The Loopycoop Hens

by Janet Morgan Stoeke

Overview

Midge, Pip, and Dot are the hens of Loopy Coop Farm. They want to fly like Rooster Sam, but they just can't seem to do it, even though they try and try. With its surprise ending, short and punchy text, and Stoeke's hilariously expressive pictures, this is a story kids will want to return to again and again.

From the author of the hit Minerva Louise series, this boisterous first book about the Loopy Coop Farm hens is also a perfect first lesson in reading.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781101648971
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	03/17/2011
Sold by:	Penguin Group
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
File size:	15 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	3 - 5 Years

About the Author

Janet Morgan Stoeke is the creator of the hen Minerva Louise, who has appeared in many books. She lives in Alexandria, Virginia.Visit her website at http://www.minervalouise.com

Editorial Reviews

Stoeke trades her popular Minerva Louise character for a trio of similarly dim hens—Pip, Dot, and Midge—who "love Rooster Sam" for several reasons, not least because he can fly. The simple text and sentences are ideal for new readers, but it is Stoeke's loose, unfussy artwork that emphasizes the slapstick humor and carries much of the character development. The fowls' body language is especially hilarious in scenes where they attempt to fly and find themselves flat on the ground, or when overconfident Rooster Sam strolls by. Despite the traditional picture book format, the plot is divided into chapters that resemble an early reader; in "The Moth," the hens begrudge a moth's ability to fly ("We're big," says Dot. "We should be able to fly"), before deciding that having wings, toes, and—unfortunately for the moth—beaks is enough. And the hens' disappointment in discovering that Rooster Sam can't fly at all is short-lived. After all, "His toes are golden yellow," and "his comb falls just so, over one eye." Being in love can feel like flying, and for these hens, that's enough. Ages 3–5. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly

PreS-Gr 1—Dippy hens Midge, Pip, and Dot love Rooster Sam. They swoon over his "snowy white" tail and "golden yellow" toes, but "best of all, Rooster Sam can fly!" The trio long to take flight, but all attempts land them firmly on the ground. They ask Sam how he does it, but he stays mum. An early-morning stakeout reveals the truth: "He hops onto the truck. He hops onto the hay. And then he hops onto the roof. Then he stands up tall on the roof and crows. Rooster Sam does not fly at all!" But still.... Stoeke's bright, uncluttered illustrations are full of comedy, from the hens' bemused expressions to the rooster's haughty strut. Divided into short chapters, the simple text is just right for beginning readers. Fans of Stoeke's Minerva Louise will enjoy these equally funny fowl.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada

School Library Journal