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Rhinoceros Tap: 15 Seriously Silly Songs
Sing a song of Boynton! Before there was the Grammy-nominated Philadelphia Chickens, the #1 New York Times children’s bestseller, there was Rhinoceros Tap, the collection of seriously silly songs. This truly delightful set—a Recording Industry Association of America Gold album with 647,000 copies in print—combines a big illustrated songbook and CD so children and grown-ups alike can read along, sing along, dance along, cluck along, and oink along to the fifteen original songs.
There's "O, Lonely Peas," to appeal to every finicky young eater. The five-year-old's lament, "Bad Babies." A mouse's impassioned ballad to his beloved, "I Love You More Than Cheese." Plus the lead number, "Rhinoceros Tap," the ever-popular “Barnyard Dance,” and more. With lyrics and pictures by Boynton and music written with and played by the one and only Michael Ford, these songs have the style, swing, charm, and pizzazz that little listeners deserve. Ready? All together now.
There's "O, Lonely Peas," to appeal to every finicky young eater. The five-year-old's lament, "Bad Babies." A mouse's impassioned ballad to his beloved, "I Love You More Than Cheese." Plus the lead number, "Rhinoceros Tap," the ever-popular “Barnyard Dance,” and more. With lyrics and pictures by Boynton and music written with and played by the one and only Michael Ford, these songs have the style, swing, charm, and pizzazz that little listeners deserve. Ready? All together now.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published January 10, 1996
About the author
Sandra Boynton
150 books1,058 followersSandra Keith Boynton is a popular American humorist, songwriter, children's author and illustrator. Boynton has written and illustrated more than forty books for both children and adults, as well as over four thousand greeting cards, and four music albums. Although she does not license her characters to be redrawn or adapted, she has herself designed—for various companies—calendars, wallpaper, bedding, stationery, paper goods, clothing, jewelry, and plush toys. —Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 2, 2012
I don't remember when I first saw these "seriously silly" books with audio CDs by Sandra Boynton and Michael Ford, but I have wanted to read or purchase at least a couple of them ever since. I recently noticed Rhinoceros Tap at my public library and couldn't wait to check it out! The book and the songs are as "seriously silly" as I expected. They are also an awful lot of fun to listen to and enjoy! I highly recommend listening to the CD as you read the book if you get the chance. The music adds a LOT to the experience. Who wouldn't love a song where piggy sailors are singing to their crabby boar of a captain? Or a song where a hippo is lamenting the fact that he can't leave the table until all the peas are gone from his plate? I also really liked the very lovely lullaby called "Little One." And I'm very glad I listened to this now because "Dinosaur Round" is going to slot in very nicely in an upcoming storytime.
My library also had Philadelphia Chickens so I'll be reading/listening to that one soon.
My library also had Philadelphia Chickens so I'll be reading/listening to that one soon.
April 28, 2009
If you like Sandra Boynton (and who doesn't), then this is just an extra fun way to enjoy her silly songs. It is for adults and kids alike. Christopher really likes the Bad Babies song! I wonder why?!
September 21, 2008
Really great book and CD. Dog Train is just a bit better.
February 26, 2016
This was one of my favorite books as a child. IM NOT KIDDING. I remember playing the cassette over and over as I sang along with the book. (Oh my geez, cassettes though.#90'skid).
December 6, 2020
I love this set!
April 8, 2021
Cute songs and illustrations
May 7, 2023
Super cute book
September 19, 2023
Classic Sandra Boynton illustrations along with her lyrics and other artists performing the songs. I am not always a big jazz fan, but these are fun songs.
November 10, 2023
In this brightly illustrated book are the words for 15 lively songs - 7 in Act One, 8 in Act Two - with an included CD on which Adam Bryant performs the fun and funny songs.
December 16, 2016
I think I have love reading almost all the other books that Sandra Boynton has written with my children. But there were parts of this one that I didn't like.
In a song about peas she says "O, Lonely peas, there's no one who loves you at all. There's no one who loves you at all." - Too many people struggle with the concept that they are not loved and appreciated. So I don't need this concept that some are not loved by anyone put into my children's head.
Then too in this book she has a song about Bad Babies. Saying that they yell and cry. Babies cry because that is one of their only ways to get their needs met, not because they are bad. There is no such thing as a bad baby.
So I would never recommend this book to anyone.
In a song about peas she says "O, Lonely peas, there's no one who loves you at all. There's no one who loves you at all." - Too many people struggle with the concept that they are not loved and appreciated. So I don't need this concept that some are not loved by anyone put into my children's head.
Then too in this book she has a song about Bad Babies. Saying that they yell and cry. Babies cry because that is one of their only ways to get their needs met, not because they are bad. There is no such thing as a bad baby.
So I would never recommend this book to anyone.
November 15, 2011
Sandra Boynton's clever, original silliness isn't limited only to toddler board books -- it also finds unique expression in a collaboration with Adam Bryant in a musical series of silly songs. This volume, the original in the series, includes a range of musical styles: swing, doo-wop, caribbean, rock, and blues. It's kicked off with the rousing "Rhinoceros Tap," every bit as funny as it sounds, then segues into an ode to the "Lonely Peas" stranded on a finicky youngster's plate. Later, a five-year-old laments about the behavior of Bad Babies, "They whine and they bite, they chew on your toys/ and oh! do they make the most terrible noise!" In another scene a wistful Jamaican pig wishes to relax in cool Alaska, explaining that he doesn't like sand.
Each song is accompanied with a two-page spread with a whimsical animal scene on the left, and enough lyrics on the facing page to identify the song it matches. This part of the set will most likely be most appealing to older readers, who can find the place without assistance. The second half of the book supplies a musical score with melody and chords for each song, along with full lyrics. There's even a CD jacket insert for folks who want to bring the CD in the car, leaving the book to "loll about the house."
Each song is lyrically delicious, appealing to the preschool and elementary sense of humor, and is musically interesting enough that adults will be entertained too.
Each song is accompanied with a two-page spread with a whimsical animal scene on the left, and enough lyrics on the facing page to identify the song it matches. This part of the set will most likely be most appealing to older readers, who can find the place without assistance. The second half of the book supplies a musical score with melody and chords for each song, along with full lyrics. There's even a CD jacket insert for folks who want to bring the CD in the car, leaving the book to "loll about the house."
Each song is lyrically delicious, appealing to the preschool and elementary sense of humor, and is musically interesting enough that adults will be entertained too.
December 18, 2015
Fun songs and Sandra Boynton's inimitable cartoon characters - we have this CD in our oldest daughter's CD alarm clock and we listen to it every night. So much fun!
December 2015 update: We purchased this book and CD for our niece during her visit with my brother-in-law just before Christmas. Our girls like Philadelphia Chickens better, so we listened to that one more, but these songs are just as fun, in my opinion.
December 2015 update: We purchased this book and CD for our niece during her visit with my brother-in-law just before Christmas. Our girls like Philadelphia Chickens better, so we listened to that one more, but these songs are just as fun, in my opinion.
April 11, 2013
Before story time began and during craft time this delightful c.d. was played. Special feature for today: TICKLE TIME, track 12
A note about coloring and craft time... this is for the adults more than for the children. Adults need a time to visit and this is their "treat" for bringing their children to story time. Of course the children love it to. It gives them opportunities to glue and stamp and cut and color to their hearts' content and leaves the clean-up mostly to us.
The story performers circulate among the crowd giving stamps and whatever treat we may have on hand.
A note about coloring and craft time... this is for the adults more than for the children. Adults need a time to visit and this is their "treat" for bringing their children to story time. Of course the children love it to. It gives them opportunities to glue and stamp and cut and color to their hearts' content and leaves the clean-up mostly to us.
The story performers circulate among the crowd giving stamps and whatever treat we may have on hand.
December 1, 2014
This book and the CD are SO ridiculous I can hardly stand it. Which, of course, is exactly why they have been among my son's favorites for over three years.
If you love the ridiculous, over-the-top style of Sandra Boynton, you NEED this book. And I will say, that for as silly as the lyrics are, the music is surprisingly sophisticated, and features (Alison Krauss!) some very talented singers.
If you love the ridiculous, over-the-top style of Sandra Boynton, you NEED this book. And I will say, that for as silly as the lyrics are, the music is surprisingly sophisticated, and features (Alison Krauss!) some very talented singers.
June 30, 2015
I bought this book and the accompanying CD for 10 cents at a thrift store. I read it quick, then sent it to my friend's baby.
This basically an illustrated song book. The first half has cute drawings to go along with the printed lyrics. The second half has actual musical scores. The lyrics are cute. I sent off the book and CD before I could listen to the CD, so I don't know how the music sounds. It was as cure gift for just a dime.
This basically an illustrated song book. The first half has cute drawings to go along with the printed lyrics. The second half has actual musical scores. The lyrics are cute. I sent off the book and CD before I could listen to the CD, so I don't know how the music sounds. It was as cure gift for just a dime.
February 5, 2009
It may be that I just haven't listened to this one enough to truly appreciate it, but my toddler and I both prefer Blue Moo and Philadelphia Chickens to Rhinoceros Tap... Not that it's bad, you understand, just not as full of the bop around the room 5-star goodness we have come to expect from Boynton's music.
October 5, 2013
This book has some fun songs. My children didn't enjoy these songs as much as Sandra Boynton's Dog Train, but some of them are great, including Barnyard Dance. My daughter's favorite from this is So Long Doggies.
August 17, 2007
Funny, but not as brilliant as Dog Train.
Shelved as 'own'
November 5, 2007Kohl's Cares for Kids book
August 8, 2008
My students love the up-beat music and the delightful illustrations! Great for any classroom or home!
June 12, 2012
being honest about my review, i didn't listen to the cd, the book is wonderful even w/out it.
June 17, 2012
Fun, fun, fun!
August 23, 2012
Abigail loves this one too. Another great for small kids!
September 11, 2012
Humorous and silly songs with great illustrations. The CD contains all the funny songs in a variety of musical styles - something for everyone.
March 3, 2016
Oh, did my children love this silly book! Even better was the audiotape we had that went with it!
August 13, 2016
Wow the seriously silly songs are surprisingly GOOD! Kids and adults can enjoy together. Love it!
August 17, 2009
The songs that come with this are awesome.
September 2, 2012
More fun
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December 11, 20181- awards- none
2- grade range- preschool - first grade
3- summary- This book is a collection of silly songs that children will enjoy listening and singing to at any point of the day.
4- review- Along with poetry, this book and other song books help children expand their literacy skills and learn how to recognize sounds that rhyme.
5- possible uses in class-
1) morning meeting
2) activity
2- grade range- preschool - first grade
3- summary- This book is a collection of silly songs that children will enjoy listening and singing to at any point of the day.
4- review- Along with poetry, this book and other song books help children expand their literacy skills and learn how to recognize sounds that rhyme.
5- possible uses in class-
1) morning meeting
2) activity
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews