Down by the river,
Down by the sea,
Johnny break a bottle
An' he say is me.
I tell Ma,
Ma tell Pa,
Johnny get a licking,
An' a ha! ha! ha!
Here is a fun collection of Afro-Caribbean rhymes games and songs, collected by Trinidadian author Grace Hallworth, and brought to life by Caroline Binch's bright and life-like illustrations.
Lots of new ideas for playground games here and an excellent way to introduce a new culture.The vivid illustrations by Caroline Binch really bring the book to life and draw the reader in to the life and customs of the region. The rhythms make this a wonderful book to read aloud and will have you clapping along. - www.parentsintouch.co.uk
The rhymes, games and songs remembered by Hallworth from her own Trinidadian childhood reflect the similarites and differences between British and Afro-Caribbean children's experience, and she points out in her introduction that many have their roots in European originals, adapted to Caribbean life. Binch's characteristic illustrations echo the atmosphere, soak up the sunshine and greatly enhance the attraction of the book. Traditional children's rhymes are repetitive, rhythmical and frequently nonsensical, funny, sometimes frightening and always memorable. This is a book in which some readers will revisit favourites and others discover new. - Booktrust
The whole collection hums with colour and vitality. - School Librarian
A lively and attractive collection. - Carousel
The artwork of Caroline Binch, with wonderful figurative and action portrayal, is gorgeous. - School Librarian
In the Playground
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven,
all good children go to heaven;
The clock in heaven strikes eleven,
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven.
Put goes the lady with the see-saw hat,
O-U-T spells OUT,
And out goes you.
Ziggedy ziggedy marble stone,
pointed pointed buff,
Buff ca-lay-lay,
Fee fee lay-lay,
Bim, bam fire!
Ring-a-ding-ding,
The school bell ring,
Teacher knickers
Tie up with string.
String pop,
Knickers drop,
Teacher run out the room,
Cry-ing.
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