Belly Laughs and Musical Joy: A Tribute to Philadelphia Chickens
As a mom of two energetic little ones, I’m always on the lookout for ways to make our evenings more enjoyable — especially when bedtime can sometimes feel like wrestling an octopus! One particularly chaotic night, I stumbled upon Philadelphia Chickens: A Too-Illogical Zoological Musical Revue by Sandra Boynton. With the promise of musical joy contained within a colorful cover, I thought it might provide us not just some much-needed entertainment, but also a delightful way to unwind.
From the very first page, my kids were captured by the quirky characters — adorable chickens, remarkable cows, and even a few outrageous ducks that made them giggle with delight. The book is a full-color songbook packed with 17.5 illustrated story-poems, accompanied by an orchestral CD featuring talents like Meryl Streep and Patti LuPone. The blend of whimsical illustrations and creative lyrics — which are anything but conventional — created an immediate connection with my little ones.
As we read (and danced in place), I was surprised to find myself lost in the delightful absurdity of it all. The song “Be Like a Duck” resonated with my preschooler, who had just learned about different animals—she flapped her arms enthusiastically as she sang along. Meanwhile, my toddler clapped his hands to the rhythm of “Remarkable Cows," eyes wide with a mixture of curiosity and sheer joy. It turned out that the sillier the lyrics, the more they loved it, and we ended up having impromptu dance parties in the living room.
The illustrations are vintage Boynton — bright, bold, and filled with expressions that are impossible not to chuckle at. One page featured a disgruntled cow lamenting its plight, and my son, despite being too young to read, pointed and giggled at the cow’s frown. It’s moments like these that make me treasure storytime — witnessing my children interact with the narrative, recalling these silly characters long after the book is closed.
One unforgettable reaction came from my daughter, who, after hearing “Please, Can I Keep It?” for the hundredth time, began her own rendition, imploring her stuffed animals into her arms with the same earnestness. In that moment, it wasn’t just the book bringing us joy; it was the magic of imagination flowing out of her.
In conclusion, Philadelphia Chickens is more than just a read-aloud; it’s an experience that unites parents and kids over laughter and music. I highly recommend this book for ages 1–6 (or even those young at heart!). It’s a perfect gift for new parents, whimsical souls, or anyone looking to create cherished memories with their little ones. For us, it has become a beloved bedtime staple that we reach for again and again.
So, if you’re tired of the ordinary and ready for some extraordinary fun, this is the book to add to your family’s collection. Happy reading (and singing)!
Dive into the delightful world of Philadelphia Chickens, where laughter and tunes take flight! >>
