Chicken Little (Harper Growing Tree Series)
PreSchool-KAIn this version of the familiar tale, some elements are the same-Chicken Little is hit by an acorn and believes the sky to be falling. She runs off to tell the king and encounters a succession of creatures along the way, all of which join in her quest. However, in this retelling, the trickster fox is not present and the group does successfully reach the king to warn him. The wise king discovers the truth among Chicken Little's tail feathers, and they all enjoy a good laugh. While this simplified retelling might appeal to younger readers, the story lacks the tension usually provided by the presence of the fox. The simple text and repetitive refrain will read aloud well. However, although colorful and bold, the watercolor cartoons are a bit amateurish and busy. Sally Hobson's Chicken Little (S & S, 1994) and Paul Galdone's Henny Penny (Houghton, 1979) are better choices.ADeAnn Tabuchi, San Anselmo Public Library, CACopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.