When the Little “Read” Hen’s friends won’t help her write an “egg-cellent” story, she doesn’t let it ruffle her feathers—she just does it herself! Readers of all ages will laugh aloud at the determined Little “Read” Hen as she coops herself up and cracks open her books for research. She doesn’t let her friends put her in a fowl mood—instead, she googles for information on her “eggPad.” Brainstorming, researching, outlining, drafting, editing, and proofing: all the ingredients of the “write” recipe for a well-crafted tale are included in this punny book. Readers are encouraged to try writing their own story using the steps provided in this literary spin on a beloved folk tale.
In a true collaboration with the author, Holly Stone-Barker’s vibrant cut-paper illustrations add riotous fun to each page. Throughout the book are silly wordplays on popular names, such as “The Hen in the Hat,” “Where the Wild Hens Are,” and a favorite coffee house, “Starbawks.” From hand-cut straw to individual feathers, each illustration is something to crow about!
About the Author
Dianne de Las Casas is an award-winning author, storyteller, recording artist, and founder of the celebrated November Is Picture Book Month initiative. She hunts and pecks a good story everywhere she goes. Her work has earned rave reviews from School Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus. She performs worldwide at schools, conferences, and special events and is the author of many picture books with Pelican, including Mama’s Bayou, The House That Witchy Built, and Blue Frog: The Legend of Chocolate. She lives with her family in Harvey, Louisiana.
About the Illustrator
Holly Stone-Barker is a cut-paper and collage artist. She graduated from Pratt Institute in New York City and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She works as a freelance illustrator and enjoys teaching. Stone-Barker feathers her nest with papers from all over the world to create her intricate illustrations. Her collages feature thousands of individual snips of exotic papers delicately arranged to create clear and graphic imagery. Stone-Barker lives in Zachary, Louisiana, with her family.
THE LITTLE “READ” HEN
By Dianne de Las Casas
Illustrated by Holly Stone-Barker
JUVENILE FICTION / Books & Libraries
JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / Words
JUVENILE FICTION / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Adaptations
32 pp. 8 1/2 x 11
31 color illus.
ISBN: 9781455617029