A Knife and a Fork and a Bottle and a Cork.

A Knife and a Fork and a Bottle and a Cork. A Knife and a Fork and a Bottle and a Cork Howard Schrager, author Sarah Madsen, illustrator Lemon Tree Press P.O. Box 841, Santa Cruz, CA 95061 9780964484634, $12.95, www.lmntreepress.com "A Knife and a Fork and a Bottle and a Cork ... That'show you spell New York! Discover the 50 States Through Riddle-Rhymes" is a fabulous collection of Riddle Rhymes that lead thereader to spell the names of all 50 states, one by one. Using creativeconnections that encourage young reader-detectives to "hear"the magic spelling encoded ion each joyous riddle -rhyme. The process ofunlocking the Riddle Rhyme stimulates artistic centers in their minds/brains, which are becoming increasingly devalued in favor of more formalabstract learning methods. The Riddle Rhymes also are a fun travelactivity, stimulating interest in geography as well as actual spelling.Riddle -Rhymes work for personal of all ages, in different ways. AuthorSchrager says, "Every person, and every group brings somethingdifferent to the activity. They become a kind of mirror of our thoughtprocesses and our emotions." The black and white humorousillustrations of Sarah Madsen add to the brain-twister tease effect ofthe Riddle Rhymes. In addition to 50 Riddle -Rhymes for 50 states, thereare a list of states with capitals and name origins at the end of thebook, along with some suggestions for Body Geography, a list of one factper state, and a list of states by heart, to help memorize the 50 statesin alphabetical order. "A Knife and a Fork and a Bottle and a Cork..." is the new poetry out loud approach to learning, which is tonsof fun as well as educational!