Some of the rhymes have made up words that are fun to repeat like, “Ri Ri Ri Rita Fala Fala Fita”and “Tiki Tiki Sambo Tori Limbo”. Children have great fun repeating these made-up words and pretending that they can speak exotic languages.
Then there is the hard of hearing old man with a beard that comes down to his belt. His wife told him to go to the souk to get her a dress but he came back with cucumbers instead.
The rhyme “Abdul Samad” for example, may have been used to release feelings of jealousy in children of a new baby. The newborn baby is put in out of context places which allows the child to laugh at the ridiculousness of the situation.
In “Bolbol Balabel” the traditional rhyme can be understood on two levels, one is a bird jumping from tree to tree and bringing news and two could be the underlying traditional meaning which reflects the great yearning and waiting for a long absent relative in this case the brothers. Bolbol, the bird that has the freedom to fly afar and see the road ahead from top of trees brings the good news that the absent ones are coming back and so the call is out to prepare for their arrival and to rejoice.
"Walking Camel" or "Jamal Mashi" Rhyme is repeated during a group game which encourages concentration and makes children laugh. The rhyme is simple, with each syllable the children make a movement that goes with the rhyme:
Jamal Mashi ( camel walking) – fingers make walking movement
Al mamashi ( on legs) – hands are put on thighs
Ijeet ashiddoh ( I tried to pull it) - hands on chest making pulling movement.
Khataf shahi ( stole my head wear) - hands on head.
There is a leader to this game and after a few practice turns the leader starts saying the syllable while making the wrong movement. The kids who fall for this are out of the game and so on.
Compiled By: Taghreed Najjar
Illustrated By: Hiba Farran
These traditional nonsense rhymes combine familiar and strange out of context elements and situations as well as made-up words that have rhythm. They also deal with serious issues that reflect fears and situations in the culture. Fear of wild animals that prey on their livestock. Caring for animals.Waiting for loved ones to come back from their travels.
Rhymes in this book include:
1- Re Re Reeta
2- Tangerine Tangerine
3- Grandpa's Bald Head
4- Saadah The Monkey
5- Bolbol Balabel
6- Under The Chair
7- This Old Man
8- Abdul Samad
9- Tiki Tiki Sambo
10- Walking Camel
11- Sarandah Ya Sarandah
12- Suzzaneh
Published in 2013, 18 Pages, Size: 15 x 21, Board Book
