Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In the Loopy Coop Hens' fourth outing, a fox is prowling around the farm, and it's Rooster Sam's job to keep an eye out: "If a fox comes, he will do something!" It turns out that "something" translates to running headlong into a garbage can or falling on top of a balloon in fright. Luckily, both actions have the convenient side effects of scaring away the fox and (mostly) preserving Sam's ego. Despite Sam's bumbling, the hens still adore him, and Stoeke makes it clear, once again, that it's hens Midge, Pip, and Dot who rule this roost. Ages 3-7. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-Midge, Pip, and Dot (and Rooster Sam) are back in their fourth adventure. The fox that never materialized in the previous story finally makes his appearance, but the hens aren't worried, because they have Sam. Unfortunately, his method of scaring the fox is always a happy accident as he's running away from the predator. The addition of a sleepy, old hound doesn't instill much confidence in the girls. Dot starts sleeping with a balloon and fork so she can scare the fox away if needed (and it is). But in the end everyone is safe, and Dot gives Sam a bunch of noise making items for future fox-scaring use. Stoeke's illustrations are funny, expressive, vibrant, and straightforward-just like in the previous books. Who knew chickens could roll their eyes? And with such ease! Stoeke depicts Dot doing just that. The use of simple language and chapter headings makes this suitable as a beginning reader or great for story time. A must-have where silly chickens are popular (and isn't that most places?).-Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
In this, their fourth adventure, hens Midge, Pip, and Dot are threatened by a fox; Rooster Sam intends to protect them, but it's Dot who saves the day. The controlled vocabulary, simple sentences, and division into six brief chapters make this ideal for both new readers and preschool listeners. Once again, the humorous, well-composed illustrations focus appropriately on character and action. (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
The fox is in the henhouse. Silly fox, what in tarnation was he thinking?Sounding like a bunch of gals sitting under hair dryers at the salon in Mayberry, U.S.A., Midge, Pip and Dot are three hens always finding themselves in harm's way, which befits hens living on Loopy Coop Farm. Here, however, they are in mortal danger: A fox, complete with well-cared-for dentures and squinty eyes, has made his way into the henhouse, and it is up to Rooster Sam to make things safe. Though his talents run toward cowardice and sloth, Rooster Sam is repeatedly successful in spite of himself. Farce usually needs a lot of gears and wheels within wheels to find its climax, but Stoeke, with scant text and a reduced line and palette, carries it delightfully forward, one unexpected, mildly cringe-inducing incident after another. The henswell, Midge and Piphave a gratifyingly hysterical edge, while Dot is the problem-solver (if in a good, goofy way).Midge, Pip and Dot prove that we can all be heroes, as long as a trio of smart hens has our backs covered. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
