In a series of her signature sturdy woodcuts, Wormell (Why Not?) once again returns to the barnyard for this tale of a normally cheerful rooster who is having a very bad day. No one knows why Bernard is so out of sorts, but he's certainly making a nuisance of himself chasing Lucy, the farmer's daughter, hassling the cat and pecking at the dog's tail. Finally, with a little unexpected help from Callum the pony, Bernard climbs to the top of a tree and announces, "Cock-a-doodle-do, now I'm higher than you" revealing both the source and cure of his irritability. Attentive readers will find Wormell's carefully planted clues along the way (Bernard is jealous of the new rooster-shaped weathervane on top of the farmhouse). A model of graceful artistry, the volume reflects the economy with which Wormell chooses both her words and her carefully edited vistas, which keep the tale tightly focused. She softens the bold black lines of her chunky woodcuts with subtle coloring, allowing Bernard, his fine black plumage set off by a bright red comb and wattle, to command center stage. His efforts to prove that he's top dog make that rooster will easily win the sympathy of readers. Ages 3-6.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 1-Bernard's daily job is to wake his barnyard family from his perch atop the fence: "Cock-a-doodle-doo, good morning to you." One day he inexplicably begins to strike out at his friends, who cautiously keep their distance, expressing both concern and annoyance. He chases Lucy when she brings him breakfast and pecks at the tail of Toby, the scruffy dog. Careful observers will notice that a new weathervane-a cock whose head dares to be quite a bit higher than proud Bernard's-is the source of the rooster's unhappiness. He is frustrated and irritable until he figures out a solution to his problem, and while his anger is not condoned, it is forgiven. Young listeners may feel as pleased for Bernard as his barnyard friends when he crows from his new perch atop a tall tree. Bold, textured linoleum cuts, each color illustration a two-page spread, complement the sense of a domestic farm setting. The art is lively and clear and the straightforward layout will make this a good storytime choice.
Kathie Meizner, Montgomery County Public Libraries, Chevy Chase, MD
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
See all Editorial Reviews
(
