Lamb — yes, lamb! That’s the start of the popular 19th century nursery rhyme about a girl named Mary and her faithful little lamb...
It’s a rhyme, it’s a song (by Paul McCartney!), and it has also been used as inspiration for picture books.
After singing along the classic nursery rhyme, why not explore these wonderful and clever adaptations:
Mary Had a Little Glam by Tammi Sauer; illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Mary as a fashionista! Meet Mary, a style-conscious little gal who is NOT afraid to shine and to accessorize. And she is also willing to share her glamorous tips with all of her classmates.
Maria Had a Little Llama | Maria Tenia una Llamita by Angela Dominguez
One of my personal favorites, this bilingual edition features a Peruvian inspired cast: Maria and her llamita. And there is so much to see in her beautiful Peruvian village! As an added bonus: author/illustrator Angela Dominguez has donated some of the original art to our Children’s Literature Research Collection. View the art on our digital collections page (or make an appointment with CLRC’s curator to see it in person.)
Mary Had a Little Lamp by Jack Lechner; illustrated by Bob Staake
Kids can get attached to all sorts of things and in this quirky, offbeat adaptation, Mary goes everywhere with her desk lamp — "the bendy, gooseneck kind." This makes for a funny read, with text that stays true to the rhythm of the classic rhyme.
Mary as a scientist! It’s a modern take on Mary as resourceful and inventive. She wants a friend and she wants a pet, so she sets out to solve that problem through science. Girl power in a fun, creative read!
Visit your neighborhood library to find these books and more!
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