Award-winning author, Jeanne Willis, revamps all the favourite Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes. Think you know your favourite classic nursery rhymes? Read this picture book and think again! In this witty reworking of popular nursery rhymes, Georgie Porgie doesn’t dare to make the girls cry, Little Bo-Peep’s sheep are all present and correct, thank you, and it’s the queen, OF CO Award-winning author, Jeanne Willis, revamps all the favourite Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes. Think you know your favourite classic nursery rhymes? Read this picture book and think again! In this witty reworking of popular nursery rhymes, Georgie Porgie doesn’t dare to make the girls cry, Little Bo-Peep’s sheep are all present and correct, thank you, and it’s the queen, OF COURSE, who fixes Humpty Dumpty. With the combination of Jeanne Willis’s brilliantly funny poems and charming, witty illustrations from Isabelle Follath, these nursery rhymes prove that girls can be the heroes of any story. This remixed nursery rhyme collection is the perfect gift book for any child (or adult!), to read aloud or enjoy alone. Every Nosy Crow paperback picture book comes with a free “Stories Aloud” audio recording. Just scan the QR code and listen along!
What Are Little Girls Made Of?: Nursery Rhymes for Feminist Times
Award-winning author, Jeanne Willis, revamps all the favourite Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes. Think you know your favourite classic nursery rhymes? Read this picture book and think again! In this witty reworking of popular nursery rhymes, Georgie Porgie doesn’t dare to make the girls cry, Little Bo-Peep’s sheep are all present and correct, thank you, and it’s the queen, OF CO Award-winning author, Jeanne Willis, revamps all the favourite Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes. Think you know your favourite classic nursery rhymes? Read this picture book and think again! In this witty reworking of popular nursery rhymes, Georgie Porgie doesn’t dare to make the girls cry, Little Bo-Peep’s sheep are all present and correct, thank you, and it’s the queen, OF COURSE, who fixes Humpty Dumpty. With the combination of Jeanne Willis’s brilliantly funny poems and charming, witty illustrations from Isabelle Follath, these nursery rhymes prove that girls can be the heroes of any story. This remixed nursery rhyme collection is the perfect gift book for any child (or adult!), to read aloud or enjoy alone. Every Nosy Crow paperback picture book comes with a free “Stories Aloud” audio recording. Just scan the QR code and listen along!
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Nicole (book.quill) –
Much needed updates to outdated rhymes, each page features incredibly adorable illustrations, feminism (in all its meaning—yes empowerment for both boys and girls), and wonderful themes. A must-buy!
Mutually Inclusive –
I have to admit something to you all. As a first time mom figuring this whole parenting thing out during a pandemic, I allow my son to watch far too much Little Baby Bum. So much that I wouldn’t be surprised if YouTube was the next word he learned. I know, I know, we should be limiting screentime, but during a pandemic, all bets are off. And while I don’t necessarily think nursery rhymes are the most harmful content a kid can consume, I was so happy to find a book that challenges some of the outd I have to admit something to you all. As a first time mom figuring this whole parenting thing out during a pandemic, I allow my son to watch far too much Little Baby Bum. So much that I wouldn’t be surprised if YouTube was the next word he learned. I know, I know, we should be limiting screentime, but during a pandemic, all bets are off. And while I don’t necessarily think nursery rhymes are the most harmful content a kid can consume, I was so happy to find a book that challenges some of the outdated messages hidden in these songs. What Are Little Girls Made Of by Jeanne Willis does just that! After listening to nursery rhymes nonstop for an entire year, I am familiar with the stereotypes in them. Whether it’s the five little monkeys, Humpty Dumpty, or Miss Molly’s dolly, the doctor helping them is ALWAYS a man. Girls are often portrayed as scared, helpless objects and the women always seem to be baking, washing, or having their noses pecked off. So I was thrilled to find What Are Little Girls Made Of to offer my son a little perspective. From Little Bo Peep rescuing her sheep from mud puddles to Little Miss Muffet petting a spider, this book redefines the roles we often see assigned to girls and women in nursery rhymes. In this book, there are no damsels in distress, Georgie Porgie learns a thing or two about consent, and I’m happy to report that there are TWO female doctors. The re-imagined nursery rhymes are paired with the cutest illustrations by Isabelle Follath, depicting a diverse cast of characters. The colors are absolute perfection and sure to grab the attention of young readers. While I won’t be turning Little Baby Bum off anytime soon, What Are Little Girls Made Of gives me a great way to share updated versions of these nursery rhymes and actively challenge the stereotypes presented in the originals. I would highly recommend it for any parent looking to talk about the trouble with stereotypes, regardless of their child’s gender. We all benefit when gender stereotypes are challenged and dismissed for the weird social expectations they are. I would like to thank Candlewick Press for generously providing me with a review copy of this lovely book. It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for and I can’t wait to share it with my son. Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads | Storygraph
Andrea McLoughlin –
This fabulous book takes Mother Goose rhymes and reinvents them for modern, feminist times. Jeanne Willis has updated 17 in total with wisdom, humour and a feminine touch. The illustrations, to go alongside each new rhyme, by Isabelle Follath are full of joy, wit and verve, soaking the pages with pastel hues in colour. A perfect match! Here’s Little Bo-Peep: *Little Bo-Peep had lost her sheep, they fell in a ditch full of slime. She waded straight in, right up to her chin, and rescued them one at This fabulous book takes Mother Goose rhymes and reinvents them for modern, feminist times. Jeanne Willis has updated 17 in total with wisdom, humour and a feminine touch. The illustrations, to go alongside each new rhyme, by Isabelle Follath are full of joy, wit and verve, soaking the pages with pastel hues in colour. A perfect match! Here’s Little Bo-Peep: *Little Bo-Peep had lost her sheep, they fell in a ditch full of slime. She waded straight in, right up to her chin, and rescued them one at a time.* There’s definitely a place for Nursery Rhymes in today’s world but it’s wonderful to have this book to show how times have changed too. Andrea @educa8wirral
Erin Buhr –
Nursery rhymes with feminine twist. I love this little collection of nursery rhymes with a twist. In these Humpty Dumpty is mended by a female doctor, Little Bo Peep wades into a ditch full of slime to save her sheep, and Little Miss Muffet pets the furry spider. Such fun, empowering twists on these classic nursery rhymes all beautifully illustrated with a darling, but daring, nursery rhyme style.
Amy –
In helping to empower girls, I don't think we do it by tearing down boys and men. Helping girls to find their voices and powers and strengths doesn't need to be done by tearing down other people. I didn't appreciate this book at all. In helping to empower girls, I don't think we do it by tearing down boys and men. Helping girls to find their voices and powers and strengths doesn't need to be done by tearing down other people. I didn't appreciate this book at all.
Annamarie Carlson (she, her) –
Nursery rhymes with a feminist twist. As someone who is not a fan of 90% of nursery rhymes, I enjoyed this modern remake more than I thought I would. That said, the rhymes and rhythm don't often work to make these usable beyond a fun laugh. Nursery rhymes with a feminist twist. As someone who is not a fan of 90% of nursery rhymes, I enjoyed this modern remake more than I thought I would. That said, the rhymes and rhythm don't often work to make these usable beyond a fun laugh.
Helen –
I didn't really enjoyed this book. I found that it was anti men, that girls were better than boys. I don't think that this is the right message to give children. The message should be everyone is equal I didn't really enjoyed this book. I found that it was anti men, that girls were better than boys. I don't think that this is the right message to give children. The message should be everyone is equal
Rose –
This is amazing book for young ones to read and a great read for adults as well! Old nursery rhymes with a modern take! It’s a great read! Shows young girls that they can be caring and compassionate and be strong and independent as well well! And about consent !
Kate Granger –
3.5-4
Edward Sullivan –
A fun, feminist "remix" of classic nursery rhymes. A fun, feminist "remix" of classic nursery rhymes.
Kaila –
I was cracking up over some of these. Cute idea, nice illustrations, and some real gems.
Steph –
This is such a fun little surprise! What Are Little Girls Made Of? is a witty and smart book of nursery rhymes, aimed to empower young feminists. Grinning at the brilliance of this book! 💪🏽
Keesha Tucker –
This is a fun read for adult women who grew up with mostly male heroes. Because of this, it’s a great read out loud to kids. It lends lots of opportunity to discuss the progress of women.
Andréa –
Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
Sahara Scott –
This book is a try hard. It is trying too hard to be feminist that it messes with the rhyme schemes. The IDEA is okay, the illustrations diverse, but the rhymes are meh.
Tamsin Ramone –
Flipping love it. Wish it was longer!! All nursery rhymes should be like these ones!
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