Project Description
Three Hens and a Peacock
by Lester L. Laminack
illustrated by Henry Cole
This hilarious book reveals what happens when some foolish farm animals decide to trade roles—and discover just how hard it is to do someone else’s job.
The Tuckers’ farm is a peaceful place. Everyone has a job and no one complains. That is, until a hapless peacock falls off the back of a passing truck and stirs things up. Soon, customers are flocking to the farm to see what all the fuss is about. But the hens don’t like the newcomer getting attention while they do all the hard work. The wise old hound sees the problem and helps orchestrate a job swap. What follows is the hilarious tale of three hens who get in way over their feathered heads, and one very distressed peacock who just can’t figure out how to lay an egg.
Lester L. Laminack has created a comical look at what happens when we underestimate the value of others’ work. Henry Cole’s delightful illustrations heighten the story’s humor and will have readers of all ages laughing out loud.
Price: $15.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-564-5
Publication Date: 3/1/2011
Page Count: 32
Size: 9-1/2″ x 11″
Age Range: 4 – 8
Language: English
Price: $7.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-726-7
Publication Date: 2/1/2014
Page Count: 32
Size: 9-1/2″ x 11″
Age Range: 4 – 8
Language: English
ISBN: 978-1-56145-997-1
Age Range: 4– 8
Language: English
Purchase this eBook through the following vendors:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
BookShout
eBooks.com
Google
IndieBound
Kobo
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GRL: J, Gr 1
Lexile: AD590L
Themes: Animals, Farm, Teamwork
BISAC 1: JUV002090 JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Farm Animals
BISAC 2: JUV019000 JUVENILE FICTION / Humorous Stories
BISAC 3: JUV039060 JUVENILE FICTION / Social Issues / Friendship
Reviews
“What might have been an ordinary be-yourself story is enhanced by Laminack’s (Snow Day!) surprisingly thoughtful storytelling…Laminack characterizes the hens with a fine ear for their Golden Girls outrage…the illustrations go for big guffaws and slapstick instead, and largely succeed…effectively keeping the book from feeling message-heavy.” ―Publishers Weekly
“Frenetically posing chickens will inspire giggles…Good farm fun.” ―Kirkus Reviews
“Laminack’s storytelling is brisk, and Cole’s cartoon illustrations are vivid and comical” ―Booklist
“A delightful choice for schools and public libraries” ―School Library Journal
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“Popular author Lester L. Laminack has created a comical look at what happens when we underestimate the value of others’ work. Henry Cole’s delightful illustrations heighten the story’s humor and will have readers of all ages laughing out loud” ―Midwest Book Review
“A beautifully illustrated contemporary fable for pre-schoolers and early elementary age children. The fable centers on wanting what others have and using your own talents to make a contribution.” ―Grand Forks Herald
“Cole’s watercolor and ink illustrations are eye-catching and will appeal to readers and listeners alike” ―Savannah Morning News
“The gentle lesson about discovering your own strengths is accompanied by bright, eye-catching illustrations and slapstick humor.” ―San Diego Union-Tribune
“The sprightly story by Lester Laminack with illustrations by Henry Cole effectively makes the point that comparisons and jealousy drain the pleasure out of life by making us chase after imagined freedom, fame, and ease. In the end, both the hens and the peacock come to a fresh respect for what they do. Being grateful for who you are and what you can do is the beginning of wisdom.” ―Spirituality and Practice
“Illustrations superbly capture the animal antics!” ―Children’s Book a Day
“The message for this book is a really good one and is one that children should be exposed to.” ―My Kingdom for a Book
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Awards
Children’s Choice Book Awards Kindergarten to Second Grade Book of the Year ―Children’s Book Council, 2012
Children’s Choices ―International Reading Association, Children’s Book Council, 2012
Best Children’s Books of the Year (Starred) ―Bank Street College of Education, 2012
Read Aloud Book Award ―Center for Excellence in Literacy Instruction, 2012
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Society of School Librarians International Book Awards (Honor Book, Language Arts picture books) ―Society of School Librarians International, 2011
Storytelling World Resource Awards (Stories for Young Listeners) ―Storytelling World Magazine, 2012
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Primary) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2012
Kentucky Bluegrass Awards (Master List, Grades K-2) ―Kentucky Reading Association, Kentucky School Media Association, 2013
Young Hoosier Book Award (Nominee, Picture Book) ―Association for Indiana Media Educators, 2013-2014
Alabama Camellia Awards (Nominee, Grades K-1) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2012-2013
Delaware Diamonds (Nominee, Grades K-2) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2012-2013
Golden Sower Award (Nominee, Primary) ―Nebraska Library Association, 2014-2015
Ladybug Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―New Hampshire Center for the Book, 2012
Mockingbird Award (Nominee) ―Abilene Independent School District, 2011-2012
Nevada Young Readers’ Award (Nominee, Picture Book Category) ―Nevada Library Association, 2014
North Carolina Author Awards (Nominee, AAUW Award for Juvenile Literature) ―North Carolina Literary and Historical Association, 2011
Patricia Gallagher Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―Oregon Reading Association, 2014-2015
Prairie Bud Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―South Dakota Library Association, South Dakota Reading Council, South Dakota State Library, South Dakota Elementary School Principal, 2013-2014
Show Me Readers Award (Nominee) ―Missouri Association of School Librarians, 2013-2014
South Carolina Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―South Carolina Association of School Librarians, 2013-2014
Treasure State Award (Nominee) ―Montana State Reading Council, 2013
Best Spiritual Book of the Year List ―Spirituality & Practice, 2012
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Meet the Author
Lester L. Laminack is a specialist in children’s literacy and professor emeritus at Western Carolina University. Laminack has written numerous books and articles for educators and is a familiar speaker at professional meetings and reading associations nationwide. He lives in North Carolina. You can visit his website here.
Meet the Illustrator
Henry Cole is the illustrator of more than ninety books for children, including bestsellers such as The Leprechaun’s Gold, Little Bo, and Tango Makes Three, and Oink!, in addition to many of his own books, such as A Nest For Celeste and Jack’s Garden. He lives in Florida. You can visit his website here.
