John Lithgow Book:

		List Price: $9.99		Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Salesrank: 272734
		Our Price: $5.94
		Used Price: $6.09
		Media: Hardcover

Editorial Review:

If you're a Kangaroo

through and through,

Just do what Kangaroos do.

Young Sue really doesn't like being a kangaroo, so she goes off to find something better. First she tries climbing the trees like a koala, but that doesn't work. Then she wades into the sea like a platypus, but that's no good either. Finally, Sue joins up with some bouncy, jouncy wallabies...and discovers that being a kangaroo isn't so bad, after all.

Using a jaunty waltz rhythm, actor, comedian, and best-selling author John Lithgow reassures children that they can be happy with who they are.

For listening or singing along, a CD of a John Lithgow performance of Marsupial Sue and an instrumental version is included with this book, as is the score of the song.

Description of Marsupial Sue:
Being a kangaroo certainly looks like a lot of fun, what with all the hopping and the hay eating. But who knew all that jumping around could cause such problems? Marsupial Sue, that's who, a smartly dressed young 'roo who can't abide by all the bouncing: "It rattled her brain. It gave her migraine. A backache, sideache, tummyache too."

So John Lithgow recounts in 4/4 time--along with the jaunty, waltzy music and score on the CD that's included--in his second foray into children's books (The Remarkable Farkle McBride being the first). Probably best known as Dick Solomon on TV's 3rd Rock from the Sun, Lithgow brings his comic knack to this Down Under story about the importance of being yourself. Marsupial Sue might be intrigued by the idea of being a climbing koala or prawn-slurping platypus, but with Lithgow's cooing reassurance as the narrator, she eventually comes around: "Be happy with who you are. / Don't ever stray too far from you. / Get rid of that frown / And waltz up and down / beneath a marsupial star. / If you're a kangaroo through and through, / Just do what kangaroos do."

Lithgow will likely never surpass the spiritual contributions he made to our world as Doctor Emilio Lizardo and John Whorfin, but don't hold that against him. Like Farkle, Marsupial Sue is surely worth a read (and a listen), especially with illustrator Jack E. Davis's cool cast of sunglass- and snappy-hat-wearing Aussie animals. (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul Hughes

Marsupial Sue Reviews:
A Winner!
2009-09-21 - They played this CD and read the book at my son's pre-school and it is his all-time favorite. We had to buy a set for ourselves when we moved. My son is 3. He listens to it at least once a week and it never seems to get old for him. The book is just so-so for me, but the CD is funny. Even my 1yr old daughter tries to sing-a-long. Too cute.

I agree... great gift idea.

Mom that loves to sing too
2009-04-24 - Marsupial Sue has a good message and is truly fun for the entire family to sing along to. My 3 yo daughter loves to sit and listen to the CD while trying to learn the words. The only downside is the song goes through the pages quickly and a 3 yo doesn't really know when to turn the pages. Overall, however, a great book/CD. We will consider this a gift for friends in the future.

Marsupial Sue
2009-04-06 - The kids I teach LOVE this book. It is a must in my classroom. It has a calming effect on the kiddos! LOVE LOVE LOVE

Just Do What Kangaroos Do!
2008-10-23 - "Marsupial Sue" the book and CD is another brilliant production by the immensely talented John Lithgow, actor-singer-performer extraordinaire and multiple Tony and Emmy awards winner. The heart of the story is about a kangaroo named Sue who wishes for something other than being a kangaroo, but of course discovers in the end that being a kangaroo is not so bad after all. The accompanying CD is a sing-along to the text, recorded in Lithgow's voice and has such a catchy tune that my 3.5 year-old requested I play it over and over, and I didn't mind! I loved singing along to this rhyming song with an infectious beat.

This is a wonderful book not just because of the lesson inherent in it, that of being comfortable being oneself, but also because it helps with early literacy skills, as all of Lithgow's books do - one can sing-along with the text, read-aloud, have discussions with one's child about the different animals found in Australia [kangaroo, koala, platypus, wallaby] and so much more. Plus, it's so much fun!!! Highly recommended.

My Kids Love This Book and CD
2008-07-20 - My kids are two and one and they LOVE this book. It has such a catchy tune and they really enjoy singing along with the CD. It also introduces them to words they ordinarily wouldn't use, such as thyphoid, pneumonia, and colic! I bought three more copies for friends and their school! We have most of John Lithgow's kids' books and this is our favorite by far.