The Comic Adventures of Old Mother Hubbard and Her Dog – illustrated by Tomie dePaola

The Comic Adventures of Old Mother Hubbard and Her Dog – illustrated by Tomie dePaola. Simon & Schuster, 2020 (1981), 9781534466623

Format: Hardcover

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5

Genre: Picture book

What did you like about the book? A reissue of dePaola’s 1981 version of the nursery rhyme. His wonderful illustrations, in warm hues that echo the warm brown woody framing of the stage, imagine a kind of variety show act, with the audience consisting of other nursery rhyme characters, such as Humpty Dumpty, Mother Goose and Little Bo Peep. Mother Hubbard clearly dotes on her dog, and takes it in stride that he has abilities beyond the usual pet, such as playing the flute and smoking a pipe. The dog’s silly antics, which at times are quite quaint, will delight young readers. With a couplet per page, readers have time to examine the framing which contains more nursery rhyme details. Adults will need to explain “fruiterer” and “hatter” and other terms long out of use, but the charm of the art and rhymes makes it worthwhile.

Anything you didn’t like about it? No

To whom would you recommend this book?  For ages 4 and up, those who enjoy nursery rhymes or are fans of Tomie dePaola.

Who should buy this book? Day cares and public libraries

Where would you shelve it ? Picture books

Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes, it’s a lovely title to revisit.

Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA

Date of review: December 30, 2020