From Publishers Weekly
In this lighthearted companion to The Easter Egg Farm, Pauline the hen reveals a rare talent: if she concentrates on an image while laying an egg, the image appears on the eggshell. Asked to copy paintings hanging in a gallery onto her eggs, Pauline creates her own variations on masterpieces by the likes of Matisse, Van Gogh, Klee and Picasso. The resourceful hen also helps apprehend a thief who tries to make off with a Degas. Auch recreates the famous paintings with impressive fidelity, offering a sturdy contrast to her otherwise fanciful illustrations. Much of the humor is rooted in Pauline's frustration, comically conveyed in her facial expressions, at the humans' inability to decipher her "Henspeak," in which she attempts to communicate the whereabouts of the cluckprit-uh, culprit. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Grade 1-3?Auch outdoes herself with this addition to her delightful series (Easter Egg Farm [1992], Peeping Beauty [1993], and Hen Lake [1995, all Holiday]). Pauline is a hen who can reproduce any image on her egg if she concentrates while laying it. Hearing of her talent, the Big City Art Gallery director asks Pauline's owner, Mrs. Pennywort, if she can copy some paintings as a promotion for their new exhibit. Unfortunately, every egg she lays is not a copy but her own creative variation. She is proud, but Mrs. Pennywort chastises her: "Now stop messing around and just copy the pictures..." Poor Pauline is depressed, but then witnesses a cat burglar stealing a Degas. She lays a clue, the thief is caught, and her originality is appreciated. The text combines clever wordplay with bright illustrations that perfectly express Pauline's temperament and Mrs. Pennywort's personality. The zany woman is quite an unusual farmer, with her orange mushroom coiffure and her flamboyant wardrobe. Tucked into all this fun are copies of six famous works of art; five are complete with the title, artist's name, and date. The story also subtly shows the value of creativity. In spots it is hilarious; in spots it is tender and sympathetic; and in all it is a terrific spoof on reality.?Betty Teague, Blythe Academy of Languages, Greenville, SC
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.