Fifty nursery rhymes have been given visual treatment by fifty different artists from the world of comics and graphic novels, picture books, and cartooning in this scintillating volume. Some artists take a literal approach and others take familiar verses to unexpected places. Cyril Pedrosa’s “This Little Piggy” is darkly funny, Drew Weing’s “Baa Baa Black Sheep” delightfully surprising, Mo Oh’s “Hush Little Baby” comic and tender. Craig Thompson heightens the sensuality and romance of “The Owl and the Pussycat” with his visual storytelling. And who knew “The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe” was an aging, guitar playing hippie running a daycare? Artist Lucy Knisley did. Leonard S. Marcus’s introduction and Chris Duffy’s editor’s note offer insightful commentary on the nursery rhyme’s place in both literature and literacy (although suggesting the text of this particular volume is accessible to beginning readers is a stretch with the varied fonts and nonlinear layout on many pages). Despite the nursery rhyme theme, older children and teens will find pleasure and inspiration in the pages of this singular, brilliant work. (Age 7 and older)

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

First Second is very proud to present Nursery Rhyme Comics. Featuring fifty classic nursery rhymes illustrated and interpreted in comics form by fifty of today's preeminent cartoonists and illustrators, this is a groundbreaking new entry in the canon of nursery rhymes treasuries.

From New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast's "There Was a Crooked Man" to Bad Kitty author Nick Bruel's "Three Little Kittens" to First Second's own Gene Yang's "Pat-a-Cake," this is a collection that will put a grin on your face from page one and keep it there.

Each rhyme is one to three pages long, and simply paneled and lettered to ensure that the experience is completely accessible for the youngest of readers. Chock full of engaging full-color artwork and favorite characters (Jack and Jill! Old Mother Hubbard! The Owl and the Pussycat!), this collection will be treasured by children for years to come.