“There’s a Hole in My Bucket”
Sung by: The Topp Twins
Pictures by: Jenny Cooper.
Published by: Scholastics and includes a CD
Age: 4 – 6 year olds, although could be enjoyed by older
Theme: Entertainment, hilarious, tolerance,
Synopsis: ” There’s a hole in my bucket, dear Liza, dear Liza.
There’s a hole in my bucket dear Liza, a Hole!
Then fix it dear Henry, dear Henry, dear Henry.
Then fix it dear Henry, Dear Henry, fix it!”
Why I like it: Come on, look at the beautifully illustrated cover, and believe me the illustrations within fantastically emphasis the hilarity with which the top Twins sing this catchy well-known tune. Jenny uses the song as a conversation between a duck and her rather hair brain friend, a goat. Imagine her sideways look on her face as he asks “with what shall I cut it, dear Liza, dear Liza…” You can imagine her exasperation as the song continues and all the goat wants to do is play and dance.
This is the Topp Twins first book together and think its a great way to encourage children to read. This comical duo and NZ icon are well-known around the world for their country singing, character and reverse roll shows, hilarious acts….(If you don’t know them.. where have you been?) and amazing yodeling. I love that children can read, listen and sing along to this well designed book.
Resources/findings: When looking for resources I discovered a lovely site on new NZ authors and reviews of their books. http://kidsbooksnz.blogspot.com/
Also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/There’s_a_Hole_in_My_Bucket with great information of how the song came about and who over the years have sung their interpretation.
It would be a great book in classrooms blending storytime with a singalongs. Maybe the children would be asked to think of a story where it ends in full circle as this one does. It is sure to encourage a lot of discussion and interest.
For more books with resources please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Picture Perfect Book.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
This is great! My mom sings this song all the time!
LOL, yes it is a well known song, so I can imagine your Mum knowing this one… what is great is that they turned it into a Picture Book. Glad you love this.
I love that song, what a great idea to make it a pb. Happy New Year Diane!
Yes, it was a great Idea alright. Seems to be the thing to do I notice. Happy New year to you Catherine, all the best.
Nice selection! Boy, do I remember that song. I remember my Dad singing it to us in the car when we were on trips. Happy to see it made into a PB. It looks like the illustrations are wonderful.
Yes it is wonderful Pat, so glad you liked the selection. I’m on a roll so have sneaked in another more kiwi one next. You will love the Topp Twins check them out on Youtube.
Hi Diane, I recognize that song! This sounds like such a fun CD/Book. I imagine children have a lot of fun with it. I love the cover illustration. It looks so comical! Happy 2012!
Yep the kids would love this book/cd, all the illustrations inside a wonderfully funny. Have a Happy 2012 to, Loni.
Okay, Diane. Now you’re in trouble 🙂 There is no song that gets stuck in my head like this one does. I don’t know what it is, but once this song gets going around I’m stuck with it for a week (as is my family!) So now you know what I’ll be singing, humming, whistling as I do chores etc for the next 7 to 10 days! When my children start to run away screaming I’m going to blame you 🙂 This book looks really cute, though! Thanks for sharing. I had never heard of these famous NZ twins.
Oh!…Oh!…. I am done for now!…LOL.
I can just imagine your kids complaining about your singing this tune over, and over, and over again….LOL. Guess my name will be mud for a bit…LOL.:-) I don’t mind.
You should look up the Top Twins on Youtube if you want to have a real good laugh. They are hilarous and you will get addicted to them…. lol. Happy 2012 Susanna… (oh and I am going to make a nuisance of myself and sneaking another little book of NZ culture this Friday) don’t ya just love me!!!
Yes I do! 🙂
Oh but, BTW? “There’s a hole in my bucket, dear Liza, dear Liza! There’s a hole in my bucket, dear Liza, a hole!” (Yep, that’s me singing all the way on the other side of the world :))
LOL…. “cracked me up”…… LOL! You are sweet! and thankyou for making my day!