LET'S CLAP, JUMP, SING & SHOUT; DANCE, SPIN & TURN IT OUT!

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.