The Jackie Morris Book of Classic Nursery Rhymes

A wonderfully illustrated and sumptuous collection of nursery rhymes for all ages, including many favorite rhymes as well as some that will be a delightful discovery. Originally published as The Cat and the Fiddle in 2011, this edition includes a new introduction by Jackie Morris—a spirited defense of the nursery rhyme, which she fears is in danger of being forgotten in a digital world. The beautiful and detailed watercolor paintings combine with more than 40 rhymes to make this a unique treasury and lifetime possession for children and adults of all ages.

"The entire book has a dream-like, timeless quality to it thanks to the exquisite watercolour paintings that grace every spread." —Red Reading Hub

"Beautiful, lyrical, imaginative . . . Opening this book was like opening a treasure chest, full of beauty and wonderful things."  —Dolphin Book blog

"A feast for the eyes and soul . . . Full of sumptuous illustrations." —Books Go Walkabout

"Simple, yet magical and mysterious nursery rhymes are among the treasures of the English language. The loving detail of Jackie Morris's superb watercolour paintings opens them up for children to revel in their humour and timeless enchantment . . . Morris's introduction is a spirited defence of their necessity and vitality in a digital world." —Achuka Book of the Day

"Jackie Morris' beautiful and mystical images complement the rhymes perfectly. This book is rich in colour, imagery and imagination." —Juno

"Kudos to the publisher, Otter-Barry, who have not held back on the production values. You see this real love for books in the superb front and end papers that look for all the world like something from a hand-illustrated Book of Days. Just fabulous." —Letterpress Project

"A sumptuous collection of nursery rhymes, both famous and little-known, accompanied by a series of breath-taking illustrations." —Waterstones Best Children's Gift Books

"Utterly beautiful." —Jo Bowers, Associate Dean, Cardiff Metropolitan University

Jackie Morris's fame has risen to new heights with the the immense success of The Lost Words (with Robert Macfarlane), for which she won the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal in 2019. An author as well as an artist, she still owns a well-thumbed and well-loved collection of nursery rhymes from her own childhood, and is a strong believer in their value for extending children's sense of wonder and pleasure in words. Mrs Noah’s Pockets (with James Mayhew) was longlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award and a White Ravens choice for Best International Picture Book.