A Peaceable Kingdom : The Shaker Abecedarius

by Alice Provensen

Other authorsMartin Provensen, Richard Meran Barsam (Afterword)
Paperback, 1981

Status

Available

Call number

JP A Pro c1

Publication

Puffin (1981), Paperback, 48 pages

ISBN

0140503706 / 9780140503708

Description

An illustrated alphabet rhyme that includes the animals from alligator to zebra.

User reviews

LibraryThing member cmiller05
Instructional -- given to Shaker children to learn the Alphabet through animals and rhyme
LibraryThing member jrozean0128
This poem is written in such a way that the first word in each line or verse follows the order of the alphabet. It is taken from the Shaker Manifesto dated 1882. The version I read was compiled and illustrated in 1981. So this poem is a lyrical play on the letters of the alphabet and animal names
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that correspond to each letter. Even a seasoned zoologist might be challenged by this little poem as the obscure animals of ichneumon, basilisk, and ibex are listed. Achilles’ trusty semi-divine Xanthos also makes an appearance for the letter ‘X.’

The rhythm and rhyme of this cute little poem is very catchy. I was intrigued by it simplicity and its remarkable beauty. I was also intrigued by the history associated with the little poem. It was a rhyme that was undoubtedly heard a lot in Shaker school houses and communities.

One obvious use of this book in today’s schools is to use it as a means to study the alphabet with you children. Another application could be a scientific one. What is a ibex or a Ichneumon? What kind of animals are you children familiar with, and which ones have you puzzled? Still another use would be in social studies. Who were the Shakers? When and how did they live? And how do they fit into the history of the United States.
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LibraryThing member nowthatsoriginal
Alligator, beetle, porcupine, whale,
Bobolink, panther, dragonfly, snail,
Crocodile, monkey, buffalo, hare...
and the lilting rhymes continue accompanied by delightfully whimsical illustrations. In the hat maker's work shop is an Ocelot, pheasant, wolverine, auk, and everyone is clearly comfortable
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with one another as it should be in a peaceable kingdom.
This book is great fun to simply pore over the pictures and try to find some of the more elusive animals, but the jaunty rhythm of the words enhance the pleasure.
Long after the child has mastered the alphabet, I'm sure this book will still be a favorite. It is mine.
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LibraryThing member timazon
Book runs through the alphabet showing illustrations of various objects, animals etc. starting with letters of the alphabet.
ages three to five, No Plot.

Call number

JP A Pro c1

Barcode

4873
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