Rooster Can't CockaDoodle Doo Author:Karen Rostoker-Gruber, Paul Ratz de Tagyos (Illustrator) School Library Journal — PreSchool-Grade 2 –Silenced by a sore throat, Rooster is unable to wake up Farmer Ted. The bird rouses the hens with a "Cough!" and they join him to awaken the cows, summon the sheep, and then wake up the pigs. Together, the animals implement a plan to get Farmer Ted out of bed. Once this is accomplished, ... more »he needs help to finish the chores before day's end. After the farmer brews warm tea and honey to soothe Rooster's sore throat, the rest of the gang assists him with the milking, feeding, egg gathering, and shearing. By sunset, the work is finished and Rooster has regained his crow. The story moves quickly and the text is packed with amusing puns. Cleanly executed in pencil, ink, marker, and colored pencil, the brightly colored, realistic cartoons add humor to the story. The pigs especially are real hams as they go about their share of the labor. The large size and simplicity of the drawings will work well for groups.
It's hard to find hardcover books for this age group that are more than just silly with good graphics. This is silly, with good graphics, and a good take home message. My three year olds love it!