Rosa Farm

January 1, 2007
Gr 2-4-In this clever barnyard tale, Gallileon, a rooster with a large dose of teenage angst, must fill in for his father during his absence. The pressure of welcoming the new day is intense, but he succeeds after a few false starts. Returning to the coop, he finds his sister Pepina in trouble with their mother for being a bad influence on the smaller chicks. Forced by the hen to spend the day together, Gallileon and Pepina run into three menacing ducks and the meanest goose on the farm, Prattle. When he plays a practical joke that results in the kidnapping of Pepina, Gallileon must find the courage to defeat the bullies once and for all. The author has developed a cast of engaging and endearing characters. Gallileon and Pepina are particularly entertaining with their true-to-life, often-complicated, brother/sister relationship. The plot is quick paced and will keep the interest of readers new to chapter books. Occasional line drawings depict the animals' emotions. This engaging romp deserves a place in any library, urban or rural."Melissa Christy Buron, Epps Island Elementary, Houston, TX"

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