If a Chicken Stayed for Supper - Hardcover

Carrie Weston is the author of several books for children. which have been published around the world. She teaches children’s literature at the University of East London, near her home.

Mama Fox warns her five little foxes not to leave the den and promises, "We will have chicken for supper tonight!" The mischievous foxes venture out anyway and soon find themselves muddy and also a bit muddled, thinking that one of them has gotten lost. Each one counts only four foxes (leaving out the counter), and soon all are in tears. A friendly chicken reassures the little foxes and walks them home. Mommy Fox eyes Mother Hen hungrily but reconsiders and invites her to share their vegetable soup. Weston takes two familiar story motifs, the counter who neglects to count himself and the chicken that becomes a dinner guest rather than the main course, and creates a satisfying tale for children who are old enough to understand the premise. Glowing colors and simplified shapes are keynotes of the illustrations, which combine a naive look with a sense of form that is sophisticated yet very accessible. Great fun for reading aloud. Carolyn Phelan
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