Risseldy, Rosseldy

Reviving a timeless American folk song, this children’s book relates the hilarious story of a husband and his impossibly lazy wife. Following the couple from their marriage through the wife’s nonsensical antics over the years, the featured tune contains a clever tongue-twister as its chorus, which grows more elaborate and entertaining as the song progresses. The fully notated version is included along with the complete lyrics and a detailed history of this beloved narrative. Showcased with a variety of wonderful illustrations, this handbook highlights a melody that has been cherished since the late 19th century, covered by Burl Ives, Hedy West, Ed McCurdy, Ian Campbell, Pete Seeger, and Chubby Parker. Guidelines for downloading the accompanying complimentary song are also provided.

John M. Feierabend is a professor of music and the director of the music education division at the Hartt School of the University of Hartford. He is the author of The Crabfish, The Derby Ram, Father Grumble, The Frog and the Mouse, My Aunt Came Back, and There Was a Man and He Was Mad. He lives in West Hartford, Connecticut. Ashley Poulin is a recent graduate of the Hartford Art School in Connecticut where she studied illustration and art history. She lives in Marlboro, New York.