Pocketful of Posies: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes

Rarely have classic childhood verses been depicted with so much care and detail—and fabric. Loosely organizing the rhymes over the course of the day, starting with morning themes and closing with bedtime rhymes, Mavor creates a miniature world using wool felt, various stitching techniques, and found materials like acorn caps and seashells. Tiny ducks follow Jack and Jill's journey up and down the hill, while the rocking cradle in "Hush-a-bye, baby" is a walnut shell. Mavor's intricate and colorfully embroidered work of art makes even the best-known childhood poems feel special and new again. Up to age 3. (Sept.)

Copyright 2010 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 1--The epitome of warm and fuzzy, this collection is illustrated with embroidered fabric pictures that have been embellished with small objects like buttons, bells, shells, and bits of driftwood. Some of the items, like Mary's little white lambs, are crocheted, and many of the people appear to have heads made of smooth, round dowels. Old verses like "Elsie Marley" and "Simple Simon" are given a new freshness with this interpretation. With no white space, and familiar text laid out simply, the pictures definitely take center stage. Young children love visual detail and this book will engage and delight. The characters don't look very expressive, but the soft colors and graceful lines are attractive and appealing. An unusual and charming addition to nursery-rhyme shelves.--Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"When teachers bemoan the lack of knowledge of nursery tales in their young students, press this special volume into their hands, but get one for home, too: every family deserves a fine collection of nursery rhymes, and this is one of the best."—The Horn Book, starred review

"On every page, embroidery, knotwork and beautifully dyed wool felt form backgrounds for the dozens of individual figures and buttons, beads, driftwood and stones. The design is sumptuous, and the smaller details enchant."—Kirkus Reviews"Rarely have classic childhood verses been depicted with so much care and detail—and fabric....Mavor's intricate and colorfully embroidered work of art makes even the best-known childhood poems feel special and new again."—Publishers Weekly"An unusual and charming addition to nursery-rhyme shelves."—School Library Journal