Humpty Who?: A Crash Course in 80 Nursery Rhymes / Jennifer Griffin

Sing your baby to sleep with . . . The Love Boat theme song? Children deserve better than that! With its hip approach, witty headnotes, and accompanying CD, Humpty Who? is the crash course for every new mom or dad who wants to give their child the simple pleasures of classic nursery rhymes . . . but can't remember what happens past the first line.

A what-to-read as well as a how-to-read, this collection of 80 judiciously selected, edited, and annotated rhymes, songs, and finger play features all the timeless characters and their stories Jack and Jill, Georgie Porgie, Little Bo Peep, the Noble Duke of York, Contrary Mary, Wee Willie Winkie, the Three Blind Mice. But it's more than just Mother Goose. There are lullabies, rounds, and riddles. How to recite "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider," and make the hand-motions that have held children spellbound for generations. How to act out "I'm a Little Teapot," or really get a child rocking with "Banbury Cross." Plus, there are explanations for curious children (and grown-ups) for example, what exactly a "tuffet" is, how to make "pease porridge," what else on the bus goes round and round and suggestions for reciting the poetry of the greats (Shakespeare, Blake, Dickinson); tips on how to improvise; and the secret weapon of the yoga "Om."

The accompanying CD, featuring the rocking "Hell's Kitchen Moms and Babes Ensemble," is both great to play for baby, and the fun way for parents to learn the music that goes along with many of the rhymes.