Mother Goose in Prose

"Mother Goose in Prose" by L. Frank Baum is a treasury of reimagined nursery rhymes crafted into full-bodied stories for children, capturing the charm of late 19th-century storytelling. It takes simple, well-known verses like "Little Boy Blue" and "Humpty Dumpty" and spins them into engaging tales with characters and life lessons designed to captivate young minds. Baum seeks to keep the playful, musical spirit of Mother Goose alive while adding layers of meaning and background to these cherished figures. In the beginning, the author shares heartfelt thoughts on the lasting appeal of Mother Goose's rhymes, highlighting their importance across generations. He stresses how these songs create a lasting bond between children and those who care for them, stirring feelings of nostalgia and happy memories. The book then launches into the story of "Sing a Song o' Sixpence," with Gilligren, a young boy who chases after his dreams of wealth, and the misadventures along the way. The story displays his upbeat attitude and cleverness as he deals with many fanciful situations, coming to an ingenious ending that shows off Baum's fun approach to telling stories.