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Marsupial Sue #1
Marsupial Sue
Being a kangaroo certainly looks like a lot of fun, what with all the hopping and the hay eating. But who knew all that jumping around could cause such problems? Marsupial Sue, that's who, a smartly dressed young 'roo who can't abide by all the bouncing: "It rattled her brain. It gave her migraine. A backache, sideache, tummyache too."
So John Lithgow recounts in 4/4 time--along with the jaunty, waltzy music and score on the CD that's included--in his second foray into children's books (The Remarkable Farkle McBride being the first). Probably best known as Dick Solomon on TV's 3rd Rock from the Sun, Lithgow brings his comic knack to this Down Under story about the importance of being yourself. Marsupial Sue might be intrigued by the idea of being a climbing koala or prawn-slurping platypus, but with Lithgow's cooing reassurance as the narrator, she eventually comes around: "Be happy with who you are. / Don't ever stray too far from you. / Get rid of that frown / And waltz up and down / beneath a marsupial star. / If you're a kangaroo through and through, / Just do what kangaroos do."
Lithgow will likely never surpass the spiritual contributions he made to our world as Doctor Emilio Lizardo and John Whorfin, but don't hold that against him. Like Farkle, Marsupial Sue is surely worth a read (and a listen), especially with illustrator Jack E. Davis's cool cast of sunglass- and snappy-hat-wearing Aussie animals. (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul Hughes
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2001
4 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
John Lithgow
104 books308 followersJohn Lithgow is a prolific actor with two Tonys, six Emmys, two Golden Globes, and two Oscar nominations to his name. He has starred in the hit TV series 3rd Rock from the Sun, Dexter, and The Crown, and in beloved films like The World According to Garp, Shrek, and Terms of Endearment. Lithgow has appeared on Broadway twenty-five times and in England with both the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. He is also the bestselling author of nine children’s picture books, and his recordings for kids have landed him four Grammy nominations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
December 5, 2019
Marsupial Sue was a kangaroo with identity issues. Always convinced that she'd be happier somewhere else, living the life of someone else, she attempted to climb trees like the koalas and laze by the sea like the platypus, but it always ended in disaster. Then one day, while romping with some wallabies, she realizes that the life of a kangaroo wasn't so bad...
Like so many of actor John Lithgow's other picture-books, Marsupial Sue is told through rhyme, and is also a song that is performed by its creator. The score for the song is included at the rear of the book, as is a CD recording of Lithgow singing it. I found this one enjoyable, although there were a few times that I thought the rhyme scheme was a bit strained, when reading. Of course, this is probably not the case when the story is sung. The artwork by Jack E. Davis is colorful and amusing. All in all, a fairly engaging book, one that managed to overcome my usual wariness of celebrity-authored children's stories. Recommended to those looking for tales told through rhyme, and to fans of the author/performer and his songs.
Like so many of actor John Lithgow's other picture-books, Marsupial Sue is told through rhyme, and is also a song that is performed by its creator. The score for the song is included at the rear of the book, as is a CD recording of Lithgow singing it. I found this one enjoyable, although there were a few times that I thought the rhyme scheme was a bit strained, when reading. Of course, this is probably not the case when the story is sung. The artwork by Jack E. Davis is colorful and amusing. All in all, a fairly engaging book, one that managed to overcome my usual wariness of celebrity-authored children's stories. Recommended to those looking for tales told through rhyme, and to fans of the author/performer and his songs.
March 21, 2012
Perhaps better known to adults for his stage and screen work, actor John Lithgow has an amazing body of work for children. His picture books are some of my (and my children’s) absolute favorites!
Topping the list for me is The Remarkable Farkle McBride. The story centers around a young boy who is a musical prodigy. He is able to master instrument after instrument with ease, but throws each one away as he becomes bored with it. Through an unfortunate illness on the part of the orchestra conductor one evening, Farkle discovers that it is the sound and experience of ALL the instruments together which brings him joy, as opposed to the mastery of an individual instrument.
The illustrations by C.E. Payne are amazing in their vibrancy and humor. (They remind me of David Catrow with slightly more realistic human facial features.) The text is extremely exciting for several reasons: (1) the melody and rhythm of the words lends itself to read-alouds; (2) the language, while being the opposite of condescending to young readers, is still challenging in vocabulary with words like “beseeching,” “rhapsodical” and “bombastic”; (3) the text contains multiple original examples of onomonapoeia when describing instruments, which offers an excellent opportunity to teach both that specific literary technique, and as an introduction to language as sound, music, and poetry.
The story of Micawber again sees the same team of author and illustrator relate the story of a squirrel who lives in Central Park and enjoys going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. One afternoon he sees an art student copying one of the artworks on the wall. This is the first time it has ever occurred to him to think about how the paintings were created in the first place. Intrigued, he stows away in her satchel and accompanies the young student home. Once she is asleep, Micawber, for the first time, experiments with her paints. Using his tail as a brush, he creates his own masterpiece, ties it up with one of the student’s shoelaces and returns home. Once back in Central Park, he converts the upper floor of a carousel into an art museum for the other animals where he shows his growing collection of original canvases.
The same things that are wonderful and thrilling about Farkle exist here in this story about the visual arts. The vocabulary includes words such as “peregrination” and “viridian”. Payne is just as delightful in his illustrations, particularly the image where the student has discovered her shoe–without its shoelace.
Marsupial Sue and Marsupial Sue presents the Runaway Pancake, I’m a Manatee, Mahalia Mouse Goes to College, I Got Two Dogs are additional works by Lithgow.
The Marsupial Sue books are about a kangaroo that wants to be something MORE than a kangaroo, but after traveling to many other areas and trying the ways of several different animals, she determines that being a kangaroo is EXACTLY who and what she wants to be.
I Got Two Dogs is a simple, delightful rhyme about the author’s two dogs with colorful collage-ish illustrations similar in style to those of Todd Parr. I’m a Manatee is a fun, imaginative tale of a boy and a manatee. It can be used for children who are already familiar with and interested in the manatee, or as an introduction to the animal, as well as the dangers to its existence. In my opinion, Mahalia Mouse is the weakest of all his picture books, but it is still a nice little story–just not anything exceptional.
All of Lithgow’s books come with CDs when sold in hardcover. The author usually sings the text of each story on the CD which is great to use at bedtime or in the car.
Lithgow also has music CDs available, which I use at home with my own children, and for my theatre and dance classes. There is an entire Farkle and Friends CD which includes the story of Farkle as well as other pieces of music highlighting orchestral instruments, styles and sounds.
The CDs On the Sunny Side of the Street and Singin’ in the Bathtub contain Broadway and jazz-style songs for children. Some are children’s songs, some songs have the lyrics altered to be extremely silly and appeal specifically to children (and those of us who love music and are children at heart). They are harder to find in retail outlets, but easy to purchase from amazon.com, etc.
Lithgow’s work is for ANYONE who loves language, stories or the arts. I think they are truly brilliant and stand among some of my very favorite books. I highly recommend his work for independent and read-aloud selections.
Topping the list for me is The Remarkable Farkle McBride. The story centers around a young boy who is a musical prodigy. He is able to master instrument after instrument with ease, but throws each one away as he becomes bored with it. Through an unfortunate illness on the part of the orchestra conductor one evening, Farkle discovers that it is the sound and experience of ALL the instruments together which brings him joy, as opposed to the mastery of an individual instrument.
The illustrations by C.E. Payne are amazing in their vibrancy and humor. (They remind me of David Catrow with slightly more realistic human facial features.) The text is extremely exciting for several reasons: (1) the melody and rhythm of the words lends itself to read-alouds; (2) the language, while being the opposite of condescending to young readers, is still challenging in vocabulary with words like “beseeching,” “rhapsodical” and “bombastic”; (3) the text contains multiple original examples of onomonapoeia when describing instruments, which offers an excellent opportunity to teach both that specific literary technique, and as an introduction to language as sound, music, and poetry.
The story of Micawber again sees the same team of author and illustrator relate the story of a squirrel who lives in Central Park and enjoys going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. One afternoon he sees an art student copying one of the artworks on the wall. This is the first time it has ever occurred to him to think about how the paintings were created in the first place. Intrigued, he stows away in her satchel and accompanies the young student home. Once she is asleep, Micawber, for the first time, experiments with her paints. Using his tail as a brush, he creates his own masterpiece, ties it up with one of the student’s shoelaces and returns home. Once back in Central Park, he converts the upper floor of a carousel into an art museum for the other animals where he shows his growing collection of original canvases.
The same things that are wonderful and thrilling about Farkle exist here in this story about the visual arts. The vocabulary includes words such as “peregrination” and “viridian”. Payne is just as delightful in his illustrations, particularly the image where the student has discovered her shoe–without its shoelace.
Marsupial Sue and Marsupial Sue presents the Runaway Pancake, I’m a Manatee, Mahalia Mouse Goes to College, I Got Two Dogs are additional works by Lithgow.
The Marsupial Sue books are about a kangaroo that wants to be something MORE than a kangaroo, but after traveling to many other areas and trying the ways of several different animals, she determines that being a kangaroo is EXACTLY who and what she wants to be.
I Got Two Dogs is a simple, delightful rhyme about the author’s two dogs with colorful collage-ish illustrations similar in style to those of Todd Parr. I’m a Manatee is a fun, imaginative tale of a boy and a manatee. It can be used for children who are already familiar with and interested in the manatee, or as an introduction to the animal, as well as the dangers to its existence. In my opinion, Mahalia Mouse is the weakest of all his picture books, but it is still a nice little story–just not anything exceptional.
All of Lithgow’s books come with CDs when sold in hardcover. The author usually sings the text of each story on the CD which is great to use at bedtime or in the car.
Lithgow also has music CDs available, which I use at home with my own children, and for my theatre and dance classes. There is an entire Farkle and Friends CD which includes the story of Farkle as well as other pieces of music highlighting orchestral instruments, styles and sounds.
The CDs On the Sunny Side of the Street and Singin’ in the Bathtub contain Broadway and jazz-style songs for children. Some are children’s songs, some songs have the lyrics altered to be extremely silly and appeal specifically to children (and those of us who love music and are children at heart). They are harder to find in retail outlets, but easy to purchase from amazon.com, etc.
Lithgow’s work is for ANYONE who loves language, stories or the arts. I think they are truly brilliant and stand among some of my very favorite books. I highly recommend his work for independent and read-aloud selections.
May 14, 2015
Another good rhyming book read when my kids were younger
January 30, 2017
What a fun book. Lithgow's lyrical rhymes will delight children of all ages. Fun book, nice illustrations. Good message.
December 16, 2015
When my fiancé & I bought cereal years ago, we purchased boxes containing storybooks! Regardless that they were little children’s, each raised the cereal’s value! I look forward to reading “I’m A Manatee”, which I expect to favour because of that sweet, little-known animal and I was touched by “Micawber”. It was a pleasure to discover John Lithgow, famous actor, is dedicated to authoring much-loved children’s literature. He partners with various illustrators, this time Jack E. David.
I admit I didn’t adore the “Marsupial Sue” story as much, because the moral about being one’s self is so innate and has been recycled so profusely, as to become cliché. This results in seeming forced, as if the author cast about for a moral and settled upon the outrageously obvious. The story events weren’t dynamic either. They didn’t have us sobbing; perhaps because John’s attention went to rhyming and entertaining little ones on the surface, rather than digging down for poignancy in Sue’s situation. She wasn’t in danger or out of place; she was sick of her community’s noise. However I don’t belittle how stressful and hopeless that feels, because I am in this situation in my community! I certainly admit relating to that.
I think credibility and urgency dwindled for me, even though I am wholly empathetic, because the idea of trying to squeeze into an environment a kangaroo doesn’t fit, or attempting something your body cannot do, takes us into the realm of absurdity instead of seriousness. A worthwhile, if overabundant theme, is no more than a backdrop for bouncing relatives and pages of fun antics that rhyme. Her rapport with wallabies, her species’ cousin, convinced her being a kangaroo was mostly all right. Hands down: I absolutely adore the serious, straight, grey bird who is wearing a green hat!!!!
I admit I didn’t adore the “Marsupial Sue” story as much, because the moral about being one’s self is so innate and has been recycled so profusely, as to become cliché. This results in seeming forced, as if the author cast about for a moral and settled upon the outrageously obvious. The story events weren’t dynamic either. They didn’t have us sobbing; perhaps because John’s attention went to rhyming and entertaining little ones on the surface, rather than digging down for poignancy in Sue’s situation. She wasn’t in danger or out of place; she was sick of her community’s noise. However I don’t belittle how stressful and hopeless that feels, because I am in this situation in my community! I certainly admit relating to that.
I think credibility and urgency dwindled for me, even though I am wholly empathetic, because the idea of trying to squeeze into an environment a kangaroo doesn’t fit, or attempting something your body cannot do, takes us into the realm of absurdity instead of seriousness. A worthwhile, if overabundant theme, is no more than a backdrop for bouncing relatives and pages of fun antics that rhyme. Her rapport with wallabies, her species’ cousin, convinced her being a kangaroo was mostly all right. Hands down: I absolutely adore the serious, straight, grey bird who is wearing a green hat!!!!
December 3, 2018
Marsupial Sue thinks being some other animal would be best. After trying out different animal traits with Sue try setting up an "Outback Obstacle Course" as an extension activity.
Our inspiration and coloring sheets came from the Sept./Oct. 2000 issue of Copycat magazine. The course included a Koala Climb, a Platypus Race, an Emu Run, a Crocodile Road Race, a Kookaburra Belly Laugh, an Echidna Roll, and a Kangaroo Hop.
The kids collected their "Walkabout Trail Mix" treat as they finished their craft and games.
Find instructions for "Aboriginal Clap Sticks" here: https://laughingkidslearn.com/aborigi...
I used ideas found in the now out of print Pack-o-Fun magazine, November 2008 issue which features Australia on pages 44-47 and the April 2010 issue for New Zealand on pages 46-49.
Our inspiration and coloring sheets came from the Sept./Oct. 2000 issue of Copycat magazine. The course included a Koala Climb, a Platypus Race, an Emu Run, a Crocodile Road Race, a Kookaburra Belly Laugh, an Echidna Roll, and a Kangaroo Hop.
The kids collected their "Walkabout Trail Mix" treat as they finished their craft and games.
Find instructions for "Aboriginal Clap Sticks" here: https://laughingkidslearn.com/aborigi...
I used ideas found in the now out of print Pack-o-Fun magazine, November 2008 issue which features Australia on pages 44-47 and the April 2010 issue for New Zealand on pages 46-49.
December 7, 2016
Appropriate Grade Level: K-2
Summary: John Lithgow sings this song. Sue doesn't like being a kangaroo so she goes around trying to be other animals. All of her attempts end up hurting her, and by the end of the story she realizes that she likes who she is so she ends up being happy to be a kangaroo.
Review: I'm biased because I like John Lithgow. So automatically I love this. I think he has a great singing voice, and the kids I've played his songs and stories for respond well to him. I can't help but think about Lithgow's past creepy acting roles when I hear him sing. It's definitely a trip to hear him do something so kid friendly.
In class uses: teaching the lesson of accepting yourself, positive body image, learning beats and rhythm.
Summary: John Lithgow sings this song. Sue doesn't like being a kangaroo so she goes around trying to be other animals. All of her attempts end up hurting her, and by the end of the story she realizes that she likes who she is so she ends up being happy to be a kangaroo.
Review: I'm biased because I like John Lithgow. So automatically I love this. I think he has a great singing voice, and the kids I've played his songs and stories for respond well to him. I can't help but think about Lithgow's past creepy acting roles when I hear him sing. It's definitely a trip to hear him do something so kid friendly.
In class uses: teaching the lesson of accepting yourself, positive body image, learning beats and rhythm.
February 12, 2014
In The Runaway Pancake, a pancake stars in his own play which is reminiscent of the gingerbread man. The illustrations depict the story as a theatre production, but elaborates on the adventure of the Runaway Pancake with detailed drawings and humorous characters. Although young children will enjoy the repetitive chants and predictable storyline, the dialogue can become wordy at times, which may not be suitable for young readers. The rich colors and vivid drawings are very entertaining and add personality to the characters. As a read aloud, this book would be wonderful for young students as they learn to engage with literature.
September 7, 2013
I love John Lithgow--his humor and love come through in the text of this book. It is about a kangaroo who doesn't like who she is--she tries out all kinds of other creatures' lives, but finds out that she really does like being a kangaroo and embraces who she is. It is a great story for kids who are learning about how to be who they are and how to be happy with who they are. The pictures are great, too! It would be better to read to one or a few children, but would not be great for a read aloud.
November 24, 2008
Interesting story about a young kangaroo that teaches a lesson on liking who you are, and not trying to be someone you aren't. The CD is narrated by John Lithgow in his inimitable voice. Our girls liked this book a lot. They sing the song all of the time, and ask to borrow the book from the library frequently. Our girls also enjoyed watching this book read aloud on the Tumblebooks website (www.tumblebooks.com).
July 18, 2012
Marsupial Sue is a story of a Kangaroo who is unhappy being herself. She goes on adventures and explores the lives of other animals around her trying desperately to fit in. Will she fit in with the platypus or the koalas? The lesson that Marsupial Sue truly needs to learn is to "Be happy with who you are. Don't ever stray too far from you." Will Marsupial Sue learn that lesson or will she spend the rest of her life trying to fit in?
May 27, 2018
Kangaroos do what kangaroos do, but Sue really doesn’t like being a kangaroo and sets out to find something better. Can she climb trees like a koala? Maybe she could wade into the sea like a platypus? Can Sue find a way to be happy being a kangaroo?
With a bouncy rhyming text and captivating illustrations, young readers will laugh at Sue’s antics and learn that being themselves is really the very best thing of all.
Highly recommended.
With a bouncy rhyming text and captivating illustrations, young readers will laugh at Sue’s antics and learn that being themselves is really the very best thing of all.
Highly recommended.
February 24, 2010
I wish that there was more depth to the story about accepting who you are. While Kangaroo Sue learns to love herself, her transformation seems sudden and without real reason.
I also wish I knew how to read music so that I can sing the song in the back of the book (although that would probably scar my kids for life).
I also wish I knew how to read music so that I can sing the song in the back of the book (although that would probably scar my kids for life).
October 9, 2010
Marsupial Sue doesn't like to hop around. So she hangs from the trees like koala bears, but falls out of the tree. She sleeps with a platypus in the ocean and gets sick. Plays with the wallaby, but realizes she is happier just being a kangaroo.
Great for writer's workshop about things they can do that make them unique and different from others in the class.
Great for writer's workshop about things they can do that make them unique and different from others in the class.
June 11, 2011
cute book about a kangaroo that wants to be anyone other than a kangaroo. only one forced rhyme. kinda bothered by the moral, "be happy w/who you are" doesn't suggest self improvement. and if you regard yourself as a failure? be happy w/that. Jack E Davis, no mention of him being the Mad artist, draws odd looking kangaroos.
February 27, 2012
My whole family likes this book! The book itself is cute and a good story about being happy with who you are. The accompaning CD is even better than the book! The story is sung as a waltz, and it is so catchy, I can't get it out of my head! I find myself singing or humming it all the time! We are definitely going to check out more books by John Lithgow.
March 31, 2012
A cute enough little story. There is some nice language here. I kept envisioning my fourth graders reading this, yet I think some of the words would stump them. The message is clear: be happy with who you are. In other words, $640 million lotteries are not needed to make one happy. ;)
The illustrations here are really cute and add to the story, which is told in rhyme.
The illustrations here are really cute and add to the story, which is told in rhyme.
July 10, 2008
This is a darling book with a lesson about being content with who we are. A lesson that is important for people of ALL ages. Be sure to get the copy with the accompanying CD, it has a cute song that tells the story as well.
September 30, 2008
Such a wonderful book! My sister sent this to my boys. It had the CD with it with John Lithgow, the author, singing the words to the book. It is so great and my kids love it! It's a favorite of the family!
It's all about being who you are and loving every minute of it! Wonderful book!
It's all about being who you are and loving every minute of it! Wonderful book!
January 11, 2009
Another John Lithgow masterpiece. Great for young children. I could read this over and over. It comes with a CD. You have to listen to the CD. John tells the story to a bunch of kiddos. Kindergardeners love this book.
February 16, 2009
The best part of this set is the CD- John Lithgow singing 'The Runaway Pancake'. The illustrations, although quite beautiful, are a little cluttered for the storyline, but the performance is simply marvelous.
March 11, 2010
This is a charming book about a kangaroo, who is dissatisfied with being a kangaroo. The rhyme is much more meaningful with the inclusion of the CD with the author singing the "Marsupial Sue" song. The song, in this case, really makes the book!
May 4, 2010
I don't know how I feel about this. The catch phrase of the book translated to 'you're a kangaroo, don't try to be anything else'. I can see how one side can be 'be happy with how you are', but the other side 'you can't be anything but what you are' is debatable.
May 27, 2011
Just be who you are and hop on with your bad self. CD included with John Lithgow singing. A very catchy little waltz. Marsupial Sue, A lesson or two: Be happy with who you are. Don't ever stray too far from you.
Read
June 12, 2011From this book children should learn the importance of being themselves. The repeated lines “Be happy with who you are. Don’t ever stray too far from you.” will serve as an encouragement and reminder. These lines are also included in the song on the CD.
August 13, 2013
Marsupial Sue is tired of being a kangaroo. She tries out other animals before she decides being a marsupial is just fine. John Lithgow narrates this fun book and his voice is perfect for children's books.
I watched/listened to this on Tumblebooks.
I watched/listened to this on Tumblebooks.
October 23, 2016
This little story about a young kangaroo named Marsupial Sue that wasn't happy being herself but got into big trouble trying to be someone else.
I would have liked this story a lot more if parts of it hadn't be rhyming. It felt forced and off kilter, hindering the cuteness of the story.
I would have liked this story a lot more if parts of it hadn't be rhyming. It felt forced and off kilter, hindering the cuteness of the story.
August 10, 2017
Was it a fun story?
"Yes!"
What was fun about it?
"The fun part of it is... I wouldn't want to be those animals."
Was it funny?
"It was funny."
Would you recommend this book to other people?
"Of course."
-read and reviewed by a six year old, questions and typing by mom
"Yes!"
What was fun about it?
"The fun part of it is... I wouldn't want to be those animals."
Was it funny?
"It was funny."
Would you recommend this book to other people?
"Of course."
-read and reviewed by a six year old, questions and typing by mom
March 2, 2018
This is a sweet story about a kangaroo Sue who just can't seem to be happy with the kangaroo crowd. She would wander off and find a new crowd of animals to keep her entertained but each time, it doesn't work out. Sue eventually learns to love herself just as she is - just as hoppy as she is.
August 15, 2007
A storytime favorite!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews