THREE HENS AND A PEACOCK

All is calm on the Tuckers’ farm. Cows are quietly chewing cud, hens are clucking and pecking, old hound’s lazing on the porch. Only an occasional customer at the produce stand disturbs the routine—until a crate drops out of a passing truck and out pops a peacock! It’s his first time on a farm, and he has no idea what to do. He does what comes naturally, and before long, his strutting and shrieking draws attention. Business at the farm stand booms…but the hens are jealous. They do all the work, and that upstart peacock gets all the attention. Peacock wants to be useful, so old hound suggests the two groups switch jobs. The hens glam it up with beads and bows, and peacock does his darndest to lay eggs. No one’s successful. Thanks to old hound, everyone learns a lesson about sticking to their strengths. Laminack’s tale of barnyard envy is a fine addition to farm fables, but it’s Cole’s signature watercolor, ink, and pencil cartoon illustrations that charm here. His frenetically posing chickens will inspire giggles, as will old hound’s sardonic looks. Good farm fun. (Picture book. 4-8)