Yet for all their apparent simplicity, these songs and games perform many useful functions. They not only introduce children to the ideas of love, courtship, marriage, illness and death, they also teach them to sing and dance, and to count and recite the alphabet. Skipping, ball and clapping games develop memory, dexterity and coordination, even leadership qualities!

Each song in this comprehensive collection is accompanied by an introduction, music notation and detailed instruction. Boys and Girls Come Out to Play presents a timely record of this important element of our cultural heritage and will also be welcomed as sheer entertainment by old and young alike.