Saturday, September 6, 2014

I Ate a Cicada Today - a book review





                             "I ate a cicada today,

                              I know that sounds crazy to say.

                              But it flew in my mouth

                              and it didn't fly out.

                               I ate a cicada today."





Title:  I Ate a Cicada Today
Author and Illustrator and Songwriter:  Jeff Crossan


Let's take a peek inside shall we?








My take on the book:

What a fun little read.  It is quirky and witty and written in rhyme and will have your kids laughing and asking for more.  It has 16 verses of humorous scenarios from peppering a leopard to leapfrogging a warthog.  The illustrations are done in ink and watercolour and are big, bold and sure to tickle your child's funny bone.  A fabulous addition to the book is a CD of this song  performed by Emmy-nominated songwriter, Jeff Crossan accompanied by his acoustic guitar.   Jeff has inserted an "aside"  after each fun animal encounter which will bring an added comedic zing to make you  and your child smile even more.  

What inspired Crossan to write such a zany tale?  He came up with several of the rhymes while eating with his kids at a restaurant the night the cicada chose him as a target and hit him , bullseye, square on the mouth.  Oh my!  Surprised by the attack his brain started imagining scenarios of other fun animals and he hurriedly scribbled them down on a napkin.  Years later Crossan decided it was time to turn that song into a children's book for kids everywhere to enjoy.  I know you will love everything the book has to offer.  



About the author/illustrator/songwriter:






Jeff Crossan is an award-winning, Emmy-nominated songwriter. His hit songs include the number one country tune, “You’re Gonna Ruin My Bad Reputation,” which received a BMI Million Air Award. A graduate of the University of Richmond with a degree in journalism, he is a former newspaper reporter/photographer, music journalist and syndicated radio writer. For several years his cartoons appeared in the Presbyterian Voice. He lives in Franklin, Tennessee with his wife, Linda. They have a daughter and a son who have helped them assemble a fine assortment of mammals, reptiles, fish and insects.

I Ate A Cicada Today is his first children’s book.




Book Review Rating:  8 (Fantatic!)

Read on and read always!  Enjoy your weekend everyone.

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