Parents who expect something in line with the original nursery rhyme will be surprised. This is more Mother Goose meets Law & Order, albeit a G-rated version.

Though the villainous slant will turn off some parents, many will enjoy it for the sumptuous and amusing illustrations. There's a lot to explore on every page spread; if kids keep their eyes open, they can catch cameos from other "Hey Diddle Diddle" cohorts. It's interesting to note the way money is treated in the pictures -- from the overflowing edges when Dish and Spoon are living the high life to the scattered broken remains when they bottom out at the mercy of the loan sharks.