Crankee Doodle

“Yankee Doodle went to town / a-riding on a pony / stuck a feather in his hat / and called it macaroni.” Many know the song “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” but few understand it. This unapologetically silly picture book reveals that the legendary ride to town (and the whole macaroni thing) was all suggested by Mr. Doodle’s overeager pony. This just makes Mr. Doodle cranky: “I do not want macaroni. I do not want a feather. I do not want any other clothing, any other pasta, or any other parts of a bird. I do not want anything that they have in town!” A historical note ends this colorful, comical take on a nonsensical old song. |

A BookPage Best Children's Book of 2013 "He does not want to go to town, buy a hat or wear a feather. But his horse is quite persuasive." —People magazine, Best New Kids' Books "Best-seller Angleberger of Origami Yoda fame takes on picture books, treating a younger audience to his dry and zany wit. . . . A historical hoot full of goofy, eye-rolling goodness."
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"As concepts for picture books go, it's hard to think of one cleverer than this absurdist deconstruction of the familiar song. . . . Readers will cheerfully hum their way through the giddily imagined argument and resolution."
—Horn Book, starred review

"By book's end, both characters have had meltdowns, prompting a Yankee change of heart and a comically anachronistic trip to town that will have readers laughing."
—Publishers Weekly

"In this laugh-out-loud reworking of 'Yankee Doodle,'. . . [Angelberger], author of the Origami Yoda series puts a witty, accessible spin on the familiar song, while Bell's bright, bold gouache images extend the zany humor."
—Booklist
"Crankee's grouchy diatribes and his pony's affable responses make for a great read-aloud, especially when paired with a sing-along of the classic tune."
—School Library Journal