Yankee Doodle - Hardcover

Gary Chalk

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0751370053 ISBN 13: 9780751370058

Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Publishers, 1993

Synopsis

"Yankee Doodle" is a classic nursery rhyme but few people know the background of the song that became America's unofficial anthem during the Revolutionary Wars. This book provides recreations of period costumes, military details and backgrounds.

About this title

From Kirkus Reviews

The American Revolution, reenacted by mice and other animals on hobbyhorses, rather like Redwall's heroics; recounted in verse that can be sung to the mocking redcoat song the rebels defiantly adopted (``Redcoats were surprised to find/Us Yankees set on winning./At Lexington a shot rang out,/It was the war's beginning!''); and augmented with more facts and asides (``Does this mean they're going to free the slaves?'' asks a raccoon/Native American). Depicting the French as frogs is an ancient jibe that won't trouble many; Hessians as gross-looking pigs are more problematic. The point of view is insidiously British; neither side is presented as more worthy, but there's a sort of class-conscious preoccupation with dress, as if the Americans' winning depended on getting their uniforms together. (To be fair, such an idea can be derived from the original song, given in full here; and Chalk takes great care with his authentic depictions of the costumes.) Audience may also be a problem: those old enough for the history might be put off by the illustrations, even though they're lively, clever, comically expressive, and adroitly rendered. Not essential, but a curiosity that may engage some readers (and impulse buyers). (Picture book. 5-9) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

From Publishers Weekly

From its brief introduction explaining that the popular tune "Yankee Doodle" was first sung by British soldiers to mock their Yankee adversaries, this lively book delights as it informs. After an initial spread that displays the music and lyrics for 16 traditional verses of the song, additional, original verses by Chalk and his "text collaborator," Linda Davis, chronicle the American Revolution. The perspective is unorthodox--that of one passionately patriotic mouse (complete with "Revolutionary Tail") named, of course, Yankee Doodle. Set in an elegant period script, the spirited, clever rhymes ("Times were hard, the winter cold, / We really took a bruising. / But General George Washington / Was not too keen on losing") are accompanied by historical data ("the Battle of Bunker Hill actually took place on Breed's Hill"). Chalk's action- and humor-filled illustrations feature a troupe of animals serving as soldiers, with the French represented as frogs and the Germans as pigs. His art provides the crowning touch, creatively combining historical accuracy with child-pleasing whimsy. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Publishers
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0751370053
• ISBN 13: 9780751370058
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32