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Emotional labeling—now that's an angry duck!—adds to the exuberant charm in this wacky animal roundup.
Outgoing Bear ("Hello, Little Person!") introduces the players and their corresponding moods. Boynton's signature style gives zany animation to her trademark cartoon characters (dog, rabbit and moose, for starters). Facial expression undergoes minor adjustments to convey depth, through slight spacing between the eyes or the angled slant of the nose. Springy rhythmic phrases engage the audience. "Perhaps, like a pig, you are SWEETLY AMUSED, / Or perhaps, like a cow, you're COMPLETELY CONFUSED." Pacing naturally rolls along through its conversational voice and irreverent asides. "You might feel that, somehow, you've lost all your fizz. / Or you're FRAZZLED LIKE A... um...FRAZZLED THING. (I'm not sure what itis.") Some lighthearted fun with a nugget of truth, but it's all at the stodgy bird's expense. "And a difficult mood is not here to stay / Everyone's moods will change day to day / Unless you're that duck. / He's always this way."
Guaranteed to knock the bad mood out of anyone, duck included. (Board book. 2-4)
Boynton began her career as a greeting card illustrator with aspirations of theater directing; but having a family changed her focus, and she began devoting herself full-time to art. Her board books, filled with goofy animal illustrations and rhyming verse, are toddler staples. But their appeal to adults is undeniable, and she has also written a number of humor books for the general public.
Given the rhythmic, buoyant style of her writing, it was only natural that Boynton would become involved in companion music to her books. From the '90s on, several of her titles included accompanying CDs, culminating in the 2002 release of Philadelphia Chickens, a CD-book extravaganza written with composer Michael Ford and featuring musical performances by several high-profile stars.
Who knows what lies ahead for this irrepressible force of nature? If there's one thing Sandra Boynton has proved in the course of her remarkably diverse career, it's that she's not lost her capacity to surprise us. (Thank heavens!)
Anonymous
Posted April 21, 2012
I am reviewing the book called "Happy Hippo, Angry Duck" by Sandra Boynton. The narration is effective and amusing. This is a good book that describes feelings and emotions using Sandra Boynton's cute animals. The expressions of the illustrated animals match the text very well. It also opens up the dialogue between my 3 year old and I, regarding our feelings.
The message is clear: even though you may be angry or grumpy now, moods are transitory so you will feel better again soon. The optimistic ending is most appreciated by this parent.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
Sandra Boynton's newest book is a celebration of moods and moodiness—from happy to angry, and everything in between. In classic Boynton rhyme, and with those captivating characters, the varieties of moods are carefully considered. New York City-based actor Keith Boynton provides the energetic and wry narration for his mother's insightful and funny new book.