Mother Goose for Grownups


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4 stars; 5 reviews)

Mother Goose for Grownups invites listeners into a whimsical world where familiar nursery rhymes are turned on their heads. In this collection, Guy Wetmore Carryl crafts clever parodies that breathe new life into the beloved tales of childhood, offering a humorous twist that appeals to adult sensibilities.

Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century wit, these playful reinterpretations explore themes of irony and satire, showcasing Carryl's sharp comedic talent. Each poem is a lighthearted romp, inviting listeners to rediscover the joy of these classic stories through a grown-up lens.

With its blend of nostalgia and humor, Mother Goose for Grownups stands out as a unique literary experience, perfect for those who appreciate a clever turn of phrase and a good laugh. Whether you're revisiting childhood favorites or encountering them for the first time, this collection promises to entertain and amuse.

Chapters

Select a chapter to play

To Constance 1:05 Read by Joseph Finkberg
The Admirable Assertiveness of Jilted Jack 3:29 Read by Parrot
The Blatant Brutality of Little Bow Peep 3:38 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
The Commendable Castigation of Old Mother Hubbard 4:00 Read by Rhonda Federman
The Discouraging Discovery of Little Jack Horner 4:50 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
The Embarrassing Episode of Little Miss Muffet 2:39 Read by Ezwa
The Fearful Finale of the Irascible Mouse 3:37 Read by Didier
The Gastronomic Guile of Simple Simon 4:23 Read by David Federman
The Harmonious Heedlessness of Little Boy Blue 2:23 Read by Toby Paradis
The Inexcusable Improbity of Tom, the Piper's Son 3:34 Read by Ruth Golding
The Judicious Judgment of Quite Contrary Mary 3:02 Read by Julie VW
The Linguistic Languor of Charles Augustus Sprague 3:17 Read by Didier
The Mysterious Misapprehension Concerning a Man in Our Town 2:37 Read by Jessica Louise
The Opportune Overthrow of Humpty Dumpty 2:43 Read by Joseph Finkberg
The Preposterous Performance of an Old Lady of Banbury 3:35 Read by Ruth Golding
The Quixotic Quest of Three Blind Mice 4:02 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
The Remarkable Regimen of the Sprat Family 3:35 Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950-2014)
The Singular Sangfroid of Baby Bunting 3:24 Read by David Federman
The Touching Tenderness of King Karl the First 2:54 Read by Ezwa
The Unusual Ubiquity of the Inquisitive Gander 4:11 Read by Rhonda Federman

Reviews

nursery rhymes for adults


(2.5 stars)

If you are a fan of nursery rhymes you might like these little ditties. Some are clever, some overdone stretching alliterations too far. Narration was poor for several but I’m guessing it is because the cadence was off and that can make it different to read. Found nothing memorable or worth listening to again. But You aught to try one for yourself.

Very Entertaining


(5 stars)

This short collection of clever poems was a joy to listen to, and I found myself laughing aloud more than once.