Ounga Bounga (Album Illustre)

by Frieda Wishinsky, Michael Martchenko (Illustrator)

Baby Louise won't stop crying. Mom sings a lullaby, and Dad rocks her. Grandma gives her a bottle, and Grandpa dances a jig. Even the neighbors try to help by giving advice, but nothing seems to work. Then Louise's brother Daniel comes home. "Oonga Boonga," he says, and Louise smiles. But Daniel can't stick around forever. What will happen when he goes out to play?

"This joyful book . . . celebrates the relationship only siblings can have."
-Booklist

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, Storytime

32 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1999

Reviews

[Children's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here’s a cute book, celebrating all the big brothers out there!

Baby Louise just wouldn’t stop crying. Everyone tries something and nothing seems to work. Was she hungry? Was she tired? Does she want her toy? Is she bored?

She keeps on crying until her big brother comes in and says “Oonga Boonga!” … Baby Louise laughs. Everyone is surprised and relieved that saying “Oonga Boonga!” Was so effective. Or was it?

Before long she’s crying again and her family says “Oonga Boonga!” But the crying continues. Big brother comes back in the room and says “Bonka Wonka!” And she stops crying right away. Turns out Baby Louise just wants to be with her big brother 😊

Adorable storyline and suitable for big groups or a bedtime read. The illustrations perfectly match the text, which is exactly what you would expect from an award winning illustrator. Also I should mention, the “Oonga Boonga” and “Bonka Wonka” parts are really fun to over emphasize, Definitely a crowd pleaser!

[Phobean · Rating 3 out of 5]

A total 90s picture book, tone-wise, and a sweet story of a how a big brother turns out to be the most adept at baby-wrangling.

[Jo-Al Meilleur · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a strong plot, no moral to the story. Illustrations were a Robert Munch copy. One Star Review (Audrey 15 and Alex 11)

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

10/17/25 Read with Charlotte and Finnian

[Tiffany Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very cute book that is ideal for pre-schoolers, because of the silly/nonsense words.A little baby will not stop crying, the family tries everything but it ends up being the little brother's silly phrases that get the baby to stop crying. This book could easily be incorporated into a unit on family.

[Kiana Sims]

This is a very cute book that is ideal for pre-schoolers. They like this book because of the funny words. I would use this book in my classroom while on the family unit or when learning to write because it allows the students to make up words.

[Crystal Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for young children. The children find the phrase Oonga Boonga funny. It is also a great book to use when discussing families and siblings. You can also mention that Oonga and Boonga rhyme.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy read for kids. Has a cute story line and great photos to really feel apart of the book. I wouldn't necessarily read this aloud to my class but would have it for my students to read if they liked.

[Shala Howell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bridget loves the OONGA BOONGA sound, which made this a blast to read.

[jenna Hudrlik · Rating 2 out of 5]

louise loved this book - and would only let me read it cause her papa didnt say it right. - i thought it was fine but thats it.

[Cws]

JEPIC-Wis

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

toddlers enjoy the nonsense

[Michaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very FUN book for preschool aged children.. Especially when talking about family, having a new baby brother/sister..

[Torrie Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be great during a family and/or siblings themed lessons. Children love it because of the funny words "oongaa boonga". The repetition of the words really keep the students attention.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun little book that I read to my grandson tonight. Read on openlibrary.com

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

July 2016 - a sweet sibling story. Ben loves saying "oonga boonga."

April 2019 - perfect to share with an older sibling who loves entertaining a baby, since big brother is the star of the show.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Baby Louise cried no one could make her stop except her brother Daniel. He had magic words to make her smile. This is a sweet and funny story with great illustrations.

[Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Louise is a non-stop crying baby and nothing her family and neighbors do van get her to stop. That is until her brother comes home.