*Mockingbird by Allan Ahlberg

Mockingbird by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Paul Howard. Candlewick Press, 1998. 24 pages.

Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-4
Recommended for: ages 0-4

Bottom Line:  Young children will love Ahlberg’s sweet version of this classic lullaby.

Hush little baby, don’t say a word…  How many times have we sung this?  Yet after the first verse, isn’t it hard to keep the following verses straight?  (And whoever thought that a diamond ring would make a baby stop crying obviously didn’t know babies!)

Allan Ahlberg has taken this classic song and written new words for the old tune.  Set in the Victorian era, the song follows one special day in the life of a baby and his family.  Ahlberg wrote this after the death of his wife (and often co-author and illustrator), Janet.  Paul Howard, however, captures the song’s story perfectly with sweet, comforting illustrations.

Easy to memorize, this book is sure to be enjoyed and is a wonderful way to finish a day…

Tired little baby, sleepyhead
Momma’s gonna tuck you in your bed,
Close your eyes, don’t say a word
Maybe have a dream of a Mockingbird.

Note: Although this is currently out of print, it is often available through the library, and multiple used copies are available on Amazon, and they are worth watching for at booksales.

Cautions: None 

Overall Value: 5 (out of 5)

• Worldview value: 5
• Artistic value: 5

Categories: Picture Book, Read-Aloud
Cover image from Amazon.