Gerald McBoing Boing (Classic Seuss)

This is a cute book talking about how a little boy by the name of Gerald is different from all around. Gerald never talked like you and I, for he made noises instead. From the time he was a baby till he was in school, Gerald was pushed away for being so different. He was going to run away to a

Show More

place where he felt wanted until a strange man stoped him. Gerald was quickly hired for his talent is noise making. He then became famous, had a group of friends and never had to say anything but noises.

Show Less

Very fun read aloud, but you have to go all out and do the sounds effects.

Classic Seuss about a boy who makes a good life for himself even though he doesn't talk but only makes sounds instead.

When Gerald starts to speak, he makes noises like "Boing Boing," "Boom!," and "Clang Clang Clang!" instead of words. His parents and teacher are at their wits' end, and his peers tease the lonely boy. Just when Gerald feels the most dejected, he is met with an offer by the owner of a radio station

Show More

to come in and make the sound effects for radio programming, catapulting him to fame.

Gerald McBoing Boing is a book based on the movie of the same name, written by Dr. Seuss. Having never seen the movie, I cannot make any comparisons between the two, but I can say that is a delightful book. If your young toddler/preschooler enjoyed all the sound effects of Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?, then your older child will love Gerald McBoing Boing, which adds some more story to the silly sounds.

The radio station reference may be a bit dated (as are the strict gender roles of Gerald's parents, although this is only obvious in the illustrations with a bit of 1950s knowledge), but this book stands the test of time well. Kids can still relate with the idea of being lonely or different at times, and the fact that Gerald overcomes this -- precisely by being exactly who he really is -- is always a nice message.

The illustrations are not by Dr. Seuss but by Mel Crawford. While you won't get the typical Seussical style, Crawford's illustrations are fun and lively as well as colorful, detailed, and making use of interesting perspectives.

Not only did I enjoy this title, but I read this book with my 4-year-old babysitting charge yesterday, who giggled over it and immediately wanted to hear it again!

Show Less

Inside everyone is something special that they can do really well. Sometimes we are shunned for that specialness, sometimes we are praised for it. Fun story with a really great lesson to talk with kids about being proud of exactly who they are.