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. 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 back ache, side ache, tummy ache 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 K-Gr 3-Sue is not happy being a kangaroo. Her relatives hop all around, and she gets an incredible headache, among other pains. Wearing her sandals, backpack, sun hat, sundress, and heart-shaped sunglasses, she wanders away. She encounters a tree full of koalas and attempts to hang from a branch as they do but ends up in a heap on the ground with multiple wounds. Seeking another lifestyle, she eyes a platypus basking in the sun near the shore; while she lolls in the water, life at the beach looks good to the marsupial. However, a diet of scallop, shrimp, and trout does not agree with her, and off she goes to the hospital. At last Sue meets up with a wallaby, a miniature version of herself, and joins "in the throng,/Flouncing and jouncing and bouncing along." At last, she realizes that being a kangaroo suits her fine. Lithgow's snappy text has an engaging rhythm that is sure to grab children's attention. Davis's cartoonlike illustrations, in colored pencil, acrylic, dye, and ink, are quirky, bold, and filled with odd details: Sue in her Birkenstocks, a koala on roller skates, a platypus with a beach towel and baseball cap. Though the tone of the book is humorous and light, the "Be happy with who you are" message will not be lost on storytime audiences. Patti Gonzales, Los Angeles Public Library Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. "Kirkus Reviews" A natural for reading (and singing along) out loud. "People" Charming. "Publishers Weekly" Lithgow's ebullient encore will strike a positive note with book and music lovers alike. John Lithgow is the New York Times bestselling author of I Got Two Dogs ; Mahalia Mouse Goes to College ; Marsupial Sue Presents: The Runaway Pancake ; I’m A Manatee ; Micawber ; Marsupial Sue ; The Remarkable Farkle McBride ; and Carnival of the Animals . An award-winning actor, he has starred on stage, film, and television. He performs concerts across the country and has recorded the CDs Farkle and Friends , Singin’ in the Bathtub , and The Sunny Side of the Street . Visit John at JohnLithgow.com.