This well-researched book offers accessible tools for newbies and veterans alike to evaluate nursery rhymes through a variety of lenses. Lanni provides cultural and historical context for many storytime favorites, inviting readers to reflect on which rhymes and songs might be most welcoming, inclusive, and beneficial based on community and program priorities. A thought-provoking professional development title to encourage discussion amongst storytime providers.

Amy Seto Forrester, author of Search for a Giant Squid and former youth services supervising librarian, USA

This timely and important book details the many benefits of nursery rhymes for early childhood literacy, while highlighting the harmful histories and resulting trauma that certain rhymes and songs may cause. Lanni provides practical tips and tools for librarians, educators, and caregivers to select the most appropriate nursery rhymes for their audiences and to utilize them intentionally to increase children's critical early literacy skills.

Beth Crist, Director of Special Projects, Maine State Library, USA

With librarians often stretched for time and resources, Using Nursery Rhymes with Today's Kids, ” delivers a powerhouse of practical inspiration and easy application. Packed with relatable examples and thoughtful insights, Lanni provides context, songs, activities, and prompts for inquiry that are bound to make storytime more intentional and joyful. This is a resource that helps librarians 'know better and do better,' empowering them to strengthen connections with families and build early literacy skills through the magic of music.

Kate Compton, MLIS, Early Literacy Consultant, USA

In this informative and thought-provoking book, Lanni presents facts from both a historical perspective and a modern one, and she does so without judgment. She allows space for each reader and storytime presenter to digest the facts given and to make their own decisions based on where they are in their journey and the audiences and communities they serve. Deep down, librarians and teachers want to do what's best for children, and this book provides the information to do just that.

Andrea Cleland, Yogibrarian, USA