Jim Copp, Will You Tell Me a Story?: Three Uncommonly Clever Tales

by Jim Copp, Lindsay duPont (Illustrator)

Once called "a musical Dr. Seuss," Jim Copp recorded nine children's albums from 1958 to 1971. These critically acclaimed, clever rhyming stories told through song won Jim Copp many passionate lifelong fans.Now, for the first time ever, his most popular characters--Kate Higgins, Miss Goggins and the gorilla, and Martha Matilda O'Toole--hop, stomp, and skip to life on the pages of this book. They're as captivating today as they were back when the New York Times called Jim's work "inspired nonsense." So come take a look, and also have a listen. Jim's offbeat recordings will have everybody--even the most mutinous among us--dancing and singing along.Includes an author's note and a CD that features three of Jim Copp's original recordings. (20080801)

Genres: Childrens, Audiobook

54 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2008

Reviews

[Tanja · Rating 3 out of 5]

A funny little book with stories that were originally recorded in the 1950s and 1960s. Their nature is timeless and I see them being appreciated by readers young and old. The illustrations and CD that accompany the text increase the book's overall appeal.

[raafi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was on the way to the book event held in a bookstore in LA. In the middle of the route, I found the Los Angeles Central Library and couldn't resist to visit the building. I went to the children's literature room and eyed the book. I read it quick before continued to my "real" destination.

There are three hilarious and weird stories. I found out in the end that this book is kinda activity book that has a CD of music to sing along with kids.

[Shahd Rdawi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny old days songs listen to it with CD 💿 plus book 📖

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written Review
Rating: R
Grade: 2-5
Author: Jim Copp
Illustrator: Lindsay duPont
Title: Jim Copp, Will You Tell Me a Story?: Three Uncommonly Clever Tales
Publisher: Harcourt Children’s Books
Copyright: 2008
Price: 17.95

# ISBN-10: 0152063315
# ISBN-13: 978-0152063313

Reviewer: Jenn Good Date: 02/01/2009


These tales are “uncommonly clever.” They are clever, silly and outrageous. The stories can be enjoyed on so many levels, by kids and adults alike. Starting in the 1950’s Jim Copp began recording stories and songs for children. The book includes a CD of original recordings of the three tales in the book. Lindsay duPont’s illustrative style is a perfect match for Copp’s stories. They are bright and funny watercolors, perfectly intertwingled with the print and script of the tales. All together they have the effect of feeling wonderfully personal. Each page is something unexpected to explore with little figure paintings, songs, and lively characters. Heartily recommended for any child or parent that wishes to laugh and enjoy these brilliantly classic tales.

[Ramarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The return of a classic storyteller from the 50's and 60's, who apparently created several beloved children's recordings. I confess, I didn't know of him but was intrigued by the book, which comes with a CD of Jim Copp reading aloud his stories, complete with sound effects. The book compiles three of his stories. They are curious stories, two of them with great rhyme. They're silly and just the sort of thing kids would find funny even today. There's mean teacher, Miss Goggins, who's fired by the principal dressed in a gorilla suit, and forgetful Martha Matilda O'Toole, and naughty Kate Higgins. I'd love to hear from someone who remembers these from their childhood.

[TheSaint · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short (3 stories) children's book's ambience remind the "mature" reader of the board books of yesteryear that it emulates. Jim Copp has been rescued from obscurity by compiler Ted Leyhe and illustrator Lindsay duPont. But the real star of this enterprise is the CD of Copp's original storytelling, complete with low-production-value music and sound.
A primary schooler was kind of creeped out by some of the stories; adults find them hilarious.
Suggested use for older kids: inspiration for their own creativity.

[babyhippoface · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stories originally recorded in 1958 by Jim Copp have been resurrected with new illustrations. The stories' humor and timeless themes of disobedience, forgetfulness, and a cranky schoolmarm will translate easily to today's audiences. The accompanying CD recordings, however, are much more likely to be enjoyed by adults who grew up listening to recordings of this type than contemporary students, who may find some of the voices too childish for their liking.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book via a random walk through the library looking for new things to read with the kids.

First we read the stories ourselves - basically silly little things with some randomness inserted. (Exactly what kids like!) Then I realized there was a CD in the book!

So we listened to the stories again with the book in hand and the kids liked them even more - giggled right through them. Definitely recommend these for some fun.

[Leona · Rating 1 out of 5]

one star for strangeness, that's it.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is hilarious! Laugh-out-loud funny! And fun to read aloud as well.

[aarifa]

It was a weird book and funny one too . These three stories are like poems. It was weird because it did not tell the author and the title was only on the "side". But it was very very very good !

[Salsabrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard about this on NPR and had to get it at the library. Cleverly funny and nonsensical with an old-school edginess that disappeared when society became more politically correct.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids loved loved loved this book and accompanying CD. I'm now on the hunt for all of his vinyl albums-- these recordings are wonderfully kooky. Highly recommend!