  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 04/01/2011 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. - Copyright 2011 Booklist. School Library Journal - 04/01/2011 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 - Copyright 2011 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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