This collection of rhymes and games is designed to help parents interact with their babies in fun and playful ways. The book includes both entirely new rhymes and new versions of old favourites like “This little piggy” (rewritten with the pig blasting off for Mars instead of going to market). Some of the verses tell brief stories, while others are nonsense rhymes. All are designed to be sung or chanted and accompanied by fun physical activities such as bouncing, clapping, or rocking. Each page includes suggestions, printed in smaller type along the side, for actions that might accompany the verses. The combination of sound and action is designed to encourage the development of language and motor skills in babies while fostering loving interaction between parent and child.

This is a very helpful book, especially for new parents. Williams’ verses and chants have strong rhythms, and revel in repetition and alliteration: “Here’s a piece of spaghetti/All slimy and thin/It twirls and it curls/And it tickles your chin.” Although a few of the rhymes seem clunky on the page, they come alive when chanted and accompanied by rhythmic actions.

Michael Martchenko’s colourful, high-contrast illustrations are designed to attract the attention of even very young babies, while older children will enjoy their frenzied action and appreciate the many visual jokes.

These verses offer parents a great starting point for creative play with their babies. The rhymes and actions can be adapted to suit every family’s preferences, and the actions can be varied with the age of the child.