Sandra Boynton: Philadelphia Chickens
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Ages 4-8

This is a CD/Book set. Both are recommended.

First, listen to the CD. You'll be blown away when you find out that's Meryl Streep singing "Nobody Understands Me". I still giggle like a school girl every time I hear her belt out "why does my quickery biffle you so?" Consider this cut next time you see Streep in “Postcards from the Edge”.

Unfortunately, the whole show tunes parody thing is wasted on my kids. In fact, my 5-year-old wants to know why Kevin Kline is "very very busy and [has] got a lot to do and [hasn't] got a minute to explain it all to you". I respond,
"He's telling Mommy to put things in perspective".
"What's ‘perspective’?"
"Drink your juicebox."

In spite of these more sophisticated punch-lines, this CD remains a family favorite. Even my toddler begs for more. Adorned with Sandra Boynton’s familiar illustrations, the accompanying book is a hit. When my daughter gets a little older, we’ll try playing some of the sheet music in the book.

Until then, we’ll look at the pictures and amuse ourselves by trying to guess just exactly what Laura Linney is singing about in "Please, Can I Keep It?".

Added:  Monday, August 23, 2004

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Language: eng