By Robert Lacey (author) , Ben Coppin (illustrator)
"Exuding tremendous pick-me-up appeal, this classic collection also shares insights into the meaning of all those nursery rhymes that remain with us for a lifetime."
Paperback In Stock £12.99 £11.69
Hardback In Stock £20.00 £18.00
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Reinterpreted by historian and biographer Robert Lacey and contemporary illustrator Ben Coppin, this classic work presents eighty nursery rhymes illustrated by Claud Lovat Fraser, a notable early-twentieth-century artist and designer.
Alongside presenting the rhymes — many widely known, others more obscure to today’s reader — in such glorious style, the book also reveals fascinating insights into their lesser-known facets. As Lacey shares in his introduction, not only were nursery rhymes designed to entertain children as “little odes to joy — expressing children’s earliest pleasure in the sparky delights of language, living and learning”, but many also tackled “grim adult themes”, reflecting contemporaneous social and political context, and revealing begone ways of life.
This comes to light in a chapter devoted to exploring meanings of the rhymes. Humpty Dumpty, for example — which actually makes no mention of an egg! — relates to a cannon that couldn’t be repaired after falling off a wall during the English Civil War.
All that considered, this nostalgia-sparking book will surely delight a broad range of readers — from aficionados of illustration, design, and classic children’s literature, to new generations of children. As such, it’s the perfect gift for parents of new-borns to put aside until their little ones are a little older, and a beautiful tome for book-lovers to treasure.
Endorsed by Michael Morpurgo: “Open this book to the world of childhood … once read, heard and though on – never forgotten.”
Read the full description
Best-selling historian Robert Lacey re-presents 82 of the most beloved nursery rhymes in a shared reading experience for children, parents and grandparents.
The book explores the magic of nursery rhymes and the meaning of their not-so-childish nonsense, and provides a reference section which details the history of the rhymes.
Accompanying the collection are 151 drawings by early 20th century stage designer and illustrator Claud Lovat Fraser, sourced from the Royal Academy archives, which have been vividly updated by Ben Coppin.
With historic and decorative endpapers and ribbons, this book makes a gorgeous gift.
A proportion of the royalties will be paid to the Royal Academy Library , and to Storybook Dad and Mums supporting imprisoned parents to record stories for their children.
Find out more about the book at nurseryrhymeswithpictures.com .
“Bright, nostalgic treats of elegant penmanship.” – The Sunday Times
“Exuding tremendous pick-me-up appeal.” – LoveReading Star Book
Robert Lacey (pictured left) is a renowned British historian, the author of numerous international bestsellers, and the historical consultant on the award-winning Netflix series The Crown . Majesty , his pioneering biography of the late Queen, is landmark study of the British monachy, His latest book Nursery Rhymes with Pictures , published Autumn 2024 re-presents the memorable 1919 drawings of artist and war hero Claud Lovat Fraser, as updated by up-and-coming artist Ben Coppin (right).
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Endorsed by Michael Morpurgo: “Open this book to the world of childhood … once read, heard and though on – never forgotten.” Best-selling historian Robert Lacey re-presents 82 of the most beloved nursery rhymes in a shared reading experience for children, parents and grandparents. The book explores the magic of nursery rhymes and the meaning of their not-so-childish nonsense, and provides a reference section which details the history of the rhymes.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Nursery Rhymes and determined it is suitable for children aged 3-8 years old
Nursery Rhymes features in the following genres: Featured Books for 3+ readers, Featured Books for 5+ readers, Featured Books for 7+ readers, Books of the Month, Recommendations, Star Books, Traditional Tales, Poetry Books for Children, Gift Books, Children’s / Teenage stationery and miscellaneous items, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s / Teenage poetry, anthologies, annuals
Paperback, Hardback. £11.69, down from the £12.99 cover price. In Stock.
Nursery Rhymes was written by Robert Lacey and published by Paper Argosies
Nursery Rhymes has 128 pages
£11.69, reduced from £12.99. In Stock.
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