Prairie Chicken Little - by Jackie Mims Hopkins (Paperback)

About the Book

In this prairie-style twist on Chicken Little, Mary McBlick en hears a rumble and is sure a stampede's a comin! She sets off to warn Cowboy Stan and Red Dog Dan, gathering up her friends along the way. Before they can get there, though, the band of prairie critters gets tricked by a mean Coyote and trapped in his evil den. Will the friends escape in time? And where is that rumbling coming from after all?

Book Synopsis

When Mary McBlicken the prairie chicken hears a rumblin' and a grumblin', she sets off to warn her friends in this prairie-style twist on Chicken Little.

Mary McBlicken is sure a stampede's a comin'! She hurries to the ranch, gathering up her friends--a prairie dog, a jack rabbit, and a meadowlark--along the way. Before the fine feathered and furry folks get to their destination, they encounter a coyote who says he knows a shortcut. Should they trust him? Will they find Cowboy Stan and Red Dog Dan in time? And where is that rumbling coming from anyway?

Jackie Mims Hopkins brings readers a hilarious, prairie-style rendition of a well-loved tale. Henry Cole's energetic illustrations perfectly complement the hilarity and will have readers laughing out loud.

Review Quotes

"The repetition invites chiming in from young readers, who will also find plenty to chuckle at in Cole's (Unspoken) bustling watercolor, ink, and colored-pencil illustrations, which convey the animals' overblown fright with comedic bravado. . . a lively take on this familiar tale."--Publishers Weekly

"The simple text with its rhyming words and repeated phrases will appeal to emerging readers. Pair Steven Kellogg's Chicken Little (Morrow, 1987), featuring a city setting, with this prairie version of the folktale for an entertaining story hour."--School Library Journal

"Hopkins' prairie take on 'Chicken Little' is made storytime perfect by Cole's characteristically hysterical, watercolor-and-colored-pencil cartoons of goggle-eyed critters. It's also a nice twist that Mary and her friends save themselves from the coyote rather than ending up as lunch or requiring outside assistance. . . good fun to share in a lap or with a group."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Jackie Mims Hopkins was born in Texas, where she still lives. She holds degrees from the University of Arkansas and Texas A & M University. She is a storyteller, a former teacher, a retired school librarian, and the author of several children's books.

Henry Cole has published almost 150 books for children, including those he has both written and illustrated, including Homer on the Case and The Somewhat True Adventures of Sammy Shine, and those he has illustrated, including bestsellers such as And Tango Makes Three and books by Julie Andrews Edwards and Harvey Fierstein. A former fourth grade science teacher who grew up on a farm, he is a popular presenter who dazzles audiences of all ages.