Oh No! A Fox!

PreS-Gr 1—Midge, Pip, and Dot (and Rooster Sam) are back in their fourth adventure. The fox that never materialized in the previous story finally makes his appearance, but the hens aren't worried, because they have Sam. Unfortunately, his method of scaring the fox is always a happy accident as he's running away from the predator. The addition of a sleepy, old hound doesn't instill much confidence in the girls. Dot starts sleeping with a balloon and fork so she can scare the fox away if needed (and it is). But in the end everyone is safe, and Dot gives Sam a bunch of noise making items for future fox-scaring use. Stoeke's illustrations are funny, expressive, vibrant, and straightforward—just like in the previous books. Who knew chickens could roll their eyes? And with such ease! Stoeke depicts Dot doing just that. The use of simple language and chapter headings makes this suitable as a beginning reader or great for story time. A must-have where silly chickens are popular (and isn't that most places?).—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH