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Summary
Summary
A hilarious read-aloud favorite about some foolish farm animals who decide to trade roles-and discover just how hard it is to do someone else's job, from award-winning author Lester L. Laminack and celebrated illustrator Henry Cole.
The Tuckers' farm is a peaceful place where everyone has a job and no one complains. That is, until a hapless peacock falls off the back of a passing truck and stirs things up. Soon, customers are flocking to the farm to see what all the fuss is about. But the hens don't like the newcomer getting attention while they do all the hard work. When a wise old hound sees the problem, he helps orchestrate a job swap.
What follows is the riotous tale of three hens who get in way over their feathered heads, and one very distressed peacock who just can't figure out how to lay an egg.
Lester L. Laminack has created a comical look at envy, finding your strength, and what happens when we underestimate the value of others' work. Henry Cole's delightful illustrations heighten the story's humor and will have readers of all ages laughing out loud.
Author Notes
Lester L. Laminack is a specialist in children's literacy and professor emeritus at Western Carolina University. Laminack has written numerous books and articles for educators in addition to his picture books, and he is a sought-after speaker at professional meetings and reading associations nationwide. He lives in North Carolina.
Henry Cole has published almost 150 books for children, including those he has both written and illustrated, including Homer on the Case and TheSomewhat True Adventures of Sammy Shine , and those he has illustrated, includingbestsellers such as And Tango Makes Three and books by Julie Andrews Edwards and Harvey Fierstein. A former fourth grade science teacher who grew up on a farm, he is a popular presenter who dazzles audiences of all ages.
Reviews (4)
School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3-On a beautiful summer day, a crate falls off a truck, and out pops a colorful peacock that wanders down the road and changes life on the Tuckers' farm. His fancy feathers draw the attention of passers-by, who now stop to buy eggs, corn, and tomatoes. Jealousy and drama erupt in the henhouse, so the hound strikes a deal between the feuding birds to switch jobs. While the peacock unsuccessfully attempts to lay eggs, the hens strut their stuff roadside, and go unnoticed. Once they return to what they do best, all seems quiet, until another crate falls off a truck by the Tuckers' farm and a new surprise arrives, which will create lots of guessing and discussion among children. Cole's engaging illustrations in watercolor, ink, and colored pencils are bold and humorous and explode with color. The three hens and peacock express their confusion, anger, and shock with popping eyes, pointy beaks out of joint, and plenty of wing flapping. Endpages are decorated with a delicate peacock feather motif. The huffy hens dressed in jewelry and hair ribbons as they try to attract attention are sure to evoke giggles at storytime or in a one-on-one setting. But the ending will amp up the interest and excitement as the crate with a little clue breaks open. A delightful choice for schools and public libraries.-Anne Beier, Clifton Public Library, NJ (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
What might have been an ordinary be-yourself story is enhanced by Laminack's (Snow Day!) surprisingly thoughtful storytelling. Three hens on the Tuckers' farm are sick with envy when a peacock shows up and attracts the attention of passersby, drawing customers and electrifying the farm's roadside stand business. Laminack characterizes the hens with a fine ear for their Golden Girls outrage; they sound quite human. "We do all the work around here," fumes one. "I'd like to see that peacock lay one single egg." "Exactly," agrees another. "He just struts around screaming." The hens trade places with the peacock, dressing up in beads and ribbons and trying to attract customers-with predictable results. The warmth of the story is a bit overshadowed by the goggle eyes of Cole's (One Pup's Up) barnyard characters; the illustrations go for big guffaws and slapstick instead, and largely succeed. The final spreads-which suggest further complications with the arrival of an ostrich-add a final touch of humor, effectively keeping the book from feeling message-heavy. Ages 4-8. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Horn Book Review
The hens throw a fit about the farm's preening newcomer: "That lazy peacock gets all the attention and we do all the work!" When Dog suggests the hens try being the flashy ones, they (and the peacock) all end up with a greater appreciation for one other. Cole's illustrations depicting the deluded hens in their farm finery rule the roost. (c) Copyright 2011. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
When a box containing a live peacock gets thrown off a truck onto the Tuckers' farm, the usual farm-animal routines get thrown off, too. The peacock attracts notice from passers-by with his feather shaking and screeches, which brings more egg-buying customers to the farm. Resentment soon develops in the henhouse: That lazy peacock gets all the attention and we do all the work. The resolution comes from an old hound, who teaches the hens and peacock a gentle lesson about appreciating your own talents. Not exactly a revelatory message, but Laminack's storytelling is brisk, and Cole's cartoon illustrations are vivid and comical. The peacock is a striking creature that outshines the three hens even after they get all gussied up with necklaces, bracelets, and hair ribbons to attract attention. The final image shows another box falling out of a truck, evidently carrying another exotic animal though, with any luck, the creatures have already learned their lesson.--Nolan, Abby Copyright 2010 Booklist