Boy, Was I Mad!

by Kathryn Hitte, Mercer Mayer (Illustrator)

fiction

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1969

Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little boy named Ted is so angry he decides to run away. As he wanders the street of his neighborhood he keeps finding fun things to do but then reminds himself he's supposed to be angry and running away.

It's a pretty nothing story, though marred with one of Ted's playmates appropriating indigenous culture for a costume. Even Mercer Mayer art can't do much to enliven this dud.

[Peggy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A five-star book for sure. The detailed illustrations are beautiful and the story of a little boy who gets angry and runs away from home - only to be distracted by the fun and intestesting things throughout his neighborhood are right on. He has such a good day he forgets that he was mad and running away and ends up back at home where his mother has supper ready for him. It's a little out-dated here and there, for example the junk man drives a horse and wagon through the city, but that doesn't matter - it's a timeless story.

It's a shame this book is out of print. I found my copy quite by accident at a used bookstore.

If you run across a copy of this book - BUY IT!

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant story - rambling and true-to-life - with appropriate illustrations by Mayer. Now, after having contributed to such a little masterpiece, why on earth did he feel the need to produce this garbage: I Was So Mad?

[Adele · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a child I was always a little disappointed that we never find out why Ted was so mad. I don't know if I understood that Ted is sitting in the corner, I assume as a punishment, on the first page, but even if I did we never learn what he was being punished for. That aside, Mayer's pictures are amazing, so rich and detailed, the illustrations make the story. Ted and Tom playing Cowboys and Indians in costume is problematic, but I think the rest holds up well.

Part of: * When I was very young I believe my parents got a subscription to Parents Press Magazine books. They also got books from other sources. A key memory of childhood for me is the many children's picture books kept on the built-in shelves in our basement. Recently I put together a list of the ones I could find online and remember: Adele's Childhood Basement Picture Books My amazing husband found many of the physical books as a Christmas gift for me, so I am now seeing and re-reading the physical books for the first time in over twenty years. Be aware that most if not all of them will get an extra star from me for the incredible nostalgia.

[Mark Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read "Boy Was I Mad" countless times back in the early 70s and LOVED IT! I recall reading it and losing myself in the story to such a degree, that by the end I felt like MY whole day had gone by. Of course Mercer Mayer's illustrations captivated me with their detail and action, I would spend considerable time studying each page as I read it. Probably one of my earliest inspirations to become an illustrator myself.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

my favorite childhood book

[Sharln · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book until the spine wore off (literally).

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much longer and less satisfying than Where the Wild Things Are. Also has a costume with an "Indian headdress."

[Lydia Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to read this book to my children, often. As children get angry, just like adults, it's a good book for both children and adults (just like "The Giving Tree") with a different theme.

The boy is a typical boy, who has difficulty understanding why he had to do or be who has to do or be. This book is easy to read again, and yet warms the heart with valuable lessons about our never taking things for granted.

[Whitney Watercutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, memories! Illustrated by Mercer Mayer! I remembered reading it as a kid, and I found it at "Books in Stock: Used, Rare and Antique Books" in Wooster, Ohio while on vacation. I recommend stopping there to anyone who wants a good dose of nostalgia. I love the way the author writes in dialect, and stays true to the age of the child. I usually find books written in "western" dialect bothersome, but somehow Kahteryn Hitte pulled it off subtly. This is a funny, cute little book.

[Pamela Trent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book among a set that I was given in the early 1970's. My parents would read them to me. Another one was 'The Cat and the Fiddler'. But this book was brought to my mind a few weeks ago when my 2 year old grandniece was being a terrible 2-year old. Boy, was she mad! We weren't sure why she was mad, but I searched and searched until I found this book to give to her parents. They don't write 'em like this anymore!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations are wonderful and I remember loving this as a kid. Just found it at my parents' house. Too bad it's out of print.

[Anjle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illustrated by Mercer Mayer