Yankee Doodle

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

In honor of its 20-year anniversary, Steven Kellogg's Yankee Doodle has been redesigned and refurbished, for a new generation of young patriots. Intricate, spirited illustrations depict the day George Washington took control of the rebel troops during the Revolutionary War; the musical score is included.

Children's Literature - Susie Wilde

Most children begin their political awareness through singing "Yankee Doodle." A refurbished and redesigned version of Yankee Doodle, by the well-loved illustrator Steven Kellogg, celebrates the 20th anniversary of his book. He emphasizes the revolutionary war setting and gives a great many verses unknown to most children. A small patriotic Yankee son rides with his father to view the troops, George Washington, and a battle with the Redcoats. Kellogg's illustrations are made for discussion, as he not only captures the revolutionary spirit, but his pictures explain many of mysterious words, and show the emotions of a young boy whose courage is challenged by the reality of battle.

Kirkus Reviews

The full text of Yankee Doodle finds a perfect counterpart in exhilarating pictures of the little hero's romp through the Revolutionary War. Working in his usual ink and watercolor, Kellogg (Snuffles and Snouts, 1995, etc.) creates bustling crowd scenes in which all the people look like they have something to say. At the center of the blue-skied visions of New England is a mischievous Yankee Doodle, wending his way through camps and battles in the company of his little dog. The overall atmosphere is one of festive patriotism. Kellogg's pictures capture not only the meaning, but the rhythms of each verse, and readers are sure to sing along with the text (the music to the song is included). Kellogg has also provided fascinating notes about the history of the song and glosses about antiquated expressions.