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Synopsis
Grand Prize, Ex aequo - 2000 Luxcanada, illustration, children's book
Most chickens have enough sense to run when a coyote comes near. Not Emma. She thinks she can outfox a hungry canine despite the warnings of the farmer and his family.
One day the suspense reaches a peak when the hungry coyote comes a little too close. Will Emma's "uncanny good luck" hold out even if her common sense doesn't?
Margriet Ruurs has once again created a hen-house farce that will draw chuckles from fans of this plucky chicken. Barbara Spurll's trademark animal caricatures will delight as they bring this barnyard comedy to life.
Children's Literature
The feisty chicken, Emma, overhears the farmer say there is a coyote nearby. Emma goes on the offensive and gets the attention of the farmer's wife who rids the barnyard of the coyote for the moment. She says, "Coyotes are smarter than chickens." Emma disproves her theory, however, by outwitting the coyote several times before inadvertently getting it to go into the trap set by the farmer. Humor and tension are balanced in both the text and illustrations in this battle of wits. Emma has a wide range of expressions, and the coyote is marvelously mean looking. Even the minor barnyard characters are full of personality. The deep, rich tones of the illustrations will appeal to the young listeners.