Can you keep a secret? Timeless rhymes to share and treasure

Selected by Mark Carthew. Ill. By Jobi Murphy. Random House, 2008.
This collection is a very appealing mix of well known nursery rhymes, songs and lullabies. All the popular favourites such as Mary has a little lamb can be found here as well as lesser known rhymes from different cultures.
The book is well organised into different sections containing nursery rhymes, playtime rhymes, action rhymes, counting rhymes, finger plays and lullabies. Instructions are often given to enhance their use, and this would be helpful for parents and early childhood teachers. The origin of the rhymes is given when known.
Murphy's illustrations are gentle and humourous, and complement each of the rhymes, and the soft but luminous colours are a delight. Each of the sections is colour coded to make it easy to find the rhymes, and a padded cover and ribbon bookmark give it a handsome appearance.
Grandparents would find this a great book to give as a gift, and it is a very useful book to have in the library collection or for kindergarten teachers to have as a handy reference for song and story time.
Pat Pledger