"I Saw Esau: The Schoolchild's Pocket Book" is a collection of traditional children's rhymes and folklore compiled by Iona and Peter Opie, first published in 1947 and reissued in 1992 with illustrations by Maurice Sendak.
### Overview:
1. **Compilation of Rhymes**: The book is a rich anthology of over 170 rhymes, songs, and chants traditionally passed down among children. These range from well-known nursery rhymes to lesser-known schoolyard chants.
2. **Themes and Content**: The rhymes cover a variety of themes, including humor, play, teasing, defiance, and the realities of school life. Many of the verses reflect the wit, resilience, and resourcefulness of children as they navigate their social worlds.
3. **Historical and Cultural Insights**: Iona and Peter Opie, renowned folklorists, provide context for the rhymes, offering insights into their origins, meanings, and variations. The collection captures the oral tradition of children's folklore, preserving a part of cultural history.
4. **Illustrations by Maurice Sendak**: The 1992 reissue features illustrations by Maurice Sendak, adding a visual dimension that complements and enhances the text. Sendak's drawings bring the rhymes to life with his distinctive and expressive style.
5. **Educational and Entertaining**: "I Saw Esau" serves both as a delightful read for children and as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts of folklore and children's literature. The book offers a glimpse into the playful and sometimes mischievous world of childhood.
"I Saw Esau" remains a cherished collection, celebrated for its preservation of traditional rhymes and its contribution to understanding children's cultural expressions.
