Fingerplay Collections

Listed below are books that contain fingerplays--these often form the major portion of each Mother Goose Time:

Brown, Marc, illus. Hand Rhymes. New York: Puffin, 1985. ISBN 0140549390.

• "Fourteen fingerplays (some familiar, some not) in picture book format. Each rhyme is illustrated with a colorful picture, with just enough detail to show what's happening. Some of the illustrations are sequential and provide good counting practice. There is also a small boxed drawing next to each line of the rhyme that shows the hand motions to use with the fingerplay. The pictures have the warm colors and friendly coziness which distinguish Brown's work, and they are sure to appeal to the very young audience at which he aims. This book will be useful in many ways, especially as a tool to encourage parents to share fingerplays with their children. Librarians will also find it helpful for toddler story hours. There are many beautifully illustrated Mother Goose picture books, but quality fingerplay books are rare. An attractive book that most libraries will want." --School Library Journal

Cole, Joanna, and Stephanie Calmenson. Pat-a-Cake and Other Play Rhymes. New York: Harper Trophy, 1992. ISBN 0688115330.

• "Adults looking for new ideas for interactive play with babies and toddlers will appreciate this step-by-step introduction to play rhymes. Old favorites are included along with some newer rhymes, and some familiar ones are put to imaginative use. The 30 selections are organized according to parts of the body and each is accompanied by several pen-and-ink illustrations with watercolor washes depicting a child and adult performing the actions.... While the rhymes themselves will appeal to babies, the illustrations are geared to adults, and the book functions more as a how-to manual than a read-aloud."--School Library Journal

Cromwell, Liz and Dixie Hibner. Finger Frolics: Fingerplays for Young Children. Livonia, MI: Partner Press, 1976. ISBN 0933212097.

• "Children have fun rhyming and performing actions to over 350 light and humorous fingerplays that help them develop language skills. Categorized by topic, children will love chanting rhymes about safety, the circus, holidays, the weather and more." --Gryphon House, Inc.

Cromwell, Liz. Finger Frolics 2. Albany, OR: Partner Productions, 1997. ISBN 0933212119.

• "Three hundred new fingerplays for the 21st century. Finger Frolics 2 provides a multitude of poems, rhymes, and activities to use with young children. The fingerplays cover a wide range of topics from fantasy to the very practical. Choose fingerplays on health and fitness, life skills, ecology and recycling. ASL (American Sign Language) fingerplays, as well as traditional topics." --Gryphon House, Inc.

Hansen, Charles A., and Cynthia S. Stilley, eds. Ring a Ring o' Roses: Fingerplays for Preschool Children. Flint, MI: Flint Public Library, 2002. ISBN 0965458911.

• Now in its 11th edition, "this 'old standby,' found on the desks of thousands of children's librarians and preschool teachers throughout the world, has a new look along with reliable and new content. With larger print and a spiral binding, the book's useful content is matched by its usable format. This storyteller's handbook started 35 years ago as several sheets of paper stapled together for the library's Storyhour staff. Over the years and 80,000 copies later, it has grown to include over 365 finger plays with instructions for each poem. Fingerplays are divided into all kinds of usable categories, indexed by subject and first line. Some fingerplays are new, many are classic, and there is a section of Spanish fingerplays as well."
  --Flint Public Library

Poulsson, Emilie. Finger Plays for Nursery and Kindergarten (70th ed., Reprint). Mineola, NY: Dover Publications, 1971. ISBN 0486225887.

• This famous volume presents beautiful pen drawings of the finger positions for 18 fingerplays--like how to form an umbrella or a caterpillar with your fingers. Musical notation for each rhyme is included. Titles of the fingerplays include "All for Baby," "A Little Boy's Walk," "The Counting Lesson," and "The Lambs." A classic.

Random House Staff. Fingerplays and Songs for the Very Young. New York: Random House, Inc., 2001. ISBN 0375804765.

• This board book from Random House's Lap Library Series is perfect for little fingers. The illustrations are inviting; reminiscent of the artwork of Tomie DePaola, they create a cozy mood through representing children, caregivers, and animals at play. Simple directions for finger movements follow each rhyme and are italicized. Favorites like "Where Is Thumbkin?," "Five Little Monkeys," and "The Wheels on the Bus" are included.

Totline Staff. 1001 Rhymes & Fingerplays. Torrance, CA: Totline Publications, 1994. ISBN 0911019650.

• This versatile book, by the staff of Totline Magazine contains rhymes and fingersplays, arranged by broad themes, which include "Me & My Community," "Nature," and "Celebrations & Special People." Also featured are fingerplays, honoring Martin Luther King, Jr., Hanukkah, and endangered animals. The directions are quite simple, such as "Open arms wide," "Form circle with arms," "Rub Tummy," "Pretend to Swim Underwater." While there are some traditional rhymes/fingerplays included, most are originals of the Totline staff.

Home ~ Guides/Manuals ~ Journal Articles ~ Reference Books
Baby Books ~ Fingerplay Collections ~ Musical Recordings
Props/Puppets ~ Potential Partners ~ Web Resources