Customer Reviews

Philadelphia Chickens: A Too-Illogical Zoological Musical Revue

5 star:		(151)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Before I could listen to the rest of the CD that comes with the song book, imaginatively illustrated and presented, a friend of mine practically snatched out of my hands to hear what I'd been raving about. My introduction to "The Philadelphia Chickens" was on the TODAY SHOW (pre-Christmas 2002). I never heard a word about it after the interview so I surmised that the "Chickens" was tossed on a stack with the myriad of books released for the big holiday rush. Being a musician and a collector of Broadway musical scores, I found this to be a "kiddie" musical. The lyrics are clever and sung with integrity. The sound is big and expansive. All the songs are slightly nutty, but have very plausible messages, like the girl who is too short to reach the chocolate chip cookies, and the ardvaark who think's he should be in the "dancing cow line". So far I've bought three copies. And parents! This won't drive you crazy either. In fact, I bet after the tree comes down and the kids return to school, dad will have that CD in his car for a nice chuckle on the way to work. The piano music and lyrics are part of the boook, "Philadelphia Chickens", with fanciful stories and illustrations. It's intelligent, too!! It will make such a welcome, refreshing gift or just an enduring book and CD designed to bring smiles to all. (Or, except as the author says on the cover, "to everyone except those who are 43!")
And, speaking from a childhood experience, if your little one is home sick in bed, these songs and stories will make a loving get-well tonic.

I think our children and grandchildren will regard Sandra Boynton as we and our parents regard Dr. Seuss. As usual, her stories are adorable. I saw highlights on the today show this morning and had to go buy it today. My daughter's a little young for it (7 months) but her 2 year old friends loved the music. It's a children's CD I like and do not find annoying (such as those by that purple creature).

The book is well done. There is a page for each of the songs with an illustration. There is also sheet music and lyrics for each song in the back of the book.

I'm sure we'll cherish this one for years to come!

It's a dazzling, illustrated book. It's a rollicking musical. It's Sandra Boynton at her very best as she and collaborator, Michael Ford, bring their "imaginary musical revue," Philadelphia Chickens, to life on your stage. Open the book as the curtain goes up, and follow along as you listen to an all-star cast on the accompanying CD. Or meet at the piano to sing and play along, using the words and music in part two of the book. Ms Boynton's clever lyrics are rich in humor and wit, and complemented by her endearing bold, bright and busy, signature animal illustrations. Philadephia Chickens is an exuberant, fun-filled, manic romp that engages and captivates, and "youngsters" from 3 to 93 will revel in all the fun.

Yeah! This is a fantastic book/CD for my whole family. Though we are all above the recommended ages. (Our youngest is 9) We have had a great time with this musical. On road trips it has replaced our normal sing along songs. The laughed so hard the first time I heard it I was in tears. The kids love it as much as I do. This is a delight for all ages. High praise by the whole family, including my dog named Bob.

This is a great CD for family fun in the car or at home. My children and I enjoy dancing around to the happy beat. The lyrics are clever and witty, and easy for children to memorize. (My 2 1/2 yr old daughter is always singing these songs.) This is a great and interesting alternative to other kids music. The book is another great Boynton book with colorful and charming illustrations.

This music is enjoyed by us all. I dare you to keep your feet still while listening to this great music! Once again Boyton and Ford created a masterpiece!

Based upon the text and drawings alone, I (age 55) bought two copies of Philadelphia Chickens, one for me and one for the birthdays of my sister and brother-in-law (ages 51). My sister told me that she and her husband were memorizing nonsense poetry to keep their minds sharp and, certainly, there's plenty of nonsense to be had here. This book, which includes a CD of the darling music to accompany the poetry, is not just for children. Is it OK for me to sing "Busy Busy Busy" as I walk to work from the parking lot? I think so. Mommies and daddies must purchase this book for their children's entertainment and, if they have no children, they must buy it for their inner child.

This CD/book set was an impulse purchase for my granddaughters when they were six months and two-and-a-half. What an incredible find! You just have to laugh out loud at the funky lyrics, set to music that will have the whole family dancing. Seriously! Oh, you don't think you'll really dance? Well try it and see!

The older sister claimed at least six of the songs as her favorites ("Nanna, I like THIS ONE the best!") and the baby would drop everything and listen as soon as "Belly Button" started playing.

"Philadelphia Chickens" won't wear out its welcome -- many thanks to the brilliant Sandra Boynton and her cast of amazing performers. I've bought two copies of the CD for myself and wound up giving them away -- well, I meant to lend them but couldn't seem to get them back. DO give a toddler this wonderful gift, but you'd better get your own as well. It's a real ray of sunshine!

I have bought a lot of children's books and music. This is the most delightful, funfilled book with music I have ever
seen or heard. It's quality from beginning to end. I am buying this for children I don't normally give a gift to....it's something both the parents and kids will find absolutely wonderful!!

I bought this when my daughter was 4 months old. Yes, I know, a little early, but we spend a lot of time listening to music, and I wanted something that was oriented to kids.
She seems to enjoy it, and I definitely do. The songs will certainly ear-worm you (esp. Snuggle Puppy), but they are really quite amusing, and a lot of fun. I think that as she gets to the point where she wants to listen to the same thing over and over again, I won't find these songs nearly as annoying as some of the Elmo & Barney stuff out there (I hope, I hope!).

I like it for babies, because the songs are easy to learn for parents to sing along to. Toddlers love it -- my 4 year old niece knows the words and gets the jokes in the songs. This CD is most definitely worth the money, as it will get much use through the years.

We also have a large collection of Sandra Boynton's board books, which we love.