Pickin' Peas
Author:
Illustrator:
Margaret Read MacDonald
Pat Cummings
I read this delightful folktale in an 1897 issue of WORKMAN, a journal of African-American affairs. It was collected in Calhoun, Alabama. Little Girl plants a garden of peas, but Mr. Rabbit eats her crop. She catches him, but he offers to dance for her and soon escapes. It is the delightful singing refrain and Pat Cumming's bright and close-up illustrations which make this book such a hit with kids. And with that sassy rabbit peering out from the book jacket, it jumps right off the shelf into their hands.
Categories
Children's Books: Picture Books
Children's Books: Activities suggested for books
Story origins: Alabama
Singing Tales
Editions
Paperback
2014
August House
32 pages
978-1-939160-83-6
Quotes
"rollicking read-aloud" "The offbeat graphics crackle with delight at the tall-tale doings."
Parenting Magazine
The pictures work well from a distance and the strong text balances the visuals.
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, Sept, 1998 Janice del Negro
The retelling is fresh and is anchored by the repetition of the bouncy, catchy refrain. The illustrations are bold, bright, and action-packed
School Library Journal
A perfect read-aloud, this story brims with rhythm and energy. Cumming's characters have as much personality as the text itself.
Kirkus Reviews
The retelling is fresh and anchored by the repetition of the bouncy, catchy refrain. The illustrations are bold, bright, and action-packed.
Booklist July 1998
Awards
Tennessee Volunteer State Award
Children's Catalog 19th ed.
Parenting Magazine Reading Magic Award
Best Books for Children 7th ed.
Bowker Best Books for Children
2002
Wisconsin Golden Archer Award