Crankee Doodle

Reach for this book when your child is in a contrarian mood or has reached the stage of questioning why things are the way they are. It is the perfect antidote to a grumpy afternoon, using humor to diffuse tension through a hilarious dialogue between a stubborn patriot and his relentlessly optimistic pony. While the story is ostensibly about the origins of the song Yankee Doodle, its core is a study of personality clashes and the power of a persistent friend. It is highly appropriate for children aged 4 to 8, offering a silly but insightful look at how to handle a friend who is determined to stay in a bad mood. Parents will appreciate how it validates feelings of irritation while gently nudging the reader toward a more playful perspective, all while sneaking in a bit of American history.