Down by the River: Afro-Caribbean Rhymes, Games and Songs for Children (Paperback)

Lots of new ideas for playground games here and an excellent way to introduce a new culture.The vivid illustrations by Caroline Binch really bring the book to life and draw the reader in to the life and customs of the region. The rhythms make this a wonderful book to read aloud and will have you clapping along. || The rhymes, games and songs remembered by Hallworth from her own Trinidadian childhood reflect the similarites and differences between British and Afro-Caribbean children's experience, and she points out in her introduction that many have their roots in European originals, adapted to Caribbean life. Binch's characteristic illustrations echo the atmosphere, soak up the sunshine and greatly enhance the attraction of the book. Traditional children's rhymes are repetitive, rhythmical and frequently nonsensical, funny, sometimes frightening and always memorable. This is a book in which some readers will revisit favourites and others discover new. || The whole collection hums with colour and vitality. || A lively and attractive collection. || The artwork of Caroline Binch, with wonderful figurative and action portrayal, is gorgeous.