall live on through our descendents. Furthermore, in the back section of AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND, there is an area, which includes notes, sources, bibliography, and an index of first lines. This selection provides the reader with useful and interesting background information about the history of folk poetry. “ Children and adults will find pleasure in reading this wonderful collection of folk poetry. I read this book of folk poetry to my students. They loved it! One student said that you always say "No way Jose and you get what you get and you don't throw a fit." I told them that I learned in my class that this is an oral tradition and I'm passing it down to them. They gained great pleasure from chapter three entitled "School". They read that chapter over and over again.

The illustrations by Sue Truesdell in AND THE GRASS GREW ALL AROUND are in black and white pen and watercolor. The illustrations are simple and reflect a cartoon like quality. The amusing illustrations compliment the text enormously well. The reader’s eyes are drawn to the humorous and playful animated charactures Truesdell bring to life on print.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
The Horn Book: “Sue Truesdell’s cartoon drawings dance and tumble across the pages as a perfect accompaniment to the rhymes they illustrate. . . A wonderful collection for reading, singing, and laughing out loud.”
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 schoolgrounds and wherever else kids are having fun.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*In groups of two or three students, allow students to choose several folktale poems and recite them to the class, using hand signs and motions.
*During recess, encourage students to say a few of their favorite poems while participating in jump roping and hopscotch.
*During story time, read this book by Alvin Schwartz for the children to enjoy:
Schwartz, Alvin. I SAW YOU IN THE BATHTUB AND OTHER FOLK RHYMES. ISBN 9780833568632