The Green Mother Goose

The Green Mother Goose: Saving the World One Rhyme at a Time

By David Davis & Jan Peck · Illustrated by Carin Berger
Hardcover · Abrams · April 5, 2011


Mother Goose has gone green! This playful picture book “recycles” classic nursery rhymes to cheer on eco-friendly habits—from cloth bags and cage-free hens to smoke-free skies. With witty, read-aloud verse and stunning collages made from ticket stubs, newspapers, and other reused bits, young readers learn that small choices can help our big, beautiful world.

“Together we’ll do it—
We’ll help save the earth…
Come now, rhyme with me,
Let’s turn our hearts loose,
And fly ’round the world
With Green Mother Goose.”
(from the book)

Ages: 4–8 · Themes: Earth Day, reduce-reuse-recycle, kindness to the planet, problem-solving, community action

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About the Book

Classic characters take on Earth-smart habits with a wink and a grin: Old Mother Hubbard brings cloth grocery bags, Old King Coal becomes a better old soul, and Hickety Pickety proudly lays cage-free eggs. Each rhyme invites kids to notice, talk about, and try practical ways to care for the planet—at home, at school, and in their neighborhoods.

What kids love

  • Silly, singable rhymes they already know—now with a green twist

  • Eye-popping collage art full of discoverable details

  • Feel-good actions they can actually do

What educators & families love

  • Easy springboard into Earth Day and year-round stewardship

  • Perfect for read-alouds, choral reading, and discussion

  • Gentle, positive message (no doom—just doable steps)

Eco & Production Notes

  • Printed on recycled paper with agri-based inks

  • Artwork is crafted from creatively recycled materials (tickets, newspapers, and more)

Key Selling Points

  • A joyful Earth Day (and every day) pick for classrooms and libraries

  • Award-winning creative team; books by the authors and illustrator have appeared on many “Best Children’s Books” state lists

  • Strikes the perfect tone: playful, empowering, and classroom-friendly

Classroom Ideas & Activities

  • Rhyme Remix: Choose a nursery rhyme and “green” it—swap in eco actions (reuse bags, turn off lights, plant seeds). Perform as a class.

  • Upcycled Collage Art: Make Carin-style collages with clean packaging, magazines, and paper scraps. Add a caption describing the eco habit.

  • Sort & Save Game: Bring clean recyclables; sort into “recycle / compost / trash.” Discuss local rules.

  • One Small Change: Each student writes/draws one habit to try this week (refillable bottle, shorter showers, turning off taps).

  • Community Map: Mark places that help the planet (library, thrift shop, farmers market, recycling center). Brainstorm a class visit.

[Want printable activity pages or a teacher handout? I can create a 1-page PDF + 300-dpi PNG.]

About the Authors & Illustrator

Jan Peck is the author of many books for young readers, including The Giant Carrot, a Bank Street “Best Children’s Books of the Year” selection and on multiple state lists. She lives in Fort Worth, Texas. Learn more at janpeck.com.

David Davis has written more than a dozen picture books; Jazz Cats and Ten Redneck Babies were named to the Children’s Choice Top 100. He lives in Fort Worth, Texas. More at davidrdavis.com.

Carin Berger is a designer, illustrator, and author known for intricate cut-paper collages crafted from found and reused materials. She divides her time between New York City and rural Vermont. Visit carinberger.com.

Quick Details

  • Title: The Green Mother Goose: Saving the World One Rhyme at a Time

  • Authors: David Davis & Jan Peck · Illustrator: Carin Berger

  • Format: Picture book · Read-aloud rhymes

  • Great for: Earth Day units, STEAM/art tie-ins, environmental clubs, family reading

SEO Helpers (optional)

Meta description (150–160 chars):
Playful “recycled” nursery rhymes + stunning upcycled collages invite kids to care for the planet in The Green Mother Goose—a perfect Earth Day read-aloud.

Focus keyphrase:
The Green Mother Goose book

Alt text ideas:
“The Green Mother Goose picture book cover—eco-themed collage art”
“Child reading The Green Mother Goose during Earth Day lesson”

© Jan Peck • janpeck.com
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