The Bowlegged Rooster: And Other Tales That Signify

By tales that signify, Thomas means stories where animals take the place of humans, acting just as silly, proud, happy, and just plain human. These five rooster tales are about major life events-birth, "The Bowlegged Rooster," death, "Grandpa Goose's Funeral," self-acceptance, "The Bald-Headed Buzzard," marriage, "Crow Jumps the Broom," and a major holiday, "Christmas in the Barnyard." Each of the events is treated in a light hearted manner, emphasizing the fussing, bragging, and strutting that people so often do. Children will love the way baby rooster simplifies things for the grownups sometimes, and follows in his daddy's footsteps. Thomas' text is sing-songy, repetitive, but somehow poetic and certainly humorous. Good, funny book for second and third grade readers. Should also make a good read-aloud.

I really liked the bald-headed buzzard and the bowlegged rooster. They were my favorite characters. They made me laugh out loud.