Two Can Toucan

LoveReading4Kids Says

Two Can Toucan, a contemporary creation myth by the inimitable David McKee, is full of quiet, surreal humour, one of the things that always sets his picture books apart. The story explains how the toucan got not just his name but his colourful plumage. At the story’s opening, our hero is all black and because he has no name, is laughed at by the other animals.

Unhappy, he leaves the jungle to walk to the city where he finds a job carrying cans of paint – you can probably guess where the story is going. Carrying two cans is no problem, but he overreaches trying to carry three. With bright new paint-stained feathers he returns to the jungle and is welcomed back by his old friends.

As he shares his adventures with them, they all laugh together – readers will join them. Though written over fifty years ago, the story has lost none of its appeal and McKee’s glorious jungle and cityscapes are as bold, vivid and fresh as if he’d painted them yesterday.

Reviewed by Andrea Reece
Andrea Reece has spent almost her entire working life in children’s books, first as publisher, latterly as consultant, project manager and critic.
More reviews by Andrea Reece

About Two Can Toucan

There's a bird in the forest that is completely black (except for his white eyes), and very unhappy. When the other animals tease him because he has no name, he decides he must leave the forest to find his fortune... and his place in the world. Find out how the toucan got his name, and his amazing colours in this modern classic by picture book legend David McKee - the creator of children's favourites Elmer the patchwork elephant, Mr Benn, and King Rollo.

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