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Spinster Goose: Twisted Rhymes for Naughty Children
Some children are simply too naughty for Mother Goose to handle. Luckily her sister Spinster Goose knows just how to deal with these uncouth urchins. Her school is home to some world-class they bite and pinch, they talk back and fight--they eat chalk! But brats beware--this isn’t just any school, and Spinster isn't your average goose. Her curious methods will rid these students of their horrendous behaviors…right?
Fans of Mother Goose will delight in these devilishly twisted alternatives to classic rhymes.
Fans of Mother Goose will delight in these devilishly twisted alternatives to classic rhymes.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published March 8, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 12, 2016
Well, first of all, I love Sophie Blackall. Secondly, I thought the kids would enjoy this naughty twist. I was right. This book was in use (see below) constantly for the entire month.
Classroom Connection
As an educator, one of my goals is for my students to experience poetry in a way that will help them understand how to read it and learn to love it. I want my students to learn to read poetry for pleasure. I did not learn to love poetry until I was in college working on my minor in English Literature. As I became a teacher, I wanted to find a way to help my own students learn to love poetry early on. What else can teach you a love of language so effectively? In Lawsonland, we have a daily poem that I read at the start of morning meeting. I read entire poetry books as a part of SSR. Students have the option to memorize a poem of the week for a big end of year prize. That is always a big hit. Each February in Lawsonland, we have a poetry unit. Part of that unit is a Poetry Scavenger Hunt. I teach a mini lesson on one of the small components of poetry. Then, the students scatter and begin to read from the 50 or so poetry books I've gathered and book talked for them. I allow them to partner read and chat as they go. The main object is to enjoy the poems and be able to recognize and identify certain characteristics of poetry such as rhythm, rhyme, and alliteration. After several days of just reading, the students begin to search for poems that meet the criteria I laid out in the scavenger hunt. It's big fun and a way to focus their learning. At the end of each lesson we all circle up and several students share the poems they have discovered and love. Each year, I have students learn to love poetry and enjoy playing with words. This is probably my favorite unit of all.
Classroom Connection
As an educator, one of my goals is for my students to experience poetry in a way that will help them understand how to read it and learn to love it. I want my students to learn to read poetry for pleasure. I did not learn to love poetry until I was in college working on my minor in English Literature. As I became a teacher, I wanted to find a way to help my own students learn to love poetry early on. What else can teach you a love of language so effectively? In Lawsonland, we have a daily poem that I read at the start of morning meeting. I read entire poetry books as a part of SSR. Students have the option to memorize a poem of the week for a big end of year prize. That is always a big hit. Each February in Lawsonland, we have a poetry unit. Part of that unit is a Poetry Scavenger Hunt. I teach a mini lesson on one of the small components of poetry. Then, the students scatter and begin to read from the 50 or so poetry books I've gathered and book talked for them. I allow them to partner read and chat as they go. The main object is to enjoy the poems and be able to recognize and identify certain characteristics of poetry such as rhythm, rhyme, and alliteration. After several days of just reading, the students begin to search for poems that meet the criteria I laid out in the scavenger hunt. It's big fun and a way to focus their learning. At the end of each lesson we all circle up and several students share the poems they have discovered and love. Each year, I have students learn to love poetry and enjoy playing with words. This is probably my favorite unit of all.
November 15, 2019
When Mother Goose can not handle a supremely errant child, she sends him or her to her Sister, Spinster Goose.
Some of the punishments meted out by Spinster Goose cause me to laugh out loud. This is a highly creative book with unique poems, and wonderful illustrations.
Some of the punishments meted out by Spinster Goose cause me to laugh out loud. This is a highly creative book with unique poems, and wonderful illustrations.
June 4, 2011
Since some children are too difficult for the sweet-natured Mother Goose to handle, she sends these scoundrels to her sister, the much stricter Spinster Goose. The twenty-seven nursery rhymes that follow the misbehaving children are all, indeed, twists on the familiar Mother Goose rhymes. These aren't sweet little stories, but the author's own take on what should happen to those who don't know how to behave. There is much to enjoy in this collection as Bobby Shaftoe, Jack and Jill, and even Baa Baa Black Sheep get their just desserts. Although some of the vocabulary may be challenging, there are many lines that children and middle graders will enjoy repeating. I particularly loved the clever line on page 27 that ends "The Dirty Kid": "Can't Spinster see this punk is into grunge?" The ink and watercolor illustrations are rendered in soft colors, showing the sheepishness of "The Loser" who has left her clothing at home and poor confused Humpty Dumpty who "hides in a stall"--a bathroom stall, that is. This collection is a treat, sure to rekindle or extend interest in the classic nursery rhymes.
February 3, 2013
When children are too naughty to learn from Mother Goose, she sends them to her sister, Spinster Goose. Spinster Goose is the head master of her very own school. She runs a tight ship and delivers harsh consequences. The verses paint a vivid picture of how the students and staff carry out their days at the school for naughty children.
The verses are humorous and the illustrations pair well but there are some stereotypes and generalizations made that don't account for the many factors that contribute to child behaviors.
The verses are humorous and the illustrations pair well but there are some stereotypes and generalizations made that don't account for the many factors that contribute to child behaviors.
March 17, 2013
This is a wickedly funny collection of twised nursery rhymes. Elementary school-age children are sure to love these unusual takes on classic mother goose rhymes. Some of the poems are obviously tied to the original poems, and others are quite original. The illustrations are colorful and hilarious, complementing the poems nicely. We really enjoyed reading this book together.
July 22, 2011
I loved nursery rhymes as a child and Sophie Blackall, the illustrator, is one of my favorites!
That being said, this is a strange collection of twisted nursery rhymes and I have to say that I'm not sure that it's really appropriate for a K-5 audience. Mother Goose sends "uncouth urchins" to her sister, Spinster Goose, so she can whip them into shape. Each nursery rhyme describes what happens to the naughty children. For example, Baa Baa Black Sheep because 'The Swearer,' a sheep who bleats until they "shear his BLEATING wool, then wash his BLEATING mouth." Some of the rhymes are fun and funny twists, like 'The Interrupter,' a twist on 'Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary.' I think that a few too many of the poems veer into dark or not quite kid appropriate territory. I would be reluctant to purchase this for a K-5 collection.
That being said, this is a strange collection of twisted nursery rhymes and I have to say that I'm not sure that it's really appropriate for a K-5 audience. Mother Goose sends "uncouth urchins" to her sister, Spinster Goose, so she can whip them into shape. Each nursery rhyme describes what happens to the naughty children. For example, Baa Baa Black Sheep because 'The Swearer,' a sheep who bleats until they "shear his BLEATING wool, then wash his BLEATING mouth." Some of the rhymes are fun and funny twists, like 'The Interrupter,' a twist on 'Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary.' I think that a few too many of the poems veer into dark or not quite kid appropriate territory. I would be reluctant to purchase this for a K-5 collection.
July 20, 2013
Very clever. Very.
Children who are familiar with common Mother Goose-style nursery rhymes (think: Jack and Jill, Mary Had a Little Lamb, Georgie Porgie, and others) will recognize their "naughty" counterparts in this well written companion. The naughty behaviors of these dastardly children include such evils as gum-chewing, being VERY dirty, and others. Illustrations offer dark humor as well that are the perfect complement.
In short, children who enjoy dark comedy, enjoy wordplay and recognizing when an author is being quite clever, and who are bored with "regular" poetry will find much to enjoy here!
Children who are familiar with common Mother Goose-style nursery rhymes (think: Jack and Jill, Mary Had a Little Lamb, Georgie Porgie, and others) will recognize their "naughty" counterparts in this well written companion. The naughty behaviors of these dastardly children include such evils as gum-chewing, being VERY dirty, and others. Illustrations offer dark humor as well that are the perfect complement.
In short, children who enjoy dark comedy, enjoy wordplay and recognizing when an author is being quite clever, and who are bored with "regular" poetry will find much to enjoy here!
October 13, 2013
Spinster Goose: Twisted Rhymes for Naughty Children by Lisa Wheeler (2011)
Children's Rhymes, parodies
Book
Plot summary: Traditional Mother Goose nursery rhymes are rewritten, depicting unruly students attending the school of Spinster Goose.
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory: No special considerations
Review citation (if available):Kirkus Reviews , 2/15/2011, Vol. 79 Issue 4, p337-337, 1/4p
Section source used to find the material: School Library Journal review
Recommended age: Ages 7-12
Children's Rhymes, parodies
Book
Plot summary: Traditional Mother Goose nursery rhymes are rewritten, depicting unruly students attending the school of Spinster Goose.
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory: No special considerations
Review citation (if available):Kirkus Reviews , 2/15/2011, Vol. 79 Issue 4, p337-337, 1/4p
Section source used to find the material: School Library Journal review
Recommended age: Ages 7-12
November 20, 2014
A wonderful book to read with children! This book gives the classic Mother Goose fairy tales that every child has grown up with a twist to the traditional story. This book is inventive and children love hearing the retelling of classic fairy tales with new protagonists and antagonists and story lines. Reading this book after refreshing your memory with the classics, that this book is based off of, allows the reader and audience to compare and contrast the classic tale with the new, twisted tale.
October 26, 2015
Like all my poetry collections, Spinster Goose is intended for children in 3rd thru 6th grade.
Yes, I use sophisticated language.
Yes, I use somewhat dark humor.
Yes, Sophie Blackall's art is amazing!
My goal, in writing this, was to pay homage to my first reading love--Mother Goose.
But my take on it is not for the very young. Not many 5 year olds would get the jokes or the language.
I am not trying to impart any 'lessons'. I am not a teacher or a preacher. I am a writer and I loved writing this book!
I hope others enjoy it as well.
Yes, I use sophisticated language.
Yes, I use somewhat dark humor.
Yes, Sophie Blackall's art is amazing!
My goal, in writing this, was to pay homage to my first reading love--Mother Goose.
But my take on it is not for the very young. Not many 5 year olds would get the jokes or the language.
I am not trying to impart any 'lessons'. I am not a teacher or a preacher. I am a writer and I loved writing this book!
I hope others enjoy it as well.
August 9, 2016
I usually love this kind of thing (George who played with a dangerous toy & suffered a catastrophe of considerable dimensions by Hilaire Belloc is one of my favorites) but this was just, well, flat. The crimes were sketchy (poor hygiene, okay; fibbing & stealing, absolutely; but hair twirling?). It isn't colorful or exciting enough to hold a child's interest or useful enough for a teacher or parent.
March 17, 2011
Sophie Blackall remains one of my favorite illustrators; the success of the rhymes are dependent upon her pale, ghastly children. This is not for the little ones--fans of Edward Gorey will rejoice.
April 7, 2019
The children's book, "Spinster Goose" by Lisa Wheeler takes an innovative and interesting look at the classic character of Mother Goose and puts a spin on her dealings with naughty children. The illustrations are humorous and sporadic, giving the book an overall impression of comedic moments. This book is also designed to incorporate numerous poems that are all connected through the Spinster Goose and her school. This is a delightful book that offers silly examples for young children on some negative or unappealing behaviors, making it relate-able and relevant to children.
March 8, 2019
I thought this book was very funny in many ways because it describes all of the characters of doing naughty things and why they get into trouble in the first place. Each poem in the book describes the students and why they are bad and it also has good rhyming words to the story as well. Would recommend parents reading this book to their trouble children at home! If they have any.
December 1, 2018
Fun book with a dark twist. I read this book with my son and it was more enjoyable for him when the twisted rhyme originated from a rhyme he had heard before. I recommend reading the original rhymes before these for full enjoyment. I really enjoyed this book. :0)
March 3, 2019
Wow
I’d have this for my house but would not recommend reading aloud to a class of young children
A wealth of great vocabulary and some amazing moral messages
Too risqué for the school setting though for me
I’d have this for my house but would not recommend reading aloud to a class of young children
A wealth of great vocabulary and some amazing moral messages
Too risqué for the school setting though for me
April 15, 2022
Mother Goose rhymes on the dark side featuring very naughty children, perhaps a cautionary tale? Love Sophie Blackall’s illustrations, some are quite gruesome, however Old Mother Hubbard’s little dog is cute. Depending on familiarity with Mother Goose, kids may or may not get these parody rhymes.
September 23, 2023
I’m torn on this one. Some of the language (the author uses “brat” a lot and makes fun of children with bad habits) means I’ll have to be careful about using it as a read aloud, but some of the rhymes are funny so I’m considering using it as part of my illustrator study of Sophie Blackall.
January 10, 2018
Clever twists on nursery rhymes about bad habits children have.
Humorous way to think about things that happen in a typical elementary school.
Humorous way to think about things that happen in a typical elementary school.
February 26, 2018
A few good ones in here. "The Swearer" especially tickled my funny bone. "Baa Baa Black Sheep/loves to curse and swear./Here a BLEAT. There a BLEAT./BLEAT, BLEAT everywhere!..."
October 14, 2022
Work review. It’s ok, not great. It’s a gimmick, which will mostly go over a child’s head. So is this really a children’s book? Tough to say.
April 18, 2017
I liked the premise of this collection of twisted nursery rhymes-- that naughty children are sent to Spinster Goose's school for punishment. Some of the rhymes described life in the school, while others described some of the naughty students. What I expected was poems about how each of these naughty children get their punishment or learn their lesson at this school, but that only happened in a few poems. I think that's why I was disappointed with the book as a whole. I did particularly like a few poems, though: "Student of the Week," "The Dirty Kid," "The Custodian," "The Chalk-Eater". I wasn't fond of the illustrations, either, which added to my disappointment. Sort of recommended--others may enjoy it more than I did.
August 6, 2013
I didn't think the art was extraordinary and it didn't even seem to inspire. Where Charlie and the Chocolate Factory takes a bad habit and in a humorous style raises awareness or even sparks change in children, Spinster Goose: Twisted Rhymes for Naughty Children seems to be just a bit-- blah. Maybe it's just not my style, or perhaps it went just a little to far. Either way I can live without this book on my shelf.
November 6, 2011
This is a book that's better in theory than execution. Blackall's illustrations are excellent, as always, but the book doesn't hang together, at least not as a children's book. Yes, it's yet another "picture book for adults." It reminded me a lot of Tim Burton's The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy and Other Stories, another book of dark rhymes (although Spinster Goose wasn't as original.)
May 8, 2011
Spinster Goose runs a school for naughty children. These poems inspired by nursery rhymes describe the naughty things the children do—and usually the punishment/consequence, too. I think these would be perfect for second- or third-graders. My four-year-old hasn't started school yet so I skipped some of them as I didn't want him to think that being naughty is cool or that he needs to be afraid of his teachers.
January 12, 2012
I didn't really enjoy the poems here, but I can see a possible use in secondary creative writing classrooms, where an instructor might have students read these poems, then write a "twisted" rhyme of their own based on another Mother Goose rhyme. However, I think he/she would definitely have to spend some time introducing the class to the original rhymes, because most of today's kids don't know the Mother Goose rhymes. That said, the humor here would be lost on them without prior instruction.
July 3, 2012
So I really really wanted this to be amazing and it was just kind of meh. So it's a book of Mother Goose rhymes turned on their heads, where the children are all bad and Spinster Goose (mother's sister) punishes them. Some of the ryhmes; the Introduction, Spinster Goose, The Thief, Student of the Week, The Ditchers, The Bully really worked for me. Others just kind of fell flat. Either the rhyme schemes were off or something in the rhyme felt dumb rather than funny and it just didn't work.
January 30, 2017
This book made me physically uncomfortable at times. I personally have a low tolerance for gross things, so I suppose the author/illustrator did their jobs well! I thought a few of the scenarios within were a bit...well, yucky. This is just my reaction though. Having worked in a school, I can say with 100% confidence that there are kids who would absolutely devour this book about yucky naughty children!
August 16, 2017
I can't decide if I liked this book or not. It's dark rhymes about famous Mother Goose characters are smart and witty, but kind of depressing (the characters are all very naughty and incarcerated in a juvenile detention-style school). It has fantastic illustrations. I might recommend this to older kids who like Lemony Snicket and Neil Gaiman.
October 2, 2011
Genre: Poetry
Copyright: 2010
Thoughts: Very funny set of poems about what Spinster Goose does to misbehaving students. All of the usual Mother Goose characters are included (Jack Sprat, Humpty Dumpty, etc). Humor is a little complicated for younger readers, but they'd probably still enjoy the naughty children theme anyhow.
Copyright: 2010
Thoughts: Very funny set of poems about what Spinster Goose does to misbehaving students. All of the usual Mother Goose characters are included (Jack Sprat, Humpty Dumpty, etc). Humor is a little complicated for younger readers, but they'd probably still enjoy the naughty children theme anyhow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews