THE TWIN PRINCES

Replete with poultry-related double entendres and (in the pictures, at least) popeyed, rubber-legged steeds, this tale of sibling rivalry offers plenty of chuckles—even if the climactic twist is too contrived to be credible. Injured during a hunt and unsure which of his twin sons was born first, King Chanticleer announces a race, with his crown to go to the one whose horse finishes last. This odd provision really ruffles the feathers of aggressive Fowler, who’s used to having his way over the kinder, gentler Henry and has already poisoned his brother’s horse in expectation of a more conventional race. Arnold repeatedly warns that there’s a “riddle” (more of a poser, really) coming up, and even tucks in an old peddler woman to provide additional hints. As it happens, both princes end up standing before the finish line, waiting for the other to go ahead. How to solve the dilemma? Read and see. Presented as a tale being told to Henry’s royal chicks by their nanny, it won’t outpace “The Tortoise and the Hare,” and other versions of the folktale, but readers won’t have any trouble staying the course. (Picture book. 6-8)