Peeping Beauty [Paperback]

Mary Jane Auch (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Poulette the dancing hen falls into the clutches of a hungry fox, who exploits her desire to become a great ballerina.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

PW praised Auch's "savvy" prose style in this tale of a ballerina chicken. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-- Poulette the hen longs to become a famous ballerina. While her companions gossip and scratch in the garden, she stretches her limbs and dances her heart out. When a fox in talent scout's clothing appears seeking a star for a new production entitled "Peeping Beauty," the other hens try to convince Poulette that it's a trick. However, the star-struck chick is unable to resist a pretty pink tutu and the promise of applause. During the performance, the fox finally reveals his true colors, as well as a mouth full of teeth, and Poulette must think on her feet to save the show--and her life. Both text and artwork convey the humor and drama of this tale. The language is lively and filled with witty phrases and ballet references. Using bright colors and just enough detail, Auch sets her cast of characters against a simple backdrop. Poulette, with her wistful expression and ballet-slipper clad drumsticks, manages to be both graceful and funny, while the fox comes across as just the slightest bit trustworthy. Scenes of the ballet are highlighted by bright pinks and purples, building the excitement of the finale. Moving beyond the traditional chicken-versus-fox scenario, Auch sends a positive message about an inspiring heroine who believes in her dreams and in herself. --Joy Fleishhacker, New York Public Library
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House (April 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823411702
• ISBN-13: 978-0823411702
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.2 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #210,865 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get ready to laugh!, March 4, 2000

By 

Julie Sanchez "Julie Sanchez 'Mom bookworm" (Memphis, TN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Peeping Beauty (Hardcover)

Here is a histarical book about a chicken who dreams of being a famous ballerina and puts herself in danger of a wolf just for her one big chance. My daughter, and mother and I were all just roaring with laughter. My mother can do a wonderful southern accent and applied it to Poulette's voice. It was great! This book is great to do voices with for the different charectors! You're child will LOVE it! My daughter brought this book home from the school library and we got such a huge kick out of it we have told lots of people about it. I just had to buy a copy for my family! It is a "must-have"! You won't be dissappointed! A great one to read to your elementary children's class room! Nice easy reading that isn't too long before bed time too! :)

4.0 out of 5 stars A great book for young girls, March 8, 2009

By 

Dad with a young daughter - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Peeping Beauty (Paperback)

Peeping Beauty combines great illustrations with a fun and clever story line that will appeal to young girls and even their parents upon rereading. The story of a hen who wants to be a ballerina has appeal, but should she trust the fox? Obviously not, but this hen is no chicken. My four year old daughter likes this story a lot, and often requests it. Though we get many books from the library(including initially this one), this one was good enough to become a keeper in our "permanent" collection.

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Classic from Mary Jane Auch, September 12, 2005

By 

Jimmy MacS (Springfield, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Peeping Beauty (Hardcover)

My daughter loves the "chicken" series from Mary Jane Auch, particularly those devoted to dancing such as this one. Here we meet Poulette, a ballet-dancing chicken whose visions of stardom cloud her judgment when a fast-talking fox "talent scout" appears. Some good lessons in friendship, caution, mercy, and self-worth. Excellent illustrations. I strongly recommend the series.