I Am a Pole (And So Can You!)

By: Stephen Colbert

Narrated by: Tom Hanks, Stephen Colbert (introduction)

The story of a pole, searching for his purpose in life.

"The perfect gift to give a child or grandchild for their high school or college graduation. Also Father's Day. Also, other times."
—Stephen Colbert

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2012 Stephen Colbert (P)2012 Hachette

Critic reviews

"The sad thing is, I like it." (Maurice Sendak)

I'm so glad I did

My interest was peaked after seeing a video cut of Stephen Colbert with Julie Andrews - both pitching their children's books. Don't get too hung up (yes there is a pun here too) on the stripper pole - when you buy a chemical to remove paint in a bottle there is not a nude woman inside! Good books are layered with meaning. Great books mean different things to different age groups and different walks of life. And that includes books for kids. Re-read some Dr. Seuss!
I was feeling a bit foolish buying an 8 minute audiobook, but did it anyway - I'm so glad I did! I had no clue till the end the proceeds go to vets - that alone makes the book worth every penny and more. Made my day!

Just plain funny

Let's not try to overanalyze this, shall we? It's hysterical. Fans of Stephen Colbert will probably appreciate the humor in it more, but anyone with a funny bone should get a giggle (or at least a broad smile) out of this. Tom Hanks is a wonderful reader (how do we get him to read more books?)

Some good chuckles.

Stephen and Tom clearly enjoyed themselves in this very brief performance, and brought a smile to my face.

Satire at a Sad Time

Colbert is witty as ever and who doesn't love Tom Hanks? Quick jovial morsel from both.

A fun quick joke for a good cause…

Proceeds help vets and it gives you a chuckle. Best part was when audible asked me for review and simultaneously said I hadn’t heard enough to leave one yet. :)

Deal of the century!

For a fraction of the price of the hardcover or e-book version, I got the audiobook, some comic banter between Tom Hanks and Stephen Colbert, and a PDF file with all the illustrations (slightly out of sequence, but not a big deal). It's a lovely story, with rhymes and puns to boot, and the illustrations are just as charming (is that Maurice Sendak saluting the flag at the end?) Since all the proceeds go to charity, I am tempted to buy the e-book version; $1.83 seems too modest a contribution to such a great cause. Well done, Colberty!

cute Light Read

Short and cute story but who doesn't love Tom Hanks and Steve Colbert? Just listening to them was a treat.

Laughing out loud

This book had me in stitches. It was a great collaboration & supports US veterans. Can I give it more stars?

Sendak's blurb on front sums it up perfectly

Would you listen to I Am a Pole (And So Can You!) again? Why?

I have listened to it twice already. I enjoy Colbert's character quite a bit and he is present in this audiobook heckling Tom Hanks. However, the book reflects a mixture of both Colbert and Colbert voices and is a nice, simple children's book that I hope to read to my children in a few years.

What did you like best about this story?

The fact that the book is written in a way that entertains children and adults in different ways.

What about Tom Hanks and Stephen Colbert (introduction) ’s performance did you like?

Colbert's TV persona on full display

Any additional comments?

If you haven't watched the multi-part interview b/w Colbert and Maurice Sendak (an American treasure of childhood lit), please take the time to view it. It is a great highlight of a fantastic writer in what turned out to be one of his final interviews and also served as the genesis for this book. The series of interviews is available in full on colbertnation in honor of Mr Sendak's recent passing.

No One Else But Colbert...

What did you love best about I Am a Pole (And So Can You!)?

Some critics accuse others of having their works ghost-written. No one else but Stephen Colbert could have possibly written his book! Clever; ingenious; and, as usual, poking fun at everyone! In a day of extreme political correctness, Colbert dances on the heads of other pundits...and, now, a children's book??

Keep us laughing!! Keep us dancing!! Keep us thinking!

If anyone has connections to Stephen or his publisher, there needs to be two other offerings of this book: an actual autographed copy; and a copy with a personalized message and actual autograph for those whom we dearly love that enjoy such outrageous humor!

What was one of the most memorable moments of I Am a Pole (And So Can You!)?

That a Pole without a purpose is just a Rod...

What does Tom Hanks and Stephen Colbert (introduction) bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Setting up the complete playfulness with their interaction...

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

His continuous search for identity

Any additional comments?

Just wish it had been longer, that's all...