Sue Cornelison

Have you ever seen a bear combing his hair? “Down by the bay, Where the watermelons grow, Back to my home I dare not go” is a classic American folk song of unknown origins. Some people may know it as “Down by the Sea.” Author Laura Gates Gavin uses the song as an introduction to the concept of rhyming with such memorable characters as a bee with a sunburned knee, a moose kissing a goose, and a whale with a polka-dot tail, among many others. Some of the lyrics are well-known, while others are new. Children will laugh not only at the funny rhymes but also at the humorous illustrations by Sue Cornelison. What would you think of a hog dancing with a dog?
The book includes a copy of the sheet music for the song, more fun ways to sing “Down by the Bay,” and even a game to play while singing. In addition, a musical, read-along audiobook and printable activities are available at the publisher’s website. Down by the Bay is part of the “American Favorites” series presented by Soundprints and the Smithsonian which celebrates our nation’s deep and diverse musical heritage, from New York to New Orleans, from the mountains of Appalachia to the valley of the Rio Grande. A couple of other titles in the series are The Star-Spangled Banner, a Teacher’s Choice Award Winner, and Take Me Out to the Ballgame. A portion of the publisher’s proceeds from each purchase of this licensed product supports the stated educational mission of the Smithsonian Institution, which is “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.”… (lisätietoja)