COCK-A-DOODLE DANCE!

Life on the farm is positively “Cock-a-Doodle DULL” until Rooster catches a jitterbug that starts the whole barn a shakin’ and a rollin’.

“The chickens do / the cha-cha, / as the dogs begin / ballet, / and shimmy sheep / don’t stop their / swing until / the light of day.” Barnyard beats and dancing livestock tales are a dime a dozen, but this snappy rhythm is enough to carry readers, regardless of originality. (It’s super fun to read aloud.) However, the farm animals can’t fully surrender to a life of dance and ignore their responsibilities. The eggs have become scrambled, the milk has curdled and the farm is a mess. The only thing left to do is “Cock-a-Doodle CLEAN UP!” Deas’ energetic animals look like they’ve danced straight out of Looney Tunes, with Rooster and his slick, rockabilly hair/comb leading the way. Action words like “pivot,” “pounce” and “prance” (extra points for alliteration) are mixed in with a variety of dances from all different eras. A glossary at the back describes some of the steps and history in further detail.

This romp may be slight in plot, but it’s overflowing in clever wordplay.