"Over the Candlestick Classic Nursery Rhymes and the Real Stories Behind Them" by Michael G. Montgomery and Wayne Montgomery

Hardcover: $16.95

ISBN: 978-1-56145-259-0

Total Pages: 32

 A special addition to nursery rhyme collections, this beautifully illustrated volume includes interesting facts about well-known verses.

With whimsical, full-color illustrations and a little historical detective work, Michael and Wayne Montgomery have created a delightful and original nursery rhyme book that will entertain as well as educate readers, young and old alike.

This volume brings together more than twenty classic nursery rhymes, riddles, and tongue twisters and offers a fascinating glimpse into the age, origin, and meaning of each. Youngsters will enjoy such perennial favorites as Jack and Jill; Humpty Dumpty; Old King Cole; London Bridge; Rain, Rain, Go Away; and others. Younger children will delight in the rhymes and beautiful illustrations while older children and adults will be fascinated by the historical details.

My thoughts:  I love beautiful children's books. When I saw Over the Candlestick Classic Nursery Rhymes in the Peachtree catalog, I thought it would be a nice book. But when I received my copy, I saw that it was a handsome, world-class nursery rhyme book that will span years beyond the years when Mother Goose and others are read to the young child. This book will remain on shelves for dipping into the bits of history wrapped up in these salient little rhymes.

The illustrations are beautifully executed with charming detail. The art takes me back to books of yesteryear when art was more descriptive and charming and when the details and expressions told the eye the story even without the text. So hats off to Michael Montgomery for a beautifully done work.

Who doesn't relish moments with a young child in your lap while you read "Mary Had a Little Lamb" or "Old King Cole," and of course, the loveable "Humpty Dumpty."  And salient history? Well, did you know that "Mary had a little lamb" were  the first words ever heard on Edison's phonograph? And did you know that the rhyme "London Bridge" may have had a darker side involving the building of the bridge? But darkness and history are not for the wee-little-ones. Just read them the rhymes, examine the detailed pictures, have fun, and enjoy. Then later as they begin to read on their own, you can delve into some history and background of these rhymes and have a bit of fun while you do so.

Now the sad part..... this book is no longer in stock at the publisher's - Peachtree, but you might be able to find a used copy online or perhaps locate one in your local library.

Author & Illustrator:  Michael G. Montgomery has illustrated numerous children's books. He attended Georgia Southern University and the University of Georgia. Montgomery lives in Georgia. You can visit Michael G. Montgomery’s website here.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a copy of Over the Candlestick by Peachtree Publishers in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I received no compensation for this review.