Full of lively stories, jokes, and games for performance, the book also includes 40 songs with melody and guitar chords. Written by outstanding practicing folk performer. Includes 44 illustrations.

"Work songs, love songs, ballads and blues, lullabyies, spirituals, protest songs, and sheer nonsense make up this entertaining collection of 62 traditional and contemporary favorites. The exuberant illustrations manage to be both familiar and dramatic and range in tone from comic exaggeration to understatement and unashamed sentiment. Informal notes at the head of each song give something about history, origin, performance, and possibilities for variation. The notes also express the sense of connection with ordinary people's lives that is at the heart of this collection."--Booklist (starred)

Ragtime tunes, sentimental ballads, and gospel hymns are arranged for the piano by Norman Lloyd with short notes and illustrations for everyone.