Sandra Boynton
Sandra Boynton's Amazing Cows
An Interview with the Author
Q: Why did you want to write Amazing Cows?
SB: I felt I was ready to move beyond chickens and pigs, to really take it to the next level.
Q: But aren't there a number of pigs and chickens in this new book of yours?
SB: Oh well, yes, an artist can't just leave chickens behind altogether. And of course the throughline of pigs in my work over the years is critical.
Q: Describe your book. What's in it, who is it for?
SB: Certainly, Amazing Cows is a book with lots of amazing cows in it. It's for people who like books with lots of amazing cows.
Q: What was the hardest part of writing this book?
SB: Now and then, I would write something and suddenly realize it has maybe same basis in reality. So then I had to carefully rework it until I was pretty certain that it was total nonsense. It takes vigilance and discipline.
Q: What advice do you have to writers who are just starting out?
SB: Be yourself. Eat a balanced diet. Remember to say "I love you."
Q: There's a free download that comes with the book. But it seems to actually have nothing at all to do with cows. Can you explain this?
SB: It's a full-length recording of Ravel's "Bolero," arranged for orchestra and kazoos. There's a limerick in Amazing Cows that mentions this performance, and so I thought it only fair to make the recording available. I imagine it will change people's lives. Though not necessarily for the better.
Q: What's next for you? Where do you go from here?
SB: I don't want to give too much away. It's just too soon. But okay, Ducks.
Contributor: Workman Publishing
Reviews
Amazing Cows
Sandra Boynton
A note of caution to all readers! The absurdity in this book may cause severe laughter not only among the very young but also among the very old. Boynton's book contains knock-knock jokes, limericks, short stories, puns, and other silly fictional information about cows. The cartoon-like illustrations are full of humor in themselves and the text of the book alone would fail to be as funny. This book seems to be designed to mainly attract an audience of early to middle readers; however, some of the meanings of the puns, such as "Moozart," would be missed by too young of an audience. At first glance, it would seem obvious that this book holds no educational value and is written purely for entertainment; however, after further thought, this proves to be untrue. For instance, if a teacher is introducing a writing or history unit about poetry, this book would provide a humorous but accurate method for introducing students to limericks. Children often dread writing poetry but presenting it to them in a fun package might provoke greater interest. A teacher could also use this book to promote a discussion about puns with students. The table of contents could also be a useful teaching tool. Overall, Boynton's creatively humorous book is not only useful for entertainment but also for some educational fun. 2010, Workman, $10.95. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Justina Engebretson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780761163718
Moo, Baa, La La La!
Sandra Boynton
This board book is a simple book of animal sounds that allows the child to interact. It allows the child to correct the pig sounds and encourages a child to make their own noise at the end when the animals finally get quiet. Noises of cows, sheep, pigs, rhinoceroses, dogs, cats, ducks, and horses are presented. The book is written in rhyme as well, so young children will soon be able to recite the book as it is read aloud. The pictures are drawn simply in cartoon style with plain-colored backgrounds. This is a great book for very young toddlers who would enjoy learning and making the animal sounds as the book is read aloud. 2004 (orig. 1982), Little Simon, $9.99. Ages 1 to 3. Reviewer: Marcie Flinchum Atkins (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780689870279
Night-Night, Little Pookie
Sandra Boynton
Little Pookie, young anthropomorphic pig of other Boynton adventures, is told that it is time for bed. And so begins a typical bedtime dialog between mother and little one. Mother finds the hiding Pookie. He then chooses between two pairs of pajamas--half from each--brushes his teeth, hides under the covers for a surprise, and receives his three kisses goodnight. Brief rhymes, with parenthetical comments, lead to the peaceful tucking in. The final pages in this board book are filled with love, just right to read before sleep. The simplicity of the text is complemented by the deceptively simple colored drawings. Few props are needed to follow the actions shown sometimes in vignettes and in two double-page scenes. The focus is on the expressive faces and the obvious affection between mother and child. 2009, Robin Corey Books/Random House Children's Books, $5.99. Ages 2 to 4. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780375854095
Philadelphia Chickens
Sandra Boynton
In an attempt to create a CD that would interest children and expose them to a variety of musical forms, Sandra Boynton has teamed up with songwriter Michael Ford and written 19 songs. Best known for her whimsical drawings of plump, rounded animals, Boynton has stretched artistically and managed to reach new heights. With tongue firmly in cheek, the array of songs is remarkably funny yet tuneful. Boynton has put many of her friends to work singing on the CD including such unlikely performers as Meryl Streep (who has an amazingly good voice), Laura Linney, and The Bacon Brothers. Two songs feature her own children whose musical talents match their mother's. This is a wonderful CD for parents whose children want to hear it again and again and again. "No problem," they'll say as they listen to The Belly Button Song one more time with a sly smile on their faces. This CD is a treasure! 2002, Workman Publishing, $16.95. Ages All. Reviewer: Joan Kindig, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780761126362
Added 3/28/11
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