December, 2002

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Review of Sandra Boynton

Dear Goliard,

I attended a Sandra Boynton event and discussion recently and thought I'd let you know how it went in case any other keepers of young goliards in training are interested.

As those of us who frequently read to children are painfully aware, most “Children’s Books” on the shelves these days are absolutely dreadful. Happily for the board book set, Sandra Boynton has added much to the genre that both children and parents can enjoy. Formerly well known for her greeting cards, Boynton started writing children’s books in 1979. Her funny farm animals now populate morning books such as HEY! WAKE UP! and bedtime books such as the aptly named Going to Bed Book. She also amuses in such silliness as But Not the Hippopotamus and Barnyard Dance and educates in such classics as her introduction to fashion Blue Hat, Green Hat. A mother of four, Boynton’s books combine rhyming text with interesting illustrations that results in books that demand to be read over and over.

Ms Boynton recently spoke at a small nearby library to promote her new book and CD “Philadelphia Chickens.” Her third CD, Philadelphia Chickens is comprised of songs that are reminiscent of show tunes and feature such B list celebrities as The Bacon Brothers and Scott Bakula but also offer us the chance to enjoy some legitimate stars. Upon learning that Boynton was starting on a new musical project her friend and neighbor Meryl Streep excitedly asked to be considered for a part. We learned that Kevin Kline is indeed BUSYBUSYBUSY and completed his recording session in a mere 1 ½ hours. Laura Linney was hesitant to participate but was convinced when Please, Can I Keep It? was written just for her. Fifteen Animals was inspired by Boynton’s daughter Darcy who as a youngster named all her stuffed animals. Darcy also appears on the CD in Dinosaur, Dinosaur.

The children in attendance found all this grown up talk incredibly dull, but jumped up to dance when the title song Philadelphia Chickens was played. The adults in the audience were in agreement that the Aaaardvarks (a choral group from the Yale drama school) singing The Intermission Song was the silliest part of the show.

Philadelphia Chickens is 48 minutes of songs that will get kids and their parents singing and dancing. Older children will possibly enjoy using the accompanying book to read along with the lyrics. As we were leaving after a satisfying afternoon, a farmer type turned to me and said "those chickens sure get her done!" I think that sums it up.

NS - New Haven, Ct.