Philadelphia Chickens: A Too-Illogical Zoological Musical Revue



Last updated Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Author: Sandra Boynton and Michael Ford
Date of Publication:
ISBN: 0761126368
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Mar. 2019

Synopsis: Here is a full-color songbook of 17 1/2 illustrated story-poems, and a full-length, fully orchestrated CD of original songs performed by such luminaries as Patti LuPone, Kevin Kline, Meryl Streep, The Bacon Brothers, and Laura Linney, who pleads "Please, Can I Keep It?—it followed me home. / What exactly it is/ I don't know." Also joining in are Eric Stoltz, Scott Bakula, and two Boyntons, including daughter Caitlin McEwan, who performs a piece that every little listener will relate to—a love song to the chocolate chip cookies that are just out of reach. With the collaboration of composer Michael Ford, Philadelphia Chickens is that rarest of kids' musical discs—one whose inimitable lyrics and music make it as irresistible to parents as it is to their children.

Note to readers:
•  This book has an accompanying playlist. The YouTube playlist is listed here:
http://bit.ly/secondgradeplaylist (or search "Philadelphia Chickens Playlist - March Reading Club")

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Do you like to sing?
•  What is your favorite animal?
•  What is your favorite type of music?

Vocabulary

•  undulating - having a smoothly, rising and falling form or outline
•  crinkled - having small surface creases or wrinkles

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Which is your favorite song or songs?
•  Which instruments would sound good with the songs?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw and cut out your own instruments.
•  Write your own short song.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/march-2019-crafts/

Special activities:
•  Act out a dance from the book, e.g. "Be Like a Duck".

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!