Mama Lisa's Books

An Italian Game called Pindol Pandol

Written by Emanuela Marsura, a schoolteacher from Italy. Emanuela is interested in reviving the old-time games of childhood. A time when all children would play outside together, regardless of age. A time when most games were played with inexpensive objects that everyone can easily find. [...]

Punjabi Song for the Winter Festival Lohri

Lohri is a Winter Bonfire Festival that's celebrated in Punjab, a region of Pakistan and India in January. At night, people sing Punjabi songs and throw popcorn and other offerings on the fire. One aspect of Lohri is the tale of Dulla Bhatti. Bhatti is a Robinhood type figure from the 16th [...]

Lohri – A Punjabi Bonfire Festival in India & Pakistan

Lohri is a Bonfire Festival that takes place in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan after the beginning of winter.  This year it's celebrated on January 13th. Lohri commemorates the passing of the Winter Solstice. An important part of the festival is lighting a bonfire. The light is a [...]

Does Anyone Know Any Urdu Lullabies or Kids Songs?

I received this note a while ago... Hello my Name is Stefanie, I'm from Germany and on Google I was searching for a lullaby in Urdu. Google showed me your website. I'm pregnant in the 14th week and the father is from Pakistan and he also speaks Urdu. That's why I'm searching Urdu lullabies or [...]

Can Anyone Help with a Cuban Rhyme/Finger Play that starts with “Chiquitica así”?

Jeannie Backer wrote to us for help with a Cuban Finger Play. Here's her note... My mother from Cuba used to sing a song/rhyme to usthat I only partially remember, maybe you have heard something similar. It's not a song as much as a cute thing that a child says to adult to ask for

The [...]

About the Song “Cooma Lotta Veesay”

We received the note below with the song “Cooma Lotta Veesay”. Many variations of this song exist, including “Kumala Vista”. It also shares lyrics with the action song called “Flee, Fly, Flo“. Here's the email: “In the late 1950s, we lived near a [...]

Does anyone know this version of Catalina Matelina?

Dennis Lytle wrote to us asking for information about a rhyme: “Any info on the rhyme my parents taught us would be appreciated... I tell you bout vat girl of mine vat looks so sveet and dress so fine, vat come from Dootchland on the Rhine a couple of veeks ago. Her eyes are blue [...]

Make a Dragon Card for The Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year is on February 10th this year. It's the year of the Dragon! The dragon symbolizes power, nobility and ambition. Since dragons are so cool, I decided to make homemade cards featuring them. Fortunately, there's a free tutorial online showing how to draw one. You can purchase [...]

Most Popular Christmas Cookies by State in the USA

Google Trends has released a map of the Christmas cookies most searched for by state. It's interesting how popular Italian Christmas cookies are along the east coast. There's more variety in the westward states. Though interestingly, and perhaps unsurprisingly, the favorite cookies in New Mexico [...]