Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

An ebullient collection of African-American playtime lore, traced to its sources.Newbery Honor–winning McKissack explains how "our earliest toys are our hands, feet, and voices." Most children don't realize the educational value of songs and rhymes. The rhythms just naturally pull listeners along, encouraging participation. But in addition to their role in fostering language development and motor control, rhymes also have a history woven through them, especially for children of color. Arranging them developmentally, McKissack shares hand claps, jump-rope rhymes, circle games, songs, and stories. Unexpected treasures include "Mama Sayings" and the apropos "Jump Tale" (which has a sneaky surprise at the end). Such familiar characters as Anansi and Br'er Rabbit share space with the intriguing history of "Amazing Grace" and the coded songs from the Underground Railroad. Each entry is preceded by a note from McKissack describing a rhyme's origin or sharing a personal anecdote from her childhood memories. Recounting sitting on the porch with family, frenzied clapping on the playground, or making "a joyful noise" in church, there is an undeniable warmth and sense of belonging to these tales. Pinkney's watercolor-and–India ink spot illustrations swirl through the pages, bursting with energy tapped from joy and rich tradition. A comprehensive treasury of memories, verbal art, and play. (notes, bibliography, index) (Folklore. 1-10)

School Library Journal Starred Review (Thu Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2016)

Gr 2-6 Children's literature powerhouses McKissack and Pinkney team up for the second time, creating a dynamic collection of songs, rhymes, and stories with origins in the African American diaspora. McKissack recalls most of the examples from her childhood in Missouri and Tennessee and shares her own versions as well as memories and anecdotes. However, this volume is far from just a trip down memory lane. The extensive research, much of which the author attributes to her late husband in the thorough back matter, highlights the histories behind these classics. McKissack weaves this research together fluidly in a storylike format with accessible language. Many pieces have changed over time, and she acknowledges this evolution by presenting different versions and iterations. The content represents a wide range of formats and includes performance poetry by Langston Hughes, Anansi trickster tales, Christian spirituals, Underground Railroad hymns, proverbs, and such standards as "Miss Mary Mack" and "If You're Happy and You Know It." Pinkney's artistry brings even more joy to this lively assortment. His distinctive broad brushstrokes, bright watercolors, and playful characterizations add a splash of color and light. Each section heading features a large, vibrant illustration, with other color and black-and-white vignettes peppered throughout the chapters. VERDICT Part songbook, part research text, this work is perfect for families to share together or for young scholars who seek to discover an important piece of cultural history. McKissack and Pinkney capture the essence of the songs, stories, and play of an African American childhood.— Clara Hendricks, Cambridge Public Library, MA

ALA Booklist (Tue Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2016)

McKissack and Pinkney are a formidable author-and-illustrator duo. Both are award-winning and best-selling figures in children's literature, and they draw on their own childhood playtime rituals and games as a basis of inspiration for this cultural compendium of games for young people. This book is a catalog of childhood diversions in their simplest forms: basic movements, tunes, rhymes, and dance steps. These activities serve as a vehicle to explore African American folk heroes, legends, and lore. Entire individual chapters are devoted to simple hand-clapping games, jump-rope poems, and spiritual songs and hymns. These activities can be done with almost no preparation and can take place anywhere. They are also steeped in a tradition of symbolism and storytelling, encouraging imagination. Young readers will spend hours entertaining themselves with the songs and games in the book, and may also gain a greater understanding of culture, as countless avenues for deeper understanding of African American heritage are offered.

Horn Book (Tue Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2017)

From hand-claps and jump-rope rhymes; spirituals, gospel lyrics, and Bible stories; to proverbs, poetry, and folktales, this impressive and cohesive collection provides an informal history of African American life as well as something of a memoir for McKissack. With close to one hundred selections, the book might seem formidable, but the design is spacious and lightened by Pinkney's swirling ink and watercolor decorations. Bib., ind.

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

An ebullient collection of African-American playtime lore, traced to its sources.Newbery Honor–winning McKissack explains how "our earliest toys are our hands, feet, and voices." Most children don't realize the educational value of songs and rhymes. The rhythms just naturally pull listeners along, encouraging participation. But in addition to their role in fostering language development and motor control, rhymes also have a history woven through them, especially for children of color. Arranging them developmentally, McKissack shares hand claps, jump-rope rhymes, circle games, songs, and stories. Unexpected treasures include "Mama Sayings" and the apropos "Jump Tale" (which has a sneaky surprise at the end). Such familiar characters as Anansi and Br'er Rabbit share space with the intriguing history of "Amazing Grace" and the coded songs from the Underground Railroad. Each entry is preceded by a note from McKissack describing a rhyme's origin or sharing a personal anecdote from her childhood memories. Recounting sitting on the porch with family, frenzied clapping on the playground, or making "a joyful noise" in church, there is an undeniable warmth and sense of belonging to these tales. Pinkney's watercolor-and–India ink spot illustrations swirl through the pages, bursting with energy tapped from joy and rich tradition. A comprehensive treasury of memories, verbal art, and play. (notes, bibliography, index) (Folklore. 1-10)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Over nine chapters, McKissack celebrates oral traditions in African-American communities through a vibrant assemblage of rhymes, proverbs, folktales, and songs, drawing on memories of her own upbringing. Movement is central to many offerings-particularly in opening chapters that share clapping, rope-jumping, and ring games such as -Eenie-Meenie-Sassafreeny- and -Hot, Hot Pepper--and it-s ably reflected in Pinkney-s swoopy watercolor-and-ink illustrations (not all seen by PW), which frequently feature dancing and singing children, as well as familiar folk figures such as Anansi, Br-er Rabbit, and John Henry in later sections. McKissack often addresses how slavery and discrimination shaped many of these tales and songs, including the coded messages of -Follow the Drinking Gourd- or a hand-clapping song, -Shame,- that she sung as a child in a segregated Nashville -to poke fun at the stores whose rules restricted us.- It-s a collection valuable both for its rich assembly of songs and stories that have delighted, comforted, and inspired generations of black families and for the illuminating historical context that McKissack brings to each selection. All ages. Author-s agent: Elizabeth Harding, Curtis Brown. Illustrator-s agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (Jan.)