Crankee Doodle

Angleberger (the Origami Yoda books)--in his first picture book and his first collaboration with his wife, Bell--delivers some hilarious Americana-flavored trivia through the characters in the traditional yet lyrically puzzling song, "Yankee Doodle." When a colonial-era Yankee announces that he's bored, his pony suggests the pair could go to town. "Town?" replies the man. "No way. I hate going to town. There are too many people in town." For each subsequent nudge from the pony ("You could buy a feather for your hat!"), the Yankee has a long-winded and highly opinionated rant against the idea ("A feather? For my hat? I'd look like a fool"). By book's end, both characters have had meltdowns, prompting a Yankee change of heart and a comically anachronistic trip to town that will have readers laughing. Bell's (Bug Patrol) gouache artwork features crisp lines and swaths of bold color; abundant humorous touches--from a "Ye Olde Shoe Shack!" storefront to the pony's ultra-goofy set of teeth--keep pace with Angleberger's crackling lines. Ages 4-8. Agent: Caryn Wiseman, Andrea Brown Literary Agency. (June)

Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2--Using details from the nonsensical song "Yankee Doodle," this goofy picture book focuses on a conversation between the famous gentleman and his pony, who is trying to cajole his bored owner into taking a trip to town. Crankee Doodle is having none of it, grousing about town being too noisy and chaotic, with people ringing bells, eating pies, and running around. With each additional suggestion from the pony ("You could buy a feather for your hat!" and "You could call it macaroni."), Crankee gets more and more indignant and his arguments sillier. His refutation that the word "macaroni" shouldn't mean "fancy" because lasagna noodles are really fancy is laugh-out-loud funny. Crankee relents in the end, but rather than go to town astride his pony, he rides in style in the backseat of a car, driven by his hooved pet. The cartoon illustrations are big and bold and as comical as the text. Crankee's grouchy diatribes and his pony's affable responses make for a great read-aloud, especially when paired with a sing-along of the classic tune.--Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

A BookPage Best Children's Book of 2013 "He does not want to go to town, buy a hat or wear a feather. But his horse is quite persuasive." —People magazine, Best New Kids' Books "Best-seller Angleberger of Origami Yoda fame takes on picture books, treating a younger audience to his dry and zany wit. . . . A historical hoot full of goofy, eye-rolling goodness."
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"As concepts for picture books go, it's hard to think of one cleverer than this absurdist deconstruction of the familiar song. . . . Readers will cheerfully hum their way through the giddily imagined argument and resolution."
—Horn Book, starred review

"By book's end, both characters have had meltdowns, prompting a Yankee change of heart and a comically anachronistic trip to town that will have readers laughing."
—Publishers Weekly

"In this laugh-out-loud reworking of 'Yankee Doodle, '. . . [Angelberger], author of the Origami Yoda series puts a witty, accessible spin on the familiar song, while Bell's bright, bold gouache images extend the zany humor."
—Booklist
"Crankee's grouchy diatribes and his pony's affable responses make for a great read-aloud, especially when paired with a sing-along of the classic tune."
—School Library Journal