GOIN’ TO BOSTON

Riding along, a little girl inspires a parade of people as she travels by bicycle to visit Boston Common. Following the verses of a 1920s Appalachian folk song, she is soon joined by a horse-drawn cart; a tractor towing a pig; and a family riding in their Model T. The caravan continues to grow as it is joined by a shepherd and his flock, a bus full of people and chickens, and even a small band. The repetitive verses carry the groups to the Common where they sing, dance, eat, play, and relax. A closing illustration features an idyllic scene as the people enjoy the afternoon in the park. Simple line illustrations shaded in soft colors illustrate the ever-growing group of travelers. A note from the author and sheet music follow the text. While there is some merit to having simple songs available in picture books for group sing-alongs and the repetition will encourage joining in, an unfortunate coupling of rather plain illustrations with a very, very long song may limit the audience. (Picture book. 3-7)