The Red Hen. DVD. 7 min. Weston Woods. 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-44755-3. $59.95; CD, ISBN 978-0-545-44760-7: $12.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-44812-3: $29.95.
PreS-Gr 3–In Rebecca and Ed Emberley’s wacky, modern take on the classic tale, hen finds a wonderful recipe rather than some seeds to plant and harvest. She first gathers the ingredients, then mixes, bakes, ices, and decorates her “simply splendid cake”—a three-tiered orange, purple, and red masterpiece with flourishes and stars. At each step, she asks her friends cat, rat, and frog for help, but gets the expected response or, in the frog’s case, a dismissive “Bribbit.” At one point, the narrator interjects, “She pretty much knew what was coming,” before the three lazy animals once again refuse to help, though four little blackbirds happily assist her every step of the way. When she queries, “Who will help me eat the cake?,” she declines their eager offers with, “Hmphf…I think I will eat it myself.” The bright, bold paper-cut collages pop against the white background in this animated version of the book (Roaring Brook, 2010). The little red hen, with her bright yellow comb and mismatched blue eyes, is comical, enthusiastic, and quite pleased with herself by the end of the tale. She is also featured in an added clip in which she instructs the audience on how to make “Red Hen’s Simply Splendid Cake.” A read-along option is available. Children will enjoy chiming in with the characters and predicting what they will say. A perfect addition to folk tale as well as writing units.–Barbara Auerbach, P.S. 217, Brooklyn, NY
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