Crankee Doodle

April 29, 2013
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.

April 1, 2014

PreS-Gr 3-Yankee Doodle went to town, riding on a pony...or did he? Not if he is Crankee Doodle! This amusing work takes a humorous poke at the traditional, albeit nonsensical, patriotic song "Yankee Doodle." As his pony implores him to go into town, Crankee gives entertaining reasons he'd rather not: there are too many people in town, he hates shopping, and thinks he'd look like a fool with a feather in his hat. This first picture book by "Origami Yoda" author Angleberger will have listeners laughing throughout and asking the obvious question, why would you call your hat macaroni? Narrator Rich Orlow gives Crankee Doodle just the right amount of "crankiness" to make this picture book as much fun to listen to as it is to read on one's own. The CD includes two read-along versions; one with sound effects for page turns and one without. Recommended for school and library collections.-Amy Joslyn, Fairport Public Library, Fairport NY

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