Nonsense and Commonsense: A Child's Book of Victorian Verse

Rating:
Summary: An amusing and interesting book
Review: I found this book a little different from other children's books of verse. It is a book of victorian verses that teach children of good manners, and others that are just plain amusing. Some of the verses are cumulative, which means a new line is added with each verse, such as "the little old lady who swallowed a fly" which are good for helping children understand the progression of the story, as well as helping them to learn to read because the words are repetitive. I also found interesting the notes on the side of the page that gives a little history behind the verse. The pictures in this book are beautiful and look as if they come straight from a victorian scrapbook. I think this is an excellent book!

Rating:
Summary: Victorian Treasure Trove
Review: If you love Victorian illustration you will be in heaven with this terrific book. It is a treasury of over 100 Victorian era verses set up in sections about Childhood Years, Sprites and Goblins, Rules for Growing Up, Absurdities, and the World of Nature. The illustrations are full color and just as charming as you could possibly wish. The quality of the paper, printing, cover, and dustjacket are all top-notch. There are interesting margin notations that give the history and background of the verses and pictures. Here's a parting thought from the book. "Ride, ride the carousel, Reach for the golden ring, Never to finish, But begin again. Life is a circular thing."